Do I need to backup Microsoft 365?

As a software-as-a-service (SaaS) offering, it is not Microsoft’s responsibility to protect Microsoft 365 data. Microsoft manages the infrastructure, but the data remains solely the customer’s responsibility – despite what many businesses assume. What happens when someone accidentally deletes your data? Or when you lose data because of ransomware or a malicious attack? Businesses need to ensure they have access to and control over all their business-critical data, wherever it resides.  

You can back up manually by exporting your data to a file, which enables 24/7 accessibility and archiving. But you should make sure you know what you are doing because you might end up with lost or corrupted files. 

When Microsoft backs up your data, the archives are stored in two separate data centers near your location. Microsoft performs data backup every 12 hours, and the information is retained for up to two weeks. Data recovery, meanwhile, is limited to a specific period of time depending on your subscription. 

A managed services provider (MSP) will help you find and implement the best overall backup solution for your business needs. Microsoft integrates backup capability in Office 365, but relying on that protection is not good practice, especially if you are handling sensitive data. The data should be backed up by software that is not within Office 365. It is the responsibility of the organization to maintain duplicate and redundant data, which can be accessed, moved, and recovered anytime. Data can become vulnerable due to many reasons. Below are just a few reasons you should consider a backup solution. 

Ransomware 

• Ransomware CAN attack Microsoft 365 
• Ransomware usually leaves you with two choices – pay the ransom or restore a backup. 
• Paying a ransom is not a guarantee of having your data decrypted. 
• The attacker may ignore the payment or ask for more money.

   

Deletion 

• You can sometimes use the Recycle Bin to recover an accidentally deleted file but there is no guarantee. 
• On occasion, you might be able to use Outlook to get a file back but only if the file is still within the limited Microsoft retention period. 
• A file could be overwritten, as opposed to being deleted.

   

Compliance 

• Many organizations have legal or compliance mandates requiring data to be backed up.
• The native Microsoft 365 mechanisms might not meet your backup SLAs, storage requirements, or retention requirements. 

In summary, do I need to backup Microsoft 365?  Yes!  Contact us today to learn more about this service.

Where to go for more information or to get in contact with the CCP Team?  

Please visit our website (www.ccpteam.com) or check us out on social media if you’re interested in learning more.  As always, calling our office will result in hearing a friendly voice that is happy to discuss any questions you may have.  We’ll keep pushing in the direction of excellence and look forward to those continuing partnerships that drive IT Success for Business.