Acronis True Image 2018 Backup Software for Mac With Ransomware Protection

Acronis International GmbH introduced True Image 2018 for Mac.

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As a backup alternative for Mac users seeking the cloud-based features missing from Time Machine, True Image 2018 is a personal backup software to include technology that defends data against ransomware.

The inclusion of anti-ransomware protection in True Image 2018 arrives at a critical time for Mac users. While macOS machines have historically been safe from malware, cybercriminals are expanding their reach – attacks against Macs increased 744% during 2016 ^[i] and several serious incidents have occurred throughout 2017.

“Reliable backups are critical for anyone looking to recover their system, especially after something like a ransomware attack,” said Serguei Beloussov, co-founder and CEO, Acronis. “As the leader in backup software, we recognized that the future of data protection will require us to do more. We’re proud to offer the first and only personal backup software that protects consumer data against this growing threat.“

Acronis True Image 2018 for Mac features enhanced backup and recovery capabilities, updated macOS-style interface, and Touch Bar integration. By also incorporating Active Protection, the company’s ransomware defense, the firm sets a standard for protecting the data of Mac users, from individuals and families to home offices and small businesses.

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Backup and recovery
During a survey of the company’s customers during July 2017, 95% of respondents said they choose and recommend True Image because the backups are reliable.

The 2018 release improves upon its core backup and recovery capabilities even more, with enhancements such as:

• Faster recovery from the cloud: Optimizations for Wide Area Networks (WAN) means Mac users can recover full systems and individual files from Acronis Cloud up to four-times faster.

• Live update: Ensures users have the most up-to-date version of True Image 2018 for Mac by detecting and delivering updates without needing a separate DMG download. Users can automatically download and install updates as soon as they are released.

• Instagram backup: It expands support for social media with automatic backups of Instagram accounts. Photos, comments and statistics – such as the number of likes, tags or comments a post gets – are now safe from accidental deletion or hackers.

• Mobile backup to NAS devices: Building on the ability to automatically backup mobile devices to a Mac via WiFi, it now lets users backup to NAS. More than 25% of True Image customers use a NAS device at home.

Easy control
True Image 2018 is specifically designed to give Mac users a better experience and control over their backups. The updated macOS-style interface is visually enhanced to show detailed information about backup activity and statistics – including a color-coded display of how much data they have stored, the types of files in storage, and the status of backups – so users can manage their backups.

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This product also integrates the MacBook Pro’s Touch Bar. By using the multi-touch display, users can navigate between tabs, create and start new backups, monitor data transfer speeds, and track the progress of backups.

Secure data protection
The ability to restore a system or individual files is critical following a ransomware attack. True Image 2018 for Mac makes recovery, and it takes the initial protection a step further by preventing ransomware from corrupting a user’s data in the first place.

The company’s Active Protection is designed to recognize patterns of file access. When it detects unusual behavior, it alerts the user of the suspicious activity. With real-time monitoring, it verifies all processes so approved activities are allowed to run, while potentially dangerous behavior is stopped. If any files are encrypted during a ransomware attack, they can be recovered from the backup.

More than 60% of the company’s customers surveyed said they worry about ransomware. A Security Dashboard gives users visibility over Active Protection so one can be reassured that their data is protected. It lets them track the number of processes that have been flagged as potentially dangerous, see which ones were blocked, and manage a white list of trusted applications.

Availability:
There are three editions of True Image 2018 available to accommodate customer use and preferences. All versions include Active Protection against ransomware and cover an unlimited number of mobile devices.

• Standard  ($49,99 one time purchase) is a perpetual license that is offered without any cloud storage or access to cloud-based features for customers who prefer to store their data on local drives only.

• Advanced is a one-year subscription ($49,99 ) that includes 250GB of cloud storage and access to all cloud-based features.

• Premium is a one-year subscription ($99,99) that includes exclusive blockchain-based data certification and electronic signature capabilities, as well as 1TB of cloud storage.

Advanced and Premium subscribers can purchase additional cloud storage within the application. Advanced Licenses can upgrade to a maximum of 500GB. If more storage is needed, Advanced users can upgrade to a Premium license, which offers cloud storage of up to 5TB.

True Image 2018 is available for purchase at the company website and through software resellers and retail stores worldwide.

Note: For small business owners who need to protect more than five computers, or companies that have multiple workstations and servers, Acronis Backup 12.5 scales to protect thousands of computers and provides tools for group management of environments of any complexity.

^[i] 2017 McAfee Threat Report