GitLab is one of the most widely used version control systems today and knowing how to properly backup repositories and metadata is essential for any user. In this article, we discuss the key steps to create a secure GitLab backup, including strategies for ensuring data is compressed, encrypted, and stored on reliable storage, as well as how to safely manage remote access to your backups.
We also cover more advanced topics such as continuous integration, disaster recovery planning, and automated monitoring. With the outlined best practices in hand, you’ll be better equipped to make sure critical data is always kept safe and secure.
Backing up and restoring GitLab
Backing up and restoring GitLab is an important part of ensuring that your data is secure and protected. Backing up the entire GitLab server can be done in several ways including using GitLab’s Rake tasks, a backup script, or a command line tool. But this approach has limitations that even GitLab outlines. If you keep a big amount of data in your GitLab, third-party backup is a must.
What are other limitations? In order to restore a backup, the exact same version and type of GitLab must be installed.
Finally, users should be aware that the restore process runs as the unprivileged user git, so access permission errors may occur. To address these issues, users should make sure that the backup archive permissions are set correctly and that the ownership of the registry files is assigned correctly.
Requirements
To back up and restore GitLab, there are certain requirements that must be met. The backups are stored at the default file system location – /var/opt/gitlab/backups. This is where all the backups are saved by default. It is highly advised to read about storing configuration files, secrets files, and TLS keys & certificates. The backup directory must have sufficient disk space for the backup archive and the backup task must be enabled. Additionally, the version and type (CE or EE) of the GitLab instance must be the same when restoring a backup.
When configuring the retention policy for object storage, it is important to consider how long backups should be kept and how often they should be deleted. Additionally, users should also take into account the fact that backups can take up a lot of storage space and should be managed accordingly. For installations from source, the archive_permissions setting in the gitlab.The yml file should be changed in order to change the permissions of the backup archives.
Finally, users should be aware that the restore process runs as the unprivileged user git, so access permission errors may occur. To address these issues, users should make sure that the backup archive permissions are set correctly and that the ownership of the registry files is assigned correctly.
These requirements must be met in order to ensure a successful backup and restore of the GitLab system.
Backup timestamp
A backup timestamp is a temporal information regarding an event that is recorded by the computer and then stored as a log or metadata. The backup timestamp is important for tracking the age of the backup and for determining whether the backup files can be used for restoring the system. It is recommended to set a limited lifetime for backups, which can be done by setting the backup_keep_time configuration option.
It is crucial to pay attention to the issue caused by the restore process running as an unprivileged git user. Taking proper precautions can help avoid this issue. This means that some system level directories may be owned by root, which can lead to access permission errors during the restore process. To address these issues, users should make sure that the backup archive permissions are set correctly and that the ownership of the registry files is assigned correctly.
Additionally, for installations from source, users can directly modify the gitlab data and can query the pg_stat_statements data after changing the schema. This can be done by prefixing the view name with the new schema.
It is important to set a limited lifetime for backups, which can be done by setting the backup_keep_time configuration option. By setting this option, users can ensure that their backups are kept up to date and secure.
Creating a backup of the GitLab system
Creating a backup of the GitLab system is an important step in ensuring the security of your GitLab installation. It is important to note that the backup and restore process is different depending on the version of GitLab and the method of installation. For example, users of GitLab 12.1 and earlier must use the command gitlab-rake gitlab:backup:create to create a backup file, while users of later versions may need to use gitlab-ctl backup.
When creating a backup of the GitLab system, it is important to store configuration files correctly, in order to ensure the security of the backup. For installations from source, the configuration file is located in /home/git/gitlab/config/gitlab.yml, and for Omnibus GitLab packages, the configuration file is located in /etc/gitlab/gitlab.rb. It is important to remember that these configuration files contain sensitive information, such as the database encryption key, and should be stored in a secure location.
Backup options vary depending on the version of GitLab and the method of installation. For instance, GitLab 8.17 introduced a new backup strategy that can be configured in the repository settings and stored in the /var/opt/gitlab/backups directory. Other options include using a cloud storage provider or a local storage option, such as a tarball, to create a backup archive and store it in the /var/opt/gitlab/backups directory.
