Understanding the Shared Responsibility Model for Microsoft 365

As organisations increasingly rely on Microsoft 365 for collaboration and productivity

As organisations increasingly rely on Microsoft 365 for collaboration and productivity, it's essential to understand the shared responsibility model that governs data protection within the platform. While Microsoft provides robust services to ensure the availability and security of the infrastructure, the responsibility for safeguarding and recovering your data remains largely with you, the user.

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What is and What Isn't

What Microsoft Covers

Microsoft ensures the availability and operation of the infrastructure that supports its services, such as Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, OneDrive for Business, and Microsoft Teams.

This includes managing physical data centres, networking, application uptime, and safeguarding against external threats like viruses and malware.

What Microsoft Does Not Cover

However, Microsoft does not fully protect your data from scenarios such as accidental deletion, internal security threats, or data corruption caused by third-party applications.

Additionally, Microsoft's built-in data retention policies are designed primarily for operational continuity rather than long-term data protection. Once data is deleted or an employee leaves the company, it may be permanently lost if not adequately backed up.

Why You Need a Backup Solution for
Microsoft 365

To bridge the gap in the shared responsibility model, it's crucial to implement a dedicated backup solution tailored for Microsoft 365. This ensures that your organisation’s data is protected against accidental loss, malicious attacks, and compliance breaches. A comprehensive backup strategy allows for quick restoration of emails, files, and communications in the event of data loss, thereby maintaining business continuity and compliance with regulatory requirements.

What Next

Understanding the limitations of Microsoft’s default data protection measures is vital. By taking proactive steps to implement a reliable backup solution, you can safeguard your organisation’s critical data, ensuring it is available and recoverable when needed. This not only protects your business operations but also helps you meet legal and compliance obligations.

AVm can help you find the perfect backup solution for your network. Contact us now to discuss solutions that will work for your business."