Data Backup and Recovery Policies

What is Backed Up

We automatically back up data stored on OneDrive, SharePoint, and our central file servers. We do not back up files stored locally on your hard drive (like the C: drive or local Desktop folders not synced to the cloud). Always save your work to the designated cloud locations to ensure it is safe and recoverable. This includes ensuring that the OneDrive 'Sync' icon in your taskbar remains green. Files saved to the local 'Downloads' folder are particularly vulnerable, as they are often excluded from system images to save space. Make it a habit to move finalized documents into your synced Project folders.

Frequency and Retention

Backups are performed every hour for active files to minimize the risk of data loss between versions. We retain these backups for a period of one year per our corporate compliance policy. If you accidentally delete a file, you can usually recover it yourself using the 'Recycle Bin' in OneDrive or SharePoint. For larger-scale data loss, such as a corrupted folder or a failed hard drive, contact IT for a professional restoration from our off-site archives. Note that once a file is deleted from the 'Second-Stage Recycle Bin,' it is much harder to recover, so time is of the essence when reporting missing data.