Ransomware attacks have rapidly evolved into one of the most critical threats to modern enterprises, going far beyond just encrypting files and ransomware demands. Attacks now target backups and critical cloud environments such as Microsoft 365 and Entra ID, which are essential for business efficiency and protecting identity management.
While many organisations assume Microsoft’s built-in features fully protect their data, this misconception can leave sensitive information, configurations, and operations vulnerable. Microsoft 365 and Entra ID backup solutions are no longer optional, but essential.
The Escalating Ransomware Threat
Ransomware is now more sophisticated than ever before. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, the damage from global ransomware costs is expected to exceed £24 billion annually by the end of 2025, with attacks targeting data storage and critical identity systems.
Ransomware doesn’t just lock users out of files. Modern variants are designed to:
- Encrypt data and backup files to make recovery as difficult as possible.
- Exploit vulnerabilities in cloud environments like Microsoft 365, impacting tools like Exchange, SharePoint, Teams, and OneDrive.
- Preventing user authentication – Hackers, using phishing and other attack methods compromise configurations in systems like Entra ID.
For organisations without a reliable backup and recovery strategy, the consequences can be catastrophic, crippling operations, alongside reputational damage, and potential regulatory penalties.
To learn more about the ransomware loop, watch our on-demand webinar “It’s time to break the Ransomware Cycle with virtualDCS and Veeam”
Why Backup Is Critical for Microsoft 365 and Entra ID
The data stored in Microsoft 365 spans critical communications, collaborative projects, and intellectual property. Similarly, Entra ID configurations manage user identities, access controls, and permissions, making them integral to your business’s security.
Without reliable backup solutions, your organisation risks:
- Losing access to vital business data.
- Non-compliance with regulatory standards.
- Lengthy recovery times during cyberattacks.
- Permanent loss of identity configurations that are key to operational security.
For further information on this topic, visit our blog “Why Backing Up Microsoft Entra ID is Crucial for Business Continuity and Security”
Native Microsoft Features Aren’t Enough
While Microsoft 365 and Entra ID offer robust tools for collaboration, productivity, and identity management, the security and data retention features are not designed to protect against ransomware or data corruption.
As part of the shared responsibility model, Microsoft holds no accountability for the information stored:
“For all cloud deployment types, you own your data and identities. You’re responsible for protecting the security of your data and identities, on-premises resources, and the cloud components you control. Cloud components you control vary by service type.”
Your business always retains the following responsibilities:
- Data
- Endpoints
- Accounts
- Access management
As part of the Microsoft Service agreement, it also recommends that organisations regularly backup content and data stored on the services using Third-Party Apps and Services.
The holistic approach to data protection
Enterprise CloudCover 365 packages provide both Microsoft 365 and Entra ID backup, with advanced features that help mitigate the effect and impact of ransomware, meet compliance requirements, and assist with operational resilience.
- Complete protection – Safeguard and protect Microsoft 365 and Entra ID in one solution, including emails, users, files, policies, permissions, and authentication settings to ensure rapid restoration.
- NIST Cybersecurity Compliance – Access detailed audit trails, change detection and comprehensive configuration management to align with NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) guidelines for data security and incident recovery. Guardian Lite helps organisations meet regulatory requirements including ISO 27001.
- Immutability and ransomware protection – Immutable backups of data are automatically stored in UK-based ISO 27001-compliant data centres to protect against ransomware encryption. For additional peace of mind, organisations can also secure information in a separate secondary off-site data centre.
- Change detection and insider threat protection – Identify unauthorised changes to files, settings, or configurations to mitigate insider risks and malware threats.
- Fast return to business as usual – Access rapid recovery and granular restoration – recover specific files, mailboxes, or entire folders in minutes, minimising downtime and the business impact of lost data.
- Automated Backup Scheduling – Set and forget – automated backups ensure consistent protection for critical Microsoft 365 application data and Entra ID configurations.
What Makes CloudCover Guardian the Enterprise Choice?
Enterprise organisations require more than basic data protection, they need a solution that scales with their environment, integrates seamlessly into their workflows, and provides advanced capabilities for Microsoft 365 backup and Entra ID backup.
With CloudCover 365, you can:
- Consolidate management with a single pane of glass.
- Automate routine tasks, freeing up IT resources.
- Align with industry standards like ISO 27001 and NIST compliance.
- And much more
See how our CloudCover 365 is making a real impact—explore our case study with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board to discover the results firsthand.
Take a tour of CloudCover 365 –
Ransomware attacks and compliance risks aren’t going away. As your reliance on Microsoft 365 and Entra ID grows, so does the importance of protecting your data and identity systems.
Take a tour of CloudCover 365 with our interactive demonstration:
