How important can Microsoft 365 Back-up be to your organisation

m365 backup

Misconception about Microsoft365

A common misconception exists regarding data responsibility in Microsoft 365. Users often assume Microsoft’s built-in features, like geo-redundancy for uptime, are the same as backups for long-term data recovery. However, geo-redundancy safeguards against infrastructure failure, not data loss. True backups create historical copies stored separately, allowing you to directly access and restore lost or compromised data, even after accidental deletion or cyberattacks. This distinction highlights the need for users to reassess their control and access over their Microsoft 365 data, potentially requiring a separate backup solution for comprehensive protection.

Why does your organisation need to protect Microsoft 365 data?

While Microsoft 365 boasts exceptional application availability, a dedicated backup solution is crucial for comprehensive data protection. Microsoft 365 provides application Availability and uptime to ensure your users never skip a beat, but a Microsoft 365 backup can protect you against many other security threats. Unlike the recycle bin, which has limited capacity and doesn’t account for longer-term threats, a backup can safeguard your information even after significant delays in discovering a security breach. IT professionals consistently encounter seven major data protection vulnerabilities when migrating to Microsoft 365, highlighting the need for a more robust strategy.

7 reasons why backing up Microsoft 365 is critical

#1 Accidental deletion

Microsoft 365's recycle bins don't fully protect data. Deleting a user wipes their OneDrive and mailbox permanently due to geo-redundant deletion. While ``soft-deleted`` items linger for a while, true deletion is unrecoverable. Backups are crucial alongside Microsoft 365's features.

#2 Retention policy gaps and confusion

Microsoft 365's built-in backup features are not designed for comprehensive data protection. They can't handle situations like evolving retention policies, accidental deletion, or major data loss events. A separate Microsoft 365 backup solution offers more flexibility and control. It lets you recover data from any point in time, regardless of retention policies, and gives you a wider range of restore options.

#3 Internal security threats

The biggest security threats to businesses don't always come from outside hackers. Employees, both careless and malicious, can pose a significant risk. Their access to company data can be misused for intentional deletion or theft, or even accidental leaks. This is especially concerning because companies can't easily differentiate between legitimate users and departing employees with malicious intent.

#4 External security threats

Malware and viruses, like ransomware, have done serious damage to organizations across the globe. Not only is company reputation at risk, but the privacy and security of internal and customer data as well. External threats can sneak in through emails and attachments, and it isn’t always enough to educate users on what to look out for — especially when the infected messages seem so compelling. Exchange Online’s limited backup/recovery functions are inadequate to handle serious attacks. Regular backups will help ensure a separate copy of your data is uninfected and that you can recover quickly

#5 Legal and compliance requirements

Unexpected legal situations can necessitate the retrieval of emails, files, and other data. While most businesses don't anticipate this, Microsoft offers some safeguards like litigation hold and retention. However, these are not foolproof backups. For instance, accidentally deleted data before a legal hold is implemented remains unrecoverable. A robust backup solution, on the other hand, allows retrieval of even mistakenly deleted information, ensuring compliance with legal obligations. Remember, legal and compliance requirements differ, but hefty fines, penalties, and lawsuits are consequences no company wants to face.

#6 Managing hybrid email deployments and migrations to Microsoft 365

While migrating to Microsoft 365, many organizations utilize a hybrid deployment with both on-premises Exchange and Exchange Online coexisting for a transition period. This approach, though common, adds complexity to data management. To address this, the ideal Microsoft 365 backup solution should seamlessly handle hybrid deployments, treating all Exchange data equally regardless of its location (on-premises or online).

#7 Teams data structure

Microsoft Teams is gaining rapid adoption and growth with the increase in remote working. It’s now the centre of our productivity universe. Microsoft structures Teams as a user interface that brings together Microsoft 365 services, such as SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business. This approach provides agile, real-time communication and collaboration for Teams.

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