Why Small Businesses Should Backup Their Microsoft 365 Data
We all assume our Microsoft 365 data is safe in the cloud. After all, it’s Microsoft! They’ve got data centers all over the world, security teams with more acronyms than the military, and everything feels automatic and reliable.
But here’s the thing—just because it’s in the cloud doesn’t mean it’s backed up the way you think it is.
At AJD Tech, we work with small businesses across Northwest Indiana and the Chicago area—from law firms and construction companies to medical offices and we’ve seen it firsthand: data can disappear faster than you can say “Where did that file go?”
Let’s talk about why backing up your Microsoft 365 data isn’t just a “nice-to-have”— it’s a business essential.
“Doesn’t Microsoft already back everything up?”
This is the biggest misconception we hear.
Microsoft does a great job keeping their systems up and running. They protect against hardware failure, natural disasters, and other big-ticket disasters. But their primary job is to keep the platform available—not to recover your lost data.
Microsoft 365 has some built-in safeguards—recycle bins, version history, and retention policies—but these are limited and temporary. Once something’s gone for good, it’s gone.
Their own documentation recommends using third-party backup if you need to recover data from:
- Long after it’s been deleted
- A ransomware attack
- A disgruntled (or just careless) employee
- Accidental overwrites or sync errors
So yes, Microsoft keeps the lights on. But it’s your responsibility to keep your data safe.
3 Real Reasons to Back Up Microsoft 365
1. Accidental Deletion Happens
Let’s be honest—we’ve all deleted the wrong email or folder. Sometimes it’s a click-happy moment, sometimes it’s Monday morning fog. Without a true backup, restoring that data might be impossible if you don’t notice right away.
2. Internal Threats Are Real
Not every data loss event is dramatic. An employee leaving on bad terms might delete files before walking out the door. Or someone may simply move something important to their personal OneDrive, thinking they’re being helpful.
3. Ransomware Can Hit the Cloud Too
Ransomware doesn’t just lock up your computers. It can encrypt files in your OneDrive and SharePoint too.
Imagine This…
A small law firm client accidentally deletes a folder of client contracts. No big deal—except no one realizes it until three months later. Recycle Bin? Empty. SharePoint version history? Long gone.
Luckily, they work with AJD Tech and we had Microsoft 365 backup in place. We restored the folder from a backup taken the day before it disappeared. Crisis averted. Billable hours saved. Partner’s blood pressure returned to normal.
Simple, Reliable, Affordable
At AJD Tech, we offer reliable backup solutions designed specifically for Microsoft 365. That includes:
- Exchange Online (email, calendar, contacts)
- OneDrive
- SharePoint
- Teams conversations and files
Our backups run automatically every day. They’re stored securely onsite and/or offsite can be restored quickly if needed.
Best of all? Data storage prices have become quite affordable allowing us to offer this service at a very low price.
Let’s Make Sure You’re Covered
If you’re not sure whether your Microsoft 365 data is truly backed up, let’s talk. We’ll explain your options in plain English, with no pressure and no techy jargon.
Just shoot us a message or give us a call. We’re responsive, we’re friendly, and we know how to keep your business running without drama.
Reach out to AJD Tech today—before you need that backup.