By following the steps outlined in this section, you can create a secure backup of your GitLab system. It is important to remember to store configuration files correctly, as well as to understand the available backup options and additional notes before beginning the backup process. With a secure backup of the GitLab system, you can rest assured that your data is safe and can be restored with ease in the event of an emergency.
Storing configuration files
Storing configuration files correctly is essential for creating a secure backup of your GitLab system. Configuration files contain sensitive information, such as the database encryption key, and should be stored in a secure location. For installations from source, the configuration file is located in /home/git/gitlab/config/gitlab.yml, and for Omnibus GitLab packages, the configuration file is located in /etc/gitlab/gitlab.rb.
When storing configuration files, it is important to follow best practices. Configuration files should be easy to read and edit, and should not contain sensitive information. They should also use a structured format, such as YAML or JSON, and should not be modified out-of-the-box. Finally, different parts of the code should not use different mechanisms to access the same configuration options.
It is also important to remember to back up the database, as it contains all of the application data. For installations from source, the database configuration is stored in /var/opt/gitlab/gitlab-rails/config/database.yml, and for Omnibus GitLab packages, the database configuration is stored in /etc/gitlab/gitlab.rb. Additionally, it is important to remember to back up the registry data, as well as the container registry images, in order to ensure that the backup is complete.
By following these best practices, you can ensure that your configuration files are secure and that your backups are reliable. It is also important to remember to back up the database and the registry data, as these are essential components of the application. By following these steps, you can create a secure backup of your GitLab system.
Backup options
GitLab provides various backup options for users to choose from, such as cloud storage providers, local storage options, and the new backup strategy introduced in 8.17. For example, users of GitLab 8.17 and later can enable backups in the repository settings and store the backup in the /var/opt/gitlab/backups directory. Additionally, users of earlier versions can use the command gitlab-rake gitlab:backup:create to create a backup file.
When creating a backup, it is important to remember to backup the database, as it contains all of the application data. Additionally, it is important to remember to back up the registry data, as well as the container registry images, in order to ensure that the backup is complete. It is also important to remember to include the SSH host keys in the backup, as they are necessary for restoring the backup.
Finally, it is important to remember any additional notes before beginning the backup process. For example, when using CIFS, the user should be the uid= of the git user, and when tar creation is skipped, the intermediate files should be stored in the directory used for intermediate files. Additionally, when taking an application backup by using an EBS snapshot, it is important to note that the snapshot should include all repositories, uploads and PostgreSQL data.
By understanding the available backup options and additional notes, you can create a secure GitLab backup and restore it with ease. It is also important to remember to store configuration files correctly and to back up the database and the registry data in order to ensure that the backup is complete. By following these steps, you can create a secure backup of your GitLab system.
Alternative backup strategies
In addition to the default GitLab backup script, there are alternative backup strategies that can be used to ensure that backups are performant at any scale and support incremental backups. One such strategy is to use LVM snapshots and rsync to create a backup of the /var/opt/gitlab directory. This will allow for a faster, more reliable, and more efficient backup process.
Another strategy is to back up the GitLab registry data separately from the rest of the GitLab system. This can provide improved performance and scalability, as well as improved recovery time for small data sets. Additionally, backing up the registry data separately can also provide robust security features such as data encryption at rest and in motion.
Finally, it is important to consider alternative backup strategies if the default GitLab backup script is too slow. By following these alternative backup strategies, you can ensure that your GitLab system is securely backed up and restored.
It is important to remember that the 3-2-1 backup rule should be followed, as well as having a backup strategy that is a part of the GitLab workflow. Additionally, it is important to enable backups and to consider alternative backup strategies such as backing up repository data separately if the default backup strategy is too slow.
Back up repository data separately
Backing up repository data separately can provide several benefits such as improved backup and restore performance, efficiency and reliability, scalability with capital savings, and improved recovery time for small data sets. If the default file system location for the registry is changed, it is important to run chown against the custom location instead of /var/opt/gitlab/gitlab-rails/shared/registry/docker. Additionally, backing up repository data separately can address file loss and provide robust security features such as data encryption at rest and in motion.
