The cloud does not protect your data
The cloud has dramatically changed our work landscape. With tools like Microsoft Office 365, it is easier than ever to collaborate, share documents and access files from any device. But what many organizations overlook is that data protection in the cloud is not fully guaranteed. While Microsoft provides a solid infrastructure, their responsibility ends with managing that infrastructure. You remain responsible for what happens in the cloud and the security of your own data. In this article, we explain where Microsoft’s responsibilities end, what can go wrong, and how to make sure your data is truly secure.
Microsoft’s shared responsibility
Microsoft offers many benefits to their customers, such as geographically redundant storage, encryption and protection against hardware failures. They ensure that your data is always available, even in the event of a failure in one of their data centers. They also offer limited recovery options via recycle garbage cans and version history, which can restore accidentally deleted files for up to 30 days. But that’s where it stops.Mic rosoft focuses on keeping their infrastructure running. Managing, securing and restoring your data remains your responsibility. According to Microsoft’s Shared Responsibility Model, it’s clear: Microsoft provides the cloud, but you are responsible for what you put in it. This means you have to take measures yourself to make sure your data stays secure, even in the event of unexpected incidents.
What could go wrong without an in-house backup strategy?
While the cloud offers tremendous benefits, there are also pitfalls that are often underestimated. Without an in-house backup strategy, you may face the following risks:
- Accidental deletion of data If a file or e-mail is accidentally deleted, it disappears not only locally, but also in the cloud. The recycle garbage can and version history offer only a temporary solution. After a certain period of time (often 30 days), the data is gone permanently.
- Malicious attacks and threats Cyber threats such as ransomware remain a major risk. If an employee uploads infected files or opens a phishing link, all of your data could be at risk. Office 365’s built-in security features are not always enough to fully protect you.
- Problems with synchronization Consider OneDrive. If a file is deleted or infected locally, that change is immediately synced to the cloud. So what you lose locally, you also lose in the cloud.
- Departing Employees When an employee leaves, their data is often only kept for 90 days. If you need access after that, it’s simply too late.
- Malicious insiders Disgruntled or former employees can intentionally delete files or damage critical data. Without a backup, this data is lost forever.
Why is an in-house backup strategy essential?
Many organizations underestimate the risks of data loss in the cloud. Research shows that 37% of companies have already experienced data loss in Office 365, often due to human error, malware or misconfigurations. In addition, more than 76% of organizations do not have a full backup of their cloud environment, leaving them unnecessarily vulnerable. An in-house backup strategy provides a safety net. It allows you to:
- Recover data after user errors, malicious attacks or internal incidents.
- Protect you from long-term data loss due to limited retention periods.
- Ensure continuity even in the event of severe disruptions in your cloud environment.
Proper configuration is crucial
In addition to a backup strategy, a secure and properly configured Microsoft 365 environment is indispensable. Many security problems arise from incorrect settings, such as too broad user permissions or lack of Multifactor Authentication (MFA). Proper configuration can better control data access and detect suspicious activity more quickly. While good configuration provides a strong foundation, it does not provide a complete guarantee against data loss. Therefore, a combination of good configuration and a reliable backup strategy is essential to fully protect your data.
Conclusion: Your data, your responsibility
Moving to the cloud brings undeniable benefits, but the idea that your data is completely secure once it’s in Office 365 is a myth. Microsoft provides a solid infrastructure, but protecting your data depends on your configurations, strategies and willingness to invest in additional security. A secure cloud environment starts with proper configuration and ends with a robust backup strategy. Want to know how well configured your environment is and where potential risks lie?
Cyberplan can help you with a thorough audit and reporting of your Office 365 environment. We also provide customized advice on advanced security for Microsoft 365. Contact us today and find out how we can help you protect your data from tomorrow’s risks.
