Data Backup & Recovery
Cloud Backup for Small Businesses in Melbourne
A plain-English guide to backing up your business data properly, and getting it back when something goes wrong.
Why small businesses need a real backup
Laptops fail, files get deleted, and ransomware can lock every computer in the office. A cloud backup keeps a separate, recent copy of your data off site, so one bad day does not become a lost week.
Many businesses assume Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace already backs everything up. Those services keep your files available and hold deleted items for a limited time, but they are not designed to be your only copy. If someone deletes a folder and nobody notices, or ransomware encrypts files that then sync to the cloud, you need a backup that sits outside those everyday accounts.
Our approach to cloud backup
We come on site, look at how your business actually works and set up a backup that matches it. We start with three questions: what data would hurt to lose, how much work you could afford to redo, and how quickly you need to be running again. The answers decide what gets backed up, how often and where it is kept.
We follow the 3-2-1 rule: three copies of your data, on two different types of storage, with one copy off site in the cloud. Then we test that a restore actually works, and write down how it is set up so you are never relying on memory.
When Something Goes Wrong
How Recovery Works
A backup is only useful if you can get your data back. This is how we handle a restore.
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1
Work out what was lost
We confirm which files, mailboxes or systems are affected and from what point in time you need them back.
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2
Restore from the right copy
We pick the most recent clean backup, not one that was taken after the problem started, and restore it.
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3
Check it with you
You confirm the restored files are the right ones and that your team can get back to work.
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4
Fix the cause
We look at why it happened, whether a failed drive, a deleted folder or a security incident, and close the gap so it is less likely to happen again.
Keeping Backups Safe
Security Controls We Put in Place
A backup holds a copy of everything, so it needs protecting as carefully as the original.
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Encryption
Backups are encrypted while they travel to the cloud and while they are stored, so the copy is useless to anyone without the key.
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Separate login with MFA
The backup account is kept separate from everyday staff accounts and protected with multi-factor authentication.
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Version history
Several earlier versions are kept, so you can go back to a copy from before a file was deleted, changed or encrypted.
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Limited access
Only the people who need to restore data can reach the backups, and access is removed when staff leave.
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Failure alerts
If a backup stops running, someone is told, instead of finding out on the day you need it.
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Regular restore tests
We test a restore after setup and recommend repeating it regularly, because an untested backup is a guess.
Is cloud backup right for your business?
Cloud backup suits most small businesses: offices, clinics, trades, cafés and professional services with 1 to 20 staff, plus home offices that run on a few laptops and Microsoft 365. It needs no server room, scales as you grow and keeps a copy away from your premises.
If you have large amounts of data, a slow internet connection or a server that must be back up within minutes, we may suggest pairing the cloud copy with a local backup device for faster restores. Larger teams can read about our medium business IT support, which includes backup and disaster recovery projects.
Questions to ask any backup provider
- Where will my data be stored, and in which country?
- How many earlier versions are kept, and for how long?
- How long would it take to restore everything?
- Is the backup encrypted, and who holds the key?
- Will someone be alerted if a backup fails?
- What does it cost as our data grows?
Comparing products? Read our Veeam vs Datto comparison.
Questions
Cloud Backup FAQ
Isn't Microsoft 365 or OneDrive already a backup?
Not on its own. OneDrive and Microsoft 365 keep files in sync and hold deleted items for a limited time, but if files are deleted, overwritten or encrypted and nobody notices in time, those changes can sync everywhere. A separate backup keeps an independent copy.
How often should backups run?
It depends on how much work you could afford to redo. Most small businesses back up at least daily, and busy shared files more often. We set the schedule around how your business works.
Where is my data stored?
That depends on the backup service you choose. Many let you keep data in Australian data centres. We explain where your data would be stored before you decide.
How much does cloud backup cost?
There are two parts: the backup service itself, which usually depends on how much data you have, and our setup time. Small business work is from $120 per hour, and every job is quoted before we start.
Can you recover files from a backup we already have?
Yes. We can check an existing backup, restore files from it and tell you whether it is actually protecting what you think it is.
Do we have to sign a contract?
No. You can book a one-off backup setup or check, or add it to a flexible monthly retainer for regular support.
Backups are part of our small business IT support and home IT support. See pricing or contact us.
Not sure your backups would work?
Book a free on-site assessment. We will check what is backed up, test a restore and give you a clear plan.