Why Do You Need a Microsoft 365 Backup?

One of the major reasons your business or organization likely moved its data, documents, conversations, etc. to Microsoft 365 was the adaptable and secure infrastructure that Microsoft can offer. After the move to Microsoft 365, you probably believed that by using cloud services, your data, documents, conversations, etc. would always be protected and that you would not have to implement any form of backups.

Unfortunately, this is not the case if you are using Microsoft 365. While it is true that your data will remain safe while it is stored in Microsoft 365, this does not mean that your data is being backed up. Microsoft 365’s end-user agreement states they do not take responsibility for backing up your data, and that you will need to back up your own data.

According to the Microsoft Services Agreement:

6. Service Availability

b. We strive to keep the Services up and running; however, all online services suffer occasional disruptions and outages, and Microsoft is not liable for any disruption or loss you may suffer as a result. In the event of an outage, you may not be able to retrieve Your Content or Data that you’ve stored. We recommend that you regularly backup Your Content and Data that you store on the Services or store using Third-Party Apps and Services.

Why should you back up Microsoft 365?

If you delete an email or a file, it will first go into the recycle bin. What happens once you empty the recycle bin? After emptying the recycle bin, Microsoft will provide an Admin Center Recycle Bin. Any purged data will be deleted, and you will not be able to retrieve the data. For example, if you deleted an email a previous year, but you are facing legal action, or you need the email for compliance-related reasons, you will not have the email because it has been deleted forever.

When you back up Microsoft 365, you are taking a step to safeguard your data. Many businesses and organizations do not know that Microsoft does not take responsibility for the safeguarding of your data. Unfortunately, many businesses and organizations have found out the hard way that this is the case. Can you imagine losing access to all the data and information you have stored in Microsoft 365?

Avoiding Internal and External Threats

As mentioned previously, Microsoft does take data and privacy seriously, and they do have standards in place to protect your data. However, Microsoft also wants to protect its services and its assets, and this is one of its priorities. This means the protection of your services and assets should be one of your priorities. If one user in the workplace opens an email and clicks on a phishing link, this could lead to a ransomware attack that can have damaging consequences. After a ransomware attack, you will need to have a point-in-time recovery of data. Unfortunately, this is something not offered by Microsoft.

As we all know, human errors do exist, and they happen all the time. Users can accidentally delete confidential and important files, and there are cases of users deleting files and data intentionally. Some users want to hide what they have been doing and others want to delete files and data as a way of ”getting even” after they have been fired. Unfortunately, users who unintentionally delete files and data are not always aware that the files are gone, until someone actually needs the files. By this time, everyone realizes a mistake has been made and the data has been deleted forever.

How can I back up Microsoft 365?

Although Microsoft does not provide its own backups, this does not mean they make it difficult for you to do so. There is a variety of solutions available that make it easy for you to back up Microsoft 365. However, it is important that you gain a clear understanding of each solution and how it can help you. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to backups, and the backup solution that works for one business may not be the best solution for your business. There are available solutions that offer automatic backups, making it easy for you to recover your data.

Will performing my own backups increase the difficulty of Microsoft 365?

When you perform your own backups, this will not result in any complexities, nor will it interfere with your ability to run Microsoft 365. Your backups will serve as a safety fence, and this means you will be able to perform your duties with the confidence and peace of mind that your data and applications can be restored if they are ever accidentally deleted.

When should I back up my data and applications?

It is always advisable to perform regular backups of your data and applications. However, you can make the decision to perform backups that will allow you to comply with any regulations and requirements that apply to your business or organization. Depending on the solution you are using to backup your data and applications, the backups may be automatic. When you have automatic backups, this will free up more time to perform other business-related tasks, and it will relieve some pressure of ensuring the backups are handled properly.

Do you ever have concerns about losing valuable data and applications? You are not alone. One of the reasons many businesses and organizations choose to implement backup solutions is because they worry they will lose data and applications and never be able to recover them. With the right backup solution, you will have a tool on your side that will provide you with the flexibility and security you need as you run your day-to-day operations.

ECW Network & IT Solutions has the tools and resources you need to protect your Microsoft 365 data. Our team of experts can help set up, maintain and support their Microsoft 365 backup needs. For additional information on the importance of Microsoft 365 and how we can ensure your business continues to run safely, please do not hesitate to contact us today.