SaaS backup solutions have become essential for businesses relying on platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. With organisations now using an average of 80 SaaS applications daily, it's clear that SaaS has revolutionised the way we work. In fact, Gartner's 2020 I&O Leaders Survey reveals that 70% of organisations are investing in SaaS and plan to continue doing so.

While SaaS platforms offer numerous benefits, it's crucial to address the misconception that data protection is solely the responsibility of the SaaS vendors. Organisations must own the responsibility of safeguarding their data. Cloud service providers follow a shared security responsibility model, where SaaS providers ensure application uptime and availability, while data protection remains the organisation's duty. Mistakes or data loss resulting from your actions won't be covered by the SaaS vendor.

To understand why SaaS backup solutions are vital, consider the following five reasons:

1) Human Error

Unintentional mistakes are one of the leading causes of data loss, and they're unavoidable. Accidentally deleting crucial emails or files or unknowingly interacting with malicious content can have disastrous consequences. SaaS providers can't distinguish between intentional and unintentional actions, treating all requests as legitimate commands.

2) SaaS Retention Policies

SaaS applications, such as Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, have limited retention periods. After a specified duration, data is permanently deleted. Microsoft allows for a maximum retention period of 180 days, while Google Workspace automatically empties the Trash folder after 30 days. Once deleted, data becomes unrecoverable.

3) Programmatic Errors

Sync errors often occur when integrating multiple SaaS applications, posing a significant risk to critical data. These errors can corrupt data and lead to permanent loss. Security misconfigurations associated with cloud production environments concern 67% of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) according to a survey by IDC. Disturbingly, 80% of U.S. companies have experienced data breaches due to cloud misconfigurations.

4) Malicious Insider Activity

Your own employees can pose a considerable threat to your data, particularly if their intentions are malicious. Given their access privileges, disgruntled or malevolent employees can bypass security controls to overwrite or delete vital business information. McAfee's Grand Theft Data report reveals that insider threats account for a staggering 43% of all breaches.

5) Cyberattacks

Cybercrimes have skyrocketed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Phishing, malware, and ransomware attacks continue to pose significant risks, with phishing responsible for over 80% of data breaches and nearly 95% of malware delivered via email. Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, and Verizon's 2020 Data Breach Investigations Report indicates that hacking-related breaches often involve brute force attacks or the use of stolen credentials, with SaaS apps being common targets.

Enhance Your SaaS Data Protection with Acronis Cyber Protect

Recognising that SaaS platforms are not as secure as they may seem, it's crucial to implement robust security measures to protect your organisation's critical cloud-stored data. Your data, your responsibility. By implementing a reliable backup solution like Acronis Cyber Protect, you can enjoy the advantages of SaaS platforms while ensuring business continuity in the face of breaches.

Acronis Cyber Protect offers comprehensive protection for your Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace data. Its automated daily backups, unlimited storage capabilities, and point-in-time and granular restore capabilities guarantee data security and hassle-free recovery. With fast search and an intuitive recovery interface, you can retrieve lost emails in seconds. Furthermore, built-in dark web monitoring alerts you to compromised credentials, enabling proactive steps to secure affected accounts before any malicious activity occurs.

Reach out to us today to learn how Acronis Cyber Protect can fortify your SaaS environment, minimise downtime, and maximise productivity.

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