Construction projects depend on Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) to manage BIM models, RFIs, and reports. ACC offers versioning and Deleted Items, but these are recovery features, not full backups.
For example, if a tenant is compromised, projects are deleted, or ransomware strikes, you still need a separate, independent backup.
The real question is: what happens if a project hub is compromised, an identity is breached, or data is accidentally deleted? That’s where a reliable Autodesk backup solution like Cloudsfer becomes essential.
What Are The Limits Of Autodesk’s Native Tools?
Autodesk gives teams valuable in-platform tools, but they don’t meet enterprise backup standards:
- Version history only inside ACC – You can roll back to earlier file versions, but only within the Autodesk environment.
- Deleted Items tied to your subscription – Autodesk confirms that deleted files remain available as long as your subscription is active, but there’s no guarantee beyond that.
- No Bring-Your-Own-Storage (BYOS) – You can’t direct backups to your own cloud or on-premises storage.
- Manual workarounds – Teams sometimes rely on Desktop Connector or exports to copy data elsewhere, but these methods are labor-intensive, error-prone, and may not capture all versions or metadata.
- Bottom line: Autodesk itself suggests using third-party data migration applications to create backups of ACC/BIM 360 data outside of Autodesk’s environment.
How Does Cloudsfer Simplify Autodesk Backup?
Cloudsfer is designed to add the missing layer of true construction cloud backup and data protection:
- Automated scheduling – Run backups daily, weekly, or monthly.
- Set & Forget – New Autodesk projects are automatically included in backup jobs.
- Version strategy options – Choose to back up all versions or just the latest, balancing storage needs with compliance requirements.
- Granular restore – Recover a file, folder, or entire project.
- Virtual recycle bin – Access deleted items even after they’re gone from Autodesk ACC.
- Enterprise security – End-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication (2FA) protect data in transit and access to the platform.
What Is CASA Tier 2 And Why Does It Matter?
Cloudsfer’s Autodesk backup aligns with CASA Tier 2 standards. CASA (Cloud Application Security Assessment) is Google’s framework for evaluating the security, privacy, and resilience of cloud applications.
- Tier 1 → The provider reviews its own security.
- Tier 2 → Security and compliance controls are independently validated by a trusted third party.
By reaching Tier 2, Cloudsfer ensures construction firms aren’t dependent on Autodesk alone. They have a separate, independently stored backup that meets enterprise expectations for availability, security, and compliance.
Common Mistakes Teams Make With Autodesk Backup
Mistake 1: Assuming Autodesk ACC is a backup system.
It isn’t. ACC gives you versions and Deleted Items, but these aren’t off-platform, independent copies.
How to avoid it: Use Cloudsfer to automatically send data to external storage you control.
Mistake 2: Relying on manual exports or scripts.
Desktop Connector and DIY methods are prone to errors, require constant monitoring, and don’t scale across multi-project programs.
How to avoid it: Automate with Cloudsfer’s “Set & Forget” feature, so every new project is backed up without manual intervention.
What Outcomes Can IT And BIM Managers Expect?
By combining Autodesk ACC with Cloudsfer backup, project teams gain:
- Faster recovery – Restore critical files in minutes instead of re-exporting entire projects.
- Data sovereignty & cost control – Place backups in your own cloud or NAS, where you set retention policies.
- Reduced risk exposure – Independent backups mean ransomware or tenant-wide issues don’t threaten project continuity.
📊 Stat to note: 📊 According to IBM’s 2024Cost of a Data Breach report, the average breach cost hit $4.88M, up 10% from last year. It makes independent backups one of the most cost-effective safeguards.
Reach out here to be on the safe side.
Why Cloudsfer Stands Out For Construction Cloud Backup In Table
| Feature | Autodesk ACC Native | Cloudsfer Autodesk Backup |
| File versioning | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (plus off-platform) |
| Deleted Items recovery | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (with independent recycle bin) |
| Automated scheduling | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Bring-Your-Own-Storage | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Granular restore | ❌ Manual | ✅ File, folder, or full project |
| Ransomware safeguards | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| CASA Tier 2 alignment | ❌ Not applicable | ✅ Yes |
Conclusion
Autodesk ACC is a powerful collaboration platform, but it isn’t designed to be a standalone backup system. The safest path is to pair Autodesk’s collaboration features with Cloudsfer’s construction cloud backup solution.
By automating independent backups, aligning with CASA Tier 2, and enabling fast restores, Cloudsfer ensures your project data stays protected, compliant, and resilient.
FAQ:
1. Why should I use Cloudsfer for Autodesk backup?
Because it gives you scheduled, automated, and off-platform protection with flexible storage options.
2. How does restore work?
You can recover a single file, a folder, or an entire project in a short time.
3. What about ransomware?
Cloudsfer detects encrypted files and preserves clean versions to protect recovery points.
4. Does it capture new projects automatically?
Yes, Cloudsfer’s “Set & Forget”ensures every new project is backed up.
5. Does this meet compliance needs?
Cloudsfer aligns with CASA Tier 2, giving you enterprise-level backup
