Introduction Cyber security is still often treated as a technical issue. Something for IT teams to manage, software to install, or boxes...

Microsoft 365 (M365) has become the backbone of many businesses and schools, powering collaboration through Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint.
You can refer to Microsoft’s official documentation for a full overview of Microsoft 365 Backup, including its architecture and supported workloads.
But here’s the catch: while Microsoft ensures uptime and platform availability, data backup is the responsibility of the customer. If a file is deleted, corrupted, or lost due to cyberattack, Microsoft cannot guarantee its recovery.
That’s why a dedicated M365 backup solution is essential. Here are 7 critical reasons your organisation needs one.
Human error is still the biggest cause of data loss. If an employee deletes an email, file, or even an entire folder, it may only be recoverable for a limited time. A backup ensures data can be restored quickly.
Microsoft 365 includes retention policies, but these are not the same as having a secure, independent backup. Once data falls outside retention, it’s gone for good.
Phishing and ransomware attacks often target email and file systems. A reliable backup provides a safety net, enabling fast recovery without paying ransoms or losing productivity.
According to NCSC’s advice on backups, you should treat cloud backups like any production data — ensure immutability, test restores, and segregate backup data.
Not all data loss is malicious, but sometimes employees intentionally delete or alter information. Backup gives you a way to roll back changes and protect critical business data.
Many organisations must keep records for regulatory or legal purposes. Backup solutions provide audit trails and ensure data can be accessed, even years after creation.
Downtime caused by missing files or inaccessible systems can be costly. Backup ensures you can recover quickly and keep business (or learning) running smoothly.
Ultimately, M365 backup isn’t just about ticking a compliance box — it’s about knowing your organisation is resilient. You won’t lose sleep wondering what might happen if a file disappears.
At JSL, we help SMEs and schools stay secure and resilient by providing:
One option is to use a backup vendor like Veeam, which integrates with Microsoft’s native backup storage for enhanced recovery and control.
Your data is one of your most valuable assets — don’t assume Microsoft has it covered. By investing in a dedicated M365 backup solution, you protect your business from accidents, threats, and compliance risks.
Ready to safeguard your Microsoft 365 data? Contact JSL today to learn how we can help.
To activate Microsoft 365 Backup and configure policies, follow Microsoft’s setup guide here.
Download the case for why organisations need to protect Microsoft 365 data:

Since 2003, JSL has been supporting Buckinghamshire businesses, schools, and charities with reliable IT support, managed services, and cybersecurity solutions. As a Microsoft Partner, our mission is to simplify IT so you can focus on what matters most. Take the stress out of IT with a free, no-obligation audit.
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