Microsoft 365, also known as Office 365, is a powerful suite of productivity tools that includes popular applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. While it is a reliable and robust platform, it is important for users to understand the importance of taking regular offsite backups.

But wait? Doesn’t Microsoft take care of Microsoft 365 backup? You might be thinking.

It’s important to understand that while Microsoft 365, as a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform, takes care of application uptime and infrastructure, the ultimate responsibility of protecting their business data falls on the customer.

This is in accordance with Microsoft’s Shared Responsibility Model. It’s worth noting that while Microsoft 365 includes some built-in features that may seem like backups, they do not meet the standard definition of a backup, which requires a separate copy of data to be stored in a different location for easy recovery. At Knowall, we have recognised the need for a proper offsite backup strategy to ensure the safety and security of business data.

Microsoft Office 365 Shared Responsibility Model (In a Nutshell)

Microsoft clarifies that its responsibility only extends to its applications/servers and you are responsible for the data within the cloud. You still primarily hold responsibility for customer data, endpoints, account, and access management.

“For all cloud deployment types, you own your data and identities. You are responsible for protecting the security of your data and identities, on-premises resources, and the cloud components you control (which varies by service type).”  – Source: microsoft.com

Here are a few reasons why:

1. Data loss can happen at any time: No matter how careful you are, data loss can happen due to a variety of reasons such as hardware failure, software bugs, or human error. Taking regular offsite backups ensures that your important data is safe and can be easily restored in case of an emergency.
2. Protection against cyber threats: With the increasing frequency of cyberattacks, it is essential to have a backup plan in place. Offsite backups provide an additional layer of security for your data as they are stored in a separate location, making it difficult for hackers to access or corrupt your information.
3. Compliance and regulatory requirements: Many industries have strict regulations and compliance requirements that mandate regular backups of important data. Offsite backups can help organisations meet these requirements and avoid costly fines.
4. Cost-effective: Offsite backups are a cost-effective way to protect your data as they eliminate the need for expensive hardware and maintenance costs associated with on-premise solutions.

In conclusion, taking regular offsite backups is a crucial step in protecting your data and ensuring business continuity. Microsoft 365 clients should consider implementing a robust backup strategy to ensure the safety and security of their important information.

If you would like to discuss getting 365 backups in place please contact us – We provide a 3rd party Offsite Backup service for Office 365 as an additional layer of security to give you peace of mind that your data is fully protected!  Click to download our brochure

Have a question? Speak to me, Sylvester

Get in touch and we can discuss how we can help support your business.

Book a call

Click to dial me