A backup file from MikroTik router is stored in plain text format?

The correct answer is that a backup file from a MikroTik router is not stored in plain text format. MikroTik router backup files are typically stored in a binary format, which means that the data contained in these files is not easily readable or editable by humans when accessed in standard text editors. This binary format is designed to preserve the integrity of the configurations and ensure that all necessary data, including user settings, firewall rules, routing information, and other system configurations, is captured accurately. The design choice of using a binary format rather than plain text enhances security and allows for a more robust method of backing up and restoring the entire router's settings without exposing the data to unintended modifications or readability issues.

Understanding the nature of MikroTik backup files is crucial for network administrators, as it informs them about the best practices for backup management and restoration processes. Recognizing that backups are not in plain text also highlights the importance of secure storage practices for these files, since they cannot be easily inspected or altered without specific tools or software that understand the binary format.