Posts

Acronis Cyber Protect combines traditional backup with cybersecurity features, aiming to simplify IT management for small businesses. Our testing shows this unified approach offers genuine benefits, though with some trade-offs compared to specialized solutions.

After extensive testing across multiple business environments, we found that Acronis Cyber Protect provides a practical solution for organizations seeking to consolidate their backup and security needs. While it may not match dedicated solutions in every area, its integrated approach delivers meaningful value for resource-constrained IT teams.

At a Glance

Acronis Cyber Protect Rating: 4/5
Best for Small to medium businesses wanting unified backup and security
Starting price $68/year per workstation
Key strength Seamless integration of backup and cybersecurity
Main weakness Customer support inconsistencies
