I was quite excited to hear that Acronis has entered into the security software market with three new products (see “Acronis Enters the Security Market”). Acronis has built up an excellent brand in the Home and Enterprise backup software market. Indeed, I have used Acronis for years with no problems. It is extremely reliable software. So it was no surprise that they would attempt to diversify by taking the next logical step: security software.

Specifically, the three new programs are:

1. Acronis Backup and Security 2010
2. Acronis Internet Security Suite 2010
3. Acronis Antivirus

For the purposes of this brief review, Acronis has kindly supplied a complimentary copy of Acronis Backup and Security 2010 (ABS).

Acronis Backup & Security 2010 combines three essential elements into one product: local backup, full Internet security, online backup.

So, in essence, they have combined Acronis True Image Home 2010 with their Online Backup and full Internet Security Suite. All this for a price of US$69.99 with 5GB of Online Backup storage or US$89.99 for 250GB of Online Backup storage space. You can protect up to three home PCs with one copy. If you already own a copy of Acronis True Image Home (ATIH) you have access to special upgrade pricing. Upgrade Your Older Acronis Products Today and Save 40%!

Run a Free PC Privacy Scan Now

Since I have already posted a review of ATIH 2010 here, I will focus on the security side of ABS.

Installing

Whenever I install a program, I always use the ‘custom’ option (if available) over the ‘express’ or no-questions-asked install. Sometimes you are presented with interesting options, plus you can learn certain things about the program you are about to install. In the case of ABS, you can see from this screen that you have the option of leaving Windows Firewall and/or Windows Defender turned on, which Acronis does not recommend. Better to let ABS handle everything! (Click image to see a larger view)

After installing ABS a reboot is required.

Interface

Interestingly, Acronis has supplied three different interfaces for ABS: Novice, Intermediate (the default) and Expert. Here’s a look at the three:

The Expert mode (above) shows just how detailed this program is; notice all the different tabs on the left side. As you can see, such tools as Antispam, Parental Controls, and a Firewall are included, amongst other things.

The full system scan of my system took close to one hour, but this included my D: drive as well as my C: drive. In all, 270689 scanned items at 78 files/sec with one virus found. This one virus was actually a test Eicar virus located in an email inside an old Outlook.pst file on my D: drive! This scanner digs deep!

Conclusion

Time will tell whether the new Acronis security software is world class or not; I will be eagerly awaiting some test results from trusted sources. However, knowing Acronis as I do, I am completely comfortable using their new security suite. Download the free 30-day fully functioning trial here:

Recommended System Requirements

Windows XP SP2, Vista, or Windows 7
Available hard disk space: 600 MB
Intel Core Duo (1.66 GHz) or equivalent processor
RAM: 1 GB (Windows XP and Windows 7) 1.5 GB (Windows Vista)
Internet Explorer 7

Software compatibility

Yahoo Messenger 8.5
Windows Live Messenger 8
Firefox 2.5
Thunderbird 2.0.0.17
Outlook 2000, 2003, 2007
Outlook Express
Windows Mail