You Back Up Data—But Are You Backing Up Identity?

Why your business could shut down even when your files are safe

Most companies today have a plan for backing up their data. If a server crashes or files are deleted, recovery is usually quick.

But what if your team can’t log in at all?

If employees can’t access email, documents, or apps—not because the data is gone, but because the login system is broken or hacked—your business could grind to a halt.

That’s where identity backup comes in.

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What Does “Backing Up Identity” Mean?

In IT, “identity” means the systems that prove who your people are and allow them to log in.

This includes tools like:

• Microsoft 365 (and Azure Active Directory)

• Google Workspace

• Okta

• Single Sign-On (SSO) portals

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) apps

These systems don’t store your data—but they control who can reach it. If they fail or are attacked, your data may still exist, but your team can’t get to it.

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What Can Go Wrong?

Here are some real-world risks:

• Microsoft Azure Outage (2020): A global login issue locked businesses out of email, Teams, and files—even though nothing was deleted.

• Okta Breach (2023): Hackers gained access to support tools and attempted account takeovers, exposing companies that depend on Okta for logins.

• No Backup Admin Access: Some companies rely so heavily on one login tool that even IT staff can’t get in when it breaks.

One day of downtime can mean lost sales, missed client deadlines, and thousands of dollars in wasted payroll.

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Why This Matters to Business Leaders

It’s easy to assume this is “just IT’s problem.” But when identity systems fail:

• Employees can’t work.

• Clients can’t reach you.

• Sales, service, and operations stop.

This isn’t just a tech issue—it’s a business interruption risk.

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How to Protect Your Business

You don’t need to be an IT expert to strengthen identity resilience. Start with these practical steps:

1. Ask your IT team if there’s a login backup plan.
There should be a way to access key systems even during outages.

2. Ensure there’s a “break-glass” account.
This is a backup login with emergency access, kept secure but available to trusted IT leaders.

3. Review what depends on your login system.
Email, payroll, CRM, and cloud files may all be tied to one provider.

4. Keep a printed copy of emergency contacts.
If the system is down, don’t rely on digital instructions.

5. Review MFA and SSO tools.
Can you switch to another method if your main tool fails?

6. Talk to your IT provider about identity resilience.
If you work with a managed IT company (like Novatech), ask how you’re covered.

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Why Novatech Helps Clients Plan Ahead

At Novatech, we help businesses stay secure and prepared—not just for cyberattacks, but for outages, login failures, and human error.

We look at:

• How employees log in

• Which tools depend on those logins

• What happens if something breaks

• How to keep your people working, no matter what

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Back Up Your Access—Not Just Your Data

Your files, emails, and systems don’t matter if no one can reach them.

Make sure your business has a plan. Start by asking your IT team—or reach out to us. We’ll help you build a login backup strategy that’s smart, simple, and secure.

👉 Protect your business today. Schedule a Quick Identity Resilience Check with Novatech.