Operator runbook

This runbook lists the recurring VaultPilot checks after go-live, plus the incident and change-window routines.

Operating principles

  • Treat the VaultPilot server as a local security system, not as a cloud dependency.
  • Verify health from the console first, then collect redacted server evidence only when needed.
  • Keep backups, databases and certificate private keys in access-restricted storage; never attach them to support email.
  • Download only from the official release; trust update assets through the signed manifest.

Daily checks

CheckWhereHealthy signal
Service reachabilityBrowser and Windows service stateConsole loads and VaultPilot Server is running.
Security postureOverviewKnown actions are either closed or owned.
Audit chainAudit viewLatest events show expected chain state.
LicenseLicense pageActive state, capacity and expiry are expected.
Extension devicesExtension pagePaired devices are known; no unexpected pending device.
Update jobsUpdate CenterNo blocked or stale update job.
Scheduled workTasks > ScheduledNo unexplained Blocked, long-waiting Due, or persistent Retrying item.
Directory agentIntegrations > Active DirectoryHealth is CONNECTED; service and worker report the expected version and ready.

Weekly checks

CheckExpected action
Full backupKeep the Backup Tool ZIP outside the server disk, offline and access-restricted; assume the ZIP is not password protected.
Quick recoveryConfirm the .vpr.json file and its key are stored separately and documented as not being a full backup.
Restore drillValidate restore in staging or a disposable profile when policy requires it.
User reviewConfirm disabled users, role assignments and 2FA state.
AD sync reviewConfirm provider health, last sync, sign-in and vault scope, and reconciliation results for selected existing records.
Rotation reviewConfirm next run and logs for daily, weekly, monthly, and custom policies.
Extension reviewRevoke stale devices and confirm the Chrome Web Store version.
Release reviewCompare installed version to the latest official release.

Monthly checks

AreaEvidence
Certificate lifecycleCertificate expiry date, SAN coverage and browser validation.
Server System settingsPublic host, port, HTTPS state, notification test, log retention and audit retention.
License lifecycleExpiry date, user cap and read-only risk.
Update trustManifest signature and asset hash for the current release; the signer only when a release names one (3.0.3 is unsigned).
Incident readinessSupport evidence pack still matches the current environment.
Recovery readinessBackup location and restore procedure are still accessible.

Incident routine

  1. Identify the affected surface: login, vault records, sharing, extension, AD sync, update, backup, license, certificate or installer.
  2. Open the matching knowledge base article.
  3. Collect only the listed safe evidence.
  4. Redact hosts, users, internal URLs and timestamps when needed.
  5. Do not attach databases, backups, PFX/P12 files, private keys or screenshots with real vault records.
  6. Escalate privately to support@vaultpilot.io, attaching the support evidence pack.

Active Directory action triage

  1. Do not use sync success as proof that sensitive actions are ready. In Status, verify service and PowerShell worker separately, including version.
  2. If the agent token must be rotated, plan for immediate invalidation of the old value. The command must contain only -PromptAgentToken; paste the token into the local secure PowerShell prompt.
  3. Distinguish Require password change from Assign random password now. The first forces a password change at next sign-in; the second changes AD immediately and reports the vault update separately.
  4. Do not repeat an unclear result blindly. Compare the task, agent, and vault-update results first.
  5. Stop for built-in accounts and the agent’s bind account. For other privileged targets, confirm the second manual prompt or the standing automated-rotation approval.

Choose the correct recovery path

  • Use Quick Recovery .vpr.json to rebuild a profile only; files, history, license, server settings, and logs are excluded.
  • Use the Backup Tool ZIP for full-server recovery. Verify source and integrity, and plan for every session to close after successful import.
  • Never treat an audit, Discovery, or Executions maintenance backup as a full backup. It restores only its category and can replace newer records in that category.

Change windows

Use a planned change window for:

  • MSI upgrades.
  • Public host or certificate changes.
  • Server System host, notification, retention or maintenance changes.
  • License replacement.
  • AD provider or DC Agent changes.
  • Browser extension rollout policy changes.
  • Backup import or restore tests.

Before the change, export a backup and record current version, service state and support contact. After the change, confirm login, license, audit, extension devices, update status and backups.

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