If you own or manage a business, you already understand how important backups are to your success and survival. Backups protect your data, and we all know that data is critical to everything we do. Businesses – big and small are opting to store their data in the cloud. Storing data in the cloud offers greater redundancy, convenience, and often lower costs – so long as you have an internet connection.
The cloud has many benefits, but it also carries some significant risks – namely the security of your data. People tend to think cloud storage=cloud backup – but the truth is, they aren’t the same. Cloud storage simply means your data is stored in the cloud. Cloud backup, on the other hand, means that you can recover and restore files from any point in time.
Now what exactly does this mean for your business?
If you use programs like Office 365 and G-suite, your data is stored in the cloud NOT backed up. Most cloud storage applications include only limited retention periods, and are intended to protect the provider, NOT you. With Office 365, you get a maximum of 30 days of email backup and 93 days of SharePoint backup. So, if you accidentally delete a critical email, but you don’t realize for more than 30 days then those emails are gone. The same goes for SharePoint. If a file is deleted or a template is gone missing, and you don’t realize for 3 months those files are no more. SharePoint is even more limiting. As an example, let’s say you accidentally delete a file and realize two days later. While you are within the retention period, you would be forced to restore the ENTIRE SharePoint site – causing you to lose the last two days of progress.
Your data is everything. So, if it were accidentally or intentionally deleted by an employee, or held for Ransom by a hacker, you could lose all your valuable data. And if you can’t recover it, you might even be forced to close your doors for good. With cloud backup there is always a redundant version of your data that you can recover.
I cannot over-stress the importance of having a backup solution for your cloud-based applications. It can protect your data, save your business from cyber crime and disasters, and stop you from spending thousands of dollars on data recovery. There are several tools that you can incorporate in your business to backup your cloud-based applications, but you’ll want to speak with your IT provider to find the one that’s best for your business. With a proper backup in place, your business can expect more uptime, increased productivity, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your data is secure.
If you’re concerned about Office 365 or backing up your cloud-based data watch this video NOW. And if you would like to discuss tools that you can implement to protect your data, call us at (416) 966 -3306 or email [email protected] and we would be happy to assist.
