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Why 3rd-party Backup is Critical for Full Microsoft 365 Data Loss Protection and Quick Disaster Recovery
Microsoft's native data protection tools offers some basic protection but it varies with your subscription plan. It also requires users to have extensive knowledge on versioning and recovery procedures along with the different default retention policies for each application.
This article aims to provide greater clarity on where Microsoft’s responsibilities regarding backup and restoration end — and where yours begin. With this knowledge, you can then confidently harass the full potential of your Microsoft 365 investment without ever worrying about data loss.
Shared Responsibility in the Cloud
“Why do I need to back up a cloud solution like Microsoft 365?
Isn't it taken care of?”
Microsoft operates on a shared responsibility model. This means that Microsoft is only responsible for maintaining the high availability and overall security of its cloud service, while the responsibility of the DATA residing in Microsoft 365 is YOURS. It is important to differentiate that when it comes to your data, terms of service of SaaS solution providers may not always protect you. You are ultimately responsible for the recovery of your data in the event of a data loss.
The unfortunate truth is that even cloud-based applications data is vulnerable to common data loss causes. With human error being the number 1 cause of Microsoft 365 data loss and number 2 being malware like ransomware.
Common causes of SaaS data loss
Accidental deletion (Human error)
Virus / Malware
Operational errors (Accidental data overwrite)
Misbehaving applications workflows
Deactivated accounts of departing employees
25% of SaaS applications were hit by ransomware,
of which 64% of attacks happened within Microsoft 365
*Datto Global State Of The Channel Ransomware Report 2020
Backup & Retention Policies are NOT a Substitute for a Complete Backup & Restoration Solution
It is important to differentiate between Microsoft 365 native features and a full-featured backup solution where you have full access and control over your data. Keeping up with and managing the evolving policies is time-consuming and inconvenient. Even when data is retrievable, the process is long and complicated, and retention policies vary for each application. Microsoft even recommends leveraging on 3rd party services for regular backup and added data loss protection.
Without Microsoft 365 Backup
Limited access and control of your own data
Retention policy gaps and data loss dangers
Security vulnerabilities
Regulatory exposure
Unlimited storage & retention
Automated backups
Granular search & quick restore
256-bit encryption
Backup monitoring