Recently, Microsoft SharePoint and Teams users have experienced some missing files following a recent Azure Active Directory outage. The incident left many users unable to use a number of Microsoft services, such as Microsoft 365, Exchange Online, Outlook.com and SharePoint on 15th March 2021, but could a 3 point data backup solution have resolved the issue and protected your company data despite Microsoft’s vulnerabilities?

Hundreds of files have been found deleted from SharePoint in business’ Recycle Bins, all mysteriously having been deleted at once. It has left businesses without their files and information for some time, as manual restores are having to be carried out rather than the file syncs that would normally restore deleted information. The Teams issues are not allowing users to correctly view their files as they should be able to do.  

It currently is not clear what the issues with the Microsoft apps are but we do know that Microsoft feature on many cyber criminal groups’ most targeted list, so it was bound to happen sooner or later. Businesses need to start thinking about the impact of your data being deleted and lost, if it is solely stored AND backed up with Microsoft. 

Whether a cyber attack, or a system error, if those businesses affected currently were carrying out thorough data management procedures then the impact of the missing files would not be as hard.  

By following rules such as the Power of 3, businesses would be able to restore their information from recently saved backups with ease. 

When it comes to data backup, the Power of 3 ensures a business is saving its data three separate times in three separate locations. In the event Microsoft are unable to grant you access to all your files and data, your files can be restored from the regular backed up versions that had been saved and stored securely in different locations – allowing you to avoid costly downtime. 

The three different types of data backup cater for any type of disaster:

1. On-Device

This is typically very localised, containing data and information that employees work with on a daily basis. By regularly backing up on-device data, a business is covered in the event of a network outage, that might result in connectivity issues. Data stored securely on the device of a user would still be able to be used, despite any wider network problems – ideal when remote working.

2. Local Data Backup Appliance

This type of backup is much bigger, such as a server that can store large quantities of data. In the event of a Microsoft outage and the resulting lack of access to your company data, then this will be the best option for your business. Depending on which Cloud service your business uses, then Microsoft’s problems could still result in your business being unable to access its saved, backed up data. An on-site alternative will give you certainty when it comes to using your data.

3. The Cloud

The Cloud’s capacity for data backup gives unrivalled access to data for employees, as it can be accessed from anywhere by those with the correct privileges. The Cloud is particularly useful in the present day, as it gives users with the correct privileges the ability to use data no matter what location they are in – if the office cannot be reached, they can still continue to work.A cohesive Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) plan is not complete without DRaaS (Disaster Recovery as a Service) from Neuways. While the Power of 3 works within a BCDR plan to deliver backed up data, the management of this data is important.  

DRaaS ensures any backed up data is ready to be used whenever required. Regular updates from the Neuways technicians ensure that customers do not have to worry about their backed up files, with photos proving successful backups are being taken every hour. It means that in the event of an outage or sudden loss of files, a business can access their restored data and files with ease and get back to work – even if Microsoft are hit by ransomware, a data centre outage or any other disaster. 

Issues such as those within Microsoft SharePoint and Teams described this week can happen at any time. When they occur in real-time and there’s no obvious solution, companies can be left in the dark about the next steps to take. With no access to their data, many would struggle to continue to operate. By getting its data management policies right, as part of a multi-layered BCDR plan, businesses can continue to work through any disasters they might face.  

If your business has experienced any missing file issues with Microsoft SharePoint or Teams, get in touch with Neuways for a solution. Call us on 01283 753333 or email hello@neuways.com to speak to the Business Continuity experts today about data backup.