Add-on backup for Microsoft 365: right and important!

Whether it's simple correspondence to schedule appointments or hold online meetings, the Microsoft 365 package has become THE hub for daily work in companies and their data storage. But what about the data security and backup functions of Microsoft 365?

Good to know:

Your data is stored securely and redundantly in German or EU data centres with a professional implementation of Microsoft 365. Security against attacks is extremely good through central management and is supplemented by built-in tools or add-ons.

But

By default, Microsoft 365 does not include a solution for „classic“ data backups, as you might be used to with regular local or offsite backups.

“What does this mean for day-to-day work in your company with Microsoft 365?

In the event of a hacker attack (ransomware / account encryption) or accidental deletion, there is no possibility of data recovery. However, this does not mean that Microsoft 365 is an insecure tool for businesses, of course.

But how secure is Microsoft 365 really?

To begin, one must capture the whole picture and clarify that Microsoft 365 is not entirely insecure. It naturally possesses a wealth of data protection and security features. However, in today's digitised world of work, where hacker attacks are increasing and becoming more sophisticated, the standard data protection and security features of Microsoft 365 are not sufficient to be adequately protected.

Because as strange as it sounds, the only backup for MS365 is the recycle bin. Files, emails, messages, etc. can be moved there and then restored. However, if the data is no longer there, it cannot be retrieved. But a recycle bin is in no way an alternative to an appropriate data backup solution. Only with a proper backup is it ensured that exactly the data required for a restore is backed up. In addition, the time when and at what intervals backups are made can be determined.

What can happen if I don't have a backup for my Microsoft 365 applications?

As previously mentioned, cyber-attacks involving ransomware or other malware are increasingly prevalent these days, and the methods employed by hackers are also becoming more professional – posing a significant threat to all businesses. An add-on backup can provide a solution here, preventing data loss.

This involves storing the customer's production data on a third-party provider's servers. Naturally, this is encrypted and GDPR-compliant. This results in independence from Microsoft accounts. All MS 365 application data can be restored, even if, for example, the entire tenant were destroyed by an attack.

What do we need to consider as a company regarding MS365?

A requirement for companies is imposed by the GDPR, according to which data must be stored and archived for a certain period, for example. Companies must ensure that a copy of the data is saved and secured in one location – irrespective of the local structure. This includes all relevant files, documents and data – and this naturally also affects work processes that run via the Microsoft 365 package. Therefore, companies have no other choice but to ensure adequate data backup.

The requirements for how a backup structure for Microsoft 365 should specifically look vary from company to company. Different departments sometimes even require different levels of protection. Good planning and an optimal backup strategy are therefore essential.

Furthermore, data from Microsoft 365 applications can be backed up in various ways. There are backups where data is downloaded and secured locally, and backups where it is not downloaded but secured in the cloud on another provider's platform.

A well-planned and professional backup strategy for Microsoft 365 safeguards your work and eases your burden. Furthermore, you'll have less work to do dealing with issues you're not a specialist in. This gives you more capacity, allowing you to concentrate on your core business and strengths. And above all: you can be more at ease, knowing your company's data is reliably secured!