Cloud Backup for Business — Why It Matters and How to Do It Properly

Protecting Your Data in Microsoft 365, Google Workspace and Beyond

Every business relies on cloud services — Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Xero, HubSpot, Salesforce, Dropbox and more. But here’s the part most business owners don’t realise:

✅ Cloud services do NOT equal cloud backup.

Microsoft and Google protect availability of their platforms — not accidental deletion, ransomware activity, disgruntled staff, sync failures or data corruption.

This is why every business needs cloud backup — not just cloud storage.

This guide explains how cloud backup works, why it’s essential, and how to build a truly resilient backup strategy for your organisation.

Step 1: What Is Cloud Backup?

Cloud backup is the process of securely copying your business data to an off-site cloud storage location, where it can be restored instantly if lost, corrupted or deleted.

Unlike simple file syncing tools (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive), a proper cloud backup solution provides:

• Version history

• Point-in-time recovery

• Immutable copies (cannot be altered or encrypted by ransomware)

• Retention policies for compliance

If something goes wrong, you can restore a single file, a mailbox, or an entire system at the click of a button.

Step 2: Why Cloud Backup Is Essential

Common ways businesses lose cloud data:

✅ Accidental deletion
✅ Ransomware encrypting synced files
✅ Malicious/internal staff deleting data
✅ Corrupted files syncing instantly across all devices
✅ App integrations that overwrite or damage data
✅ Account closure or licence expiry wiping mailboxes or files

Surprisingly, over 70% of data loss in cloud platforms comes from human error — and cloud providers make this clear in their shared responsibility policies.

The shared responsibility model:

• Microsoft & Google protect the platform

• You are responsible for your data

This catches people off-guard — especially after a major incident.

Step 3: Cloud Backup for Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 does NOT automatically back up:

• Emails

• OneDrive files

• SharePoint teamsites

• Teams chat history

• Calendars & contacts

If a user deletes something — or if a hacker encrypts data — Microsoft only offers limited retention, often days or weeks.

A proper Microsoft 365 cloud backup solution gives you:
✅ Unlimited retention
✅ One-click restore of mailboxes, files or Teams data
✅ Protection from admin mistakes or malicious deletion
✅ Compliance-ready archiving
✅ Ransomware-resistant, immutable storage

This is critical for GDPR, Cyber Essentials and ISO-aligned organisations.

Step 4: Cloud Backup for Google Workspace

Google Workspace suffers from the same misconception: “it’s in the cloud, so it’s safe.”

Wrong.

If someone deletes:

• Google Drive files

• Shared Drive content

• Gmail messages

• Calendars or contacts

…the data will eventually disappear permanently.

A managed Google Workspace backup solution provides:
✅ Point-in-time restores
✅ Backup of all user accounts, shared drives and mailboxes
✅ Long-term retention and compliance
✅ Immutable copies safe from ransomware

Google even recommends using third-party backup for critical data.

Step 5: SaaS Backup — It’s Not Just 365 and Google

More business tools are cloud-based than ever:

• Xero, QuickBooks & FreeAgent

• HubSpot, Salesforce and Zoho CRM

• Slack, Monday, Trello

• Dropbox and Box

• HR and payroll systems

• Project management platforms

If staff can delete data, or integrations can overwrite records, you need a SaaS-level backup.

Modern SaaS backup solutions can automatically protect:
✅ Customer records
✅ Financial transactions
✅ Files & attachments
✅ CRM pipelines
✅ User documents and shared spaces

If a cyberattack or human error wipes critical cloud data, SaaS backup prevents disaster.

Step 6: Benefits of Cloud Backup for Business

Cloud backup isn’t just a safety net — it’s business continuity.

Step 7: Choosing the Right Cloud Backup Solution

When selecting a backup system, look for:

✅ Automated incremental backups (daily or near real-time)
✅ Off-site, encrypted storage
✅ Immutable copies resistant to corruption
✅ SaaS-level support (M365, Google Workspace, CRM tools etc)
✅ Granular restore (single file or full system)
✅ Retention periods that match your compliance needs
✅ Support from a managed IT provider

Cheap solutions often only protect a portion of your data — so check the fine print.

Step 8: Why Managed Cloud Backup Makes Life Easier

Self-managed backup systems often fail because nobody checks whether they’re actually working.

A managed cloud backup service includes:

• 24/7 monitoring of backup status

• Automatic alerts if a backup fails

• Regular restore testing

• Immutable storage

• Disaster recovery support

• Helpdesk support when you need to restore something

This means backups don’t just exist — they are validated, monitored and recoverable.

Providers like Aurora Tech Support offer managed cloud backup for:
✅ Microsoft 365
✅ Google Workspace
✅ Servers & on-prem systems
✅ SaaS platforms & cloud apps

Step 9: Cost of Cloud Backup for Business

Most businesses can fully protect Microsoft 365, Google Workspace and SaaS data for £2–£6 per user per month.

For full managed backup with recovery and reporting, typically £50–£300 per month depending on size and storage.

Compared to the cost of data loss — often £25,000+ for SMEs — it is one of the best investments a business can make.

Conclusion: Cloud Backup Isn’t Optional Anymore

If your business uses Microsoft 365, Google Workspace or any cloud platform, you need reliable cloud backup.
Not optional. Not “nice to have.”
Critical.

Because when something gets deleted, encrypted or overwritten, only one question matters:

“Can we get it back?”
With the right backup — the answer is always yes.

✅ Protect your business data
✅ Meet compliance requirements
✅ Avoid ransomware disasters
✅ Never lose a file again

To secure your Microsoft 365, Google Workspace and SaaS platforms with managed cloud backup, visit:
https://www.auroratechsupport.co.uk/it-support-leeds/
or request a free backup & recovery audit.