rbGriphon

Additionally, database backups are not deleted so easily. If you delete the whole backup, then you've lost any recovery ability. If you want to delete a single record from the database backup you'd have to restore the backup, delete the record and re-backup. Multiply that by the days/weeks/months of backups, including daily, incremental, differential and transactional, and your records aren't truly deleted. They're just not on-line. Unless you're backing up to a SAN or NAS, in which case, they are on-line and ready to be swiped.

Which is why I believe that it was more likely an insider. Possibly a disgruntled ex-employee.

You are an evil, evil man.

So you're saying we have a chance?

It's like you're a woman who understands how men think.

Also a good theory. From OP's description it sounds like disgruntled ex-employee is not likely, but never trust an ex-employee. I know I wouldn't do anything to my former employers, but I wouldn't expect them trust me either.