When using Microsoft 365 for business, it's easy to assume that your data is completely safe. However, that's not always the case. The truth is that Microsoft has a Shared Responsibility Model. This model means that Microsoft is responsible for the security of its applications and physical infrastructure, such as data centers and servers, but you are responsible for the security of your own data.

Common Threats and Why Microsoft's Tools Aren't Enough

Many people think that Microsoft's built-in tools like the Recycle Bin or Retention Policies are enough to protect their data, but they aren't.

The Recycle Bin only keeps deleted files for a limited time (93 days). After that, they're gone forever.

Retention Policies are designed for legal compliance, not for protecting against data loss. They actually automatically delete old files after a certain time, which can be a risk.

Most importantly, neither of these tools can protect you from ransomware. This is a type of cyberattack where hackers lock up your files and demand payment. When this happens, the encrypted, locked files sync across your devices, overwriting the good, clean versions of your data.

A solid backup solution is your best defense against these threats, which often come from:

Human error: Someone accidentally deletes an important file or folder.

Ransomware and other attacks: Hackers targeting your data.

Malicious insiders: A former or current employee intentionally deleting or stealing data.

Gaps in company policy: Files being automatically deleted when an employee leaves.

Losing critical data can be devastating for a business. In fact, many small businesses that suffer a major data loss end up closing within six months. The cost can be huge, not just in money but also in lost productivity, customer trust, and reputation.

What Makes a Good Backup Solution?

When looking for a backup solution, you need to find one that offers more than just basic protection. Here's what to look for:

Air-Gapped Protection: This means your backup data is completely separate from your main network. If a hacker gets into your system, they can't access your backups.

Granular Recovery: This allows you to restore exactly what you need, whether it's a single email, a specific file from a certain date, or an entire mailbox.

Ransomware Immunity: The solution should keep a clean, unencrypted copy of your data so you can fully recover after an attack.

Flexible Retention: You should be able to customize how long you keep your data to meet your business and legal needs.

The Power of Bactopus

Bactopus solution completely removes the risk of losing control over your Microsoft 365 data. It ensures everything from your Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Microsoft Teams, and OneDrive for Business is always available and fully protected. Bactopus stores and safeguards your data on the secure Microsoft Azure cloud platform, giving you the power to easily access and recover exactly what you need, whenever you need it. This means your business-critical information is not only safe but also "Hyper-Available," so you can get back to work immediately after an incident.

Don't Let Your Business Become a Warning Story: The Real Risks of Not Backing up Microsoft 365

It’s a dangerous mistake to believe that Microsoft 365 protects all your data. Although they secure their platform, you are entirely responsible for your data, including emails, files, and chats. Real-life disasters, from a massive company like KPMG losing years of chat history to a city government wiping out crucial records, prove that human error, malicious attacks, and even simple sync errors can lead to permanent data loss. Don't leave your business vulnerable to the same fate as those who learned this lesson the hard way. Click here to read more about why a dedicated backup solution is your only true defense.

Protecting your Microsoft 365 data is essential for your business's survival—not just a good idea. Relying only on Microsoft's built-in tools leaves you vulnerable to serious threats, such as ransomware, human error, and malicious attacks. The only way to ensure your data is truly safe and that your business can quickly recover from any disaster is with a dedicated backup solution.

Ctelecoms can help Saudi businesses obtain the best SaaS backup and recovery solutions. With Bactopus, our solution, you're not just backing up your data—you're securing your future.