The recommended strategy for backing up repository data is to create a temporary LVM snapshot, mount it as a read-only filesystem at /mnt/gitlab_backup, and then replicate the /var/opt/gitlab directory using rsync. This will allow for a fast, reliable, and efficient backup process. However, if the existing GitLab data is to be deleted, the sudo gitlab backup:create command must be run with the –delete flag. Additionally, the sudo gitlab backup:restore command must be used to restore the database backup, and the sudo gitlab backup:restore:pg_restore command must be used to restore the postgreSQL database.
It is also important to consider alternative backup strategies such as using Google Cloud Storage as a backup destination. This requires an access key from the Google console, and the sudo gitlab backup:create command must be run with the –storage_provider flag. Additionally, Geo Disaster Recovery for planned failover can be used as an alternative option for migrating the GitLab instance with Geo enabled.
Finally, when restoring a backup, the processes connected to the database must be stopped, and mount points must be empty. Additionally, the sudo gitlab backup:restore command must be used to restore the backup, and the crontab for the root user must be edited for the import rake task. Finally, it is important to remember to remove the trash and to use the sudo gitlab backup:create command with the –delete flag if existing data is to be deleted.
By understanding the benefits of backing up repository data separately and alternative strategies for doing so, you can create a secure and reliable backup of your GitLab system.
Back up and restore for installations using PgBouncer
In this section, we will look at how to back up and restore GitLab installations that use PgBouncer. When performing a backup of your GitLab system, you need to take into account the implications of using PgBouncer when restoring the backup. To do this, you should set the GITLAB_ASSUME_YES environment variable to 1, as this will make sure that the backup task will not be interrupted. Additionally, you should also store the configuration files, the backups directory, and the database encryption key separately. This will ensure that all necessary information is backed up and ready for restoration.
When restoring a backup, you need to disable ‘auth_user’ in the configuration, as this will bypass PgBouncer’s authentication procedure. Additionally, you should also enable backups, as this will create a backup archive that can be used to restore the system in the event of any data loss or corruption. Furthermore, you should also use the rails dbconsole command to connect to the database, and use the sudo gitlab backup command to restore the backup to your GitLab instance. By following these steps, you can ensure that your GitLab system is securely backed up and restored.
Bypassing PgBouncer
When backing up and restoring a GitLab system, it is important to consider the implications of using PgBouncer. If you are using PgBouncer in transaction pooling mode, then PostgreSQL will fail to search the default public schema which can cause tables and columns to appear missing. To avoid this, you should disable ‘auth_user’ in the configuration, as this will bypass PgBouncer’s authentication procedure. Additionally, you should set the GITLAB_ASSUME_YES environment variable to 1 and store the configuration files, the backups directory, and the database encryption key separately.
When restoring a database backup, you should use the rake task run as the gitlab user and use the sudo gitlab backup command to restore the backup to your GitLab instance. During the restore process, you should also make sure to move any extensions that were previously enabled in the public schema to a new one. Additionally, you should also reset the runner registration tokens, as this will ensure that the runners are unable to pick up new jobs.
Finally, when restoring from a Docker image or GitLab Helm chart installation, you should make sure to back up the items specified in the documentation such as the configuration files, secrets file, Kubernetes cluster rules, TLS keys and certificates, data, and SSH host keys. Additionally, you should also backup the registry data, as this will help to ensure that your registry is working again after restoring from a backup. By following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure a successful backup and restore of your GitLab system.
Additional notes
In this section, we will discuss additional notes to consider when creating a secure GitLab backup. It is important to set up a backup strategy that meets your particular needs. Consider the frequency of your backups and the amount of data you need to store. It is also recommended to regularly check your backups, especially if there have been changes to the system. Additionally, it is important to encrypt sensitive information stored in the same location, such as the database encryption key used in installations from source.
Furthermore, be aware of the maximum number of characters, including the file extension, permitted in filenames. This limitation should be taken into account when setting up the backup directory and naming the backup files. It is also important to configure IAM users correctly in order to give the upload user access for uploading backups. Additionally, the restore prerequisites section should include all the information needed for successful restores.
Finally, make sure to use the gitlab:backup:create rake task to create backups, and to create an IAM profile for uploading backups to S3. It is also important to configure Omnibus GitLab to use SSE-S3 and to make sure that the backup rake task is run on the node running the main Rails application. Furthermore, you should test that the GitLab instance is working as expected, and to avoid the issue of not setting the right file system permissions on the Registry directory for GitLab 12.2 or newer, use gitlab-backup restore.
By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can create a secure GitLab backup and ensure that your data is safe and secure. Using an effective backup strategy, you can protect your organization’s data and critical repositories, while also keeping up with the changing needs of your system.
Troubleshooting
When creating a secure GitLab backup, it is important to be prepared for any issues that may arise. The first step in troubleshooting is to identify the issue, as this will determine the resolution. Common issues that may occur include losing the database encryption key, push failures when using container registry, and installations from source.
When the database encryption key is lost, it can be recovered by consulting the troubleshooting section of the article. For installations from source, the etc/gitlab/gitlab.rb file should be backed up, and for installations using PgBouncer, it is necessary to bypass it to back up the repository data. Additionally, in order to avoid 500 error messages, the web_hooks table should be truncated.
In order to ensure the reliability of the backup, it is important to follow a backup plan. This includes running multiple backups daily, weekly, and monthly, and storing the configuration files in the correct directory. Additionally, it is important to back up and restore to the same version and type of GitLab that the backup was created on. Finally, the backups should be tested regularly to ensure that they are working correctly.
By following the best practices for troubleshooting and understanding the various backup strategies, you can ensure that your GitLab backup is secure and reliable. Additionally, these best practices can help you avoid any potential issues in the future.
Summary
Creating a secure and reliable backup of your GitLab system is essential for data protection, which can be done through multiple methods depending on the type of installation. It is important to ensure that certain requirements such as the correct permissions to access archive files, the size of the backing up directory, and the ownership of registry files are met for successful backups and restores.
Various strategies need to be taken into consideration when creating a secure backup, such as backing up repository data separately, using LVM snapshots, applying rsync, and storing configuration files securely. It is also important to consider additional notes, such as backup frequency and amount of data saved, as well as encrypting sensitive information and setting the right file system permissions on the Registry directory.
Troubleshooting any issues regarding the backup process is essential for optimal reliability. By taking all the appropriate steps and guidelines into consideration, you will be able to create an effective and secure backup of your GitLab system that can be restored quickly and easily in an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to backup all repositories in GitLab?
Backing up all of your GitLab repositories is easy. Start by logging in to your GitLab server via Secure Shell (SSH). Then, run the command sudo gitlab-rake gitlab:backup:create to begin creating your backup.
To also include directories you don’t want in the backup, use another command – sudo gitlab-rake gitlab:backup:create SKIP = db, uploads. This will ensure that your entire GitLab repository is backed up properly.
Does GitLab have backups?
Yes, GitLab does have backups. It provides Rake tasks for creating and restoring full backups of your GitLab instance, which can include the database, repositories, and all attachments.
These backups are version-specific and must be restored to the same version of GitLab on which they were created.
Where does GitLab store backups?
GitLab stores backups in the “/var/opt/gitlab/backups” directory, located at the path defined in the config/gitlab.yml file.
The filename of the backup will have a timestamp of when it was created and the version of GitLab that is being used.
How do I backup my GitLab configuration?
To back up your GitLab configuration, use the command sudo gitlab-ctl backup-etc. This will immediately initiate the creation of a tar archive in the /etc/gitlab/config_backup/ directory that can only be readable to root.
This solution is offered with the introduction of GitLab 12.3 and is an effective way to securely store your configuration for future use.
How to backup all repositories in GitLab?
Backing up your GitLab repositories is an easy process. All you need to do is log in to your GitLab server with SSH and use the command sudo gitlab-rake gitlab:backup:create to initiate the backup.
Adding the command sudo gitlab-rake gitlab:backup:create SKIP = db, uploads will allow you to skip backing up certain directories. This will ensure that all of your GitLab repositories are securely backed up.
