At a point in time where smartphones, VOIP, and social media are the norms, you may not consider that email remains a cornerstone for business communications. Small to medium enterprises (SMEs), in particular, rely heavily on cloud-based email systems like Microsoft Outlook for their day-to-day activities. However, there’s a common misconception among many that these systems automatically take care of data backup. This oversight can lead to significant disruptions in business operations, and let’s be honest, no one wants that!
While platforms like Microsoft Outlook are user-friendly and accessible, they often lack robust backup solutions. This shortfall can leave your business exposed during cyber incidents, such as ransomware attacks—where malicious software encrypts your data and holds it hostage until a ransom is paid. The truth is, relying solely on cloud services for email puts you at risk of losing critical information.
Imagine deleting an important email and then clearing out your “Deleted Items” folder in Outlook. If you don’t have an independent backup system, that email could be gone for good after a short window. Depending solely on Microsoft’s cloud services means you’re essentially placing all your data security eggs in one basket. System failures or security breaches could spell disaster for your email integrity and size doesn’t necessarily mean they’re less likely to be compromised. Moreover, legal requirements for data retention often necessitate longer-term backups than those provided by standard cloud services.
Setting up your own email backups can safeguard your business against ransomware and other cyber threats, allowing you to bounce back quickly with minimal operational downtime. Regular backups are not just a safety net against cyber incidents; they’re also crucial for meeting legal data storage requirements and preventing accidental losses in everyday business activities.
Don’t wait for a data catastrophe to recognise the importance of having reliable email backups. It’s time to contact your IT provider to discuss setting up a robust backup and disaster recovery plan. If you need help getting started, don’t hesitate to reach out to our technical team. Remember, in the realm of business, being prepared is always better than being sorry!
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