An administrator is validating disaster recovery mechanisms. Which of the following should the administrator do to ensure backup data is usable?

The correct choice emphasizes the importance of both backup verification and testing restorability, which are critical steps in ensuring that backup data is usable when needed. Backup verification involves checking that the data has been correctly copied and is intact, while testing restorability means performing an actual restore process to confirm that the data can be successfully retrieved from the backup.

Both of these actions help to ensure that in the event of a disaster, the administrator can have confidence that the backups will be functional and that critical data can be restored without issues. Regular testing of backups prevents unpleasant surprises and ensures that any problems can be addressed proactively before they become critical.

While labeling media and securing backups are important practices for organization and safety, they do not directly address the usability of the data. Similarly, keeping backups onsite can provide quick access but may pose a risk in case of local disasters, which does not enhance the actual usability of the backup itself in a recovery scenario.