Why Every Small Business Needs a Backup Plan (Even If You’re Using the Cloud)
A surprising number of small businesses assume that using Microsoft 365 or Google Drive means their data is "safe" and “backed up”.
But that’s not quite true.
Just because your files live in the cloud, doesn’t mean they’re protected against deletion, overwrites, or malicious access.
Let’s look at why a proper backup plan still matters — and how to put one in place without breaking the bank.
🔁 Cloud ≠ Backup
Cloud tools like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace are brilliant for collaboration. But they’re not designed for disaster recovery.
Here’s what can still go wrong:
Files deleted by mistake (and missed for 30+ days)
Data overwritten or corrupted by accident
Malicious deletion by a disgruntled employee
Account locked due to ransomware or phishing
Once the platform’s limited retention period ends, your data may be unrecoverable.
✅ What’s a proper backup?
A proper backup is:
Separate from your main system
Automatic, not reliant on manual saving
Versioned, so you can roll back to a clean copy
Encrypted and tested regularly
This means you can recover quickly after accidents, attacks or system failures.
🔐 Simple backup options for small businesses
Here are some practical choices for SMEs:
Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace backup services
(e.g. HornetSecurity, Acronis, Veeam, Dropsuite – inexpensive and effective)Cloud-to-cloud daily backups
– Keep copies of emails, OneDrive, SharePoint, Gmail, etc.Local + cloud combo
– External hard drive + cloud backup like wasabi
👣 Next steps
Ask yourself: “If someone deleted our files or email, could we get them back?”
Make a list of critical data (accounts, files, contacts, email).
Get advice on an affordable, automated solution.
Friendly local support
I help businesses across Newry and Mourne get proper backup plans in place – simple, secure and tailored to your actual risk.
🟢 Not sure where to start? Let’s have a no-jargon chat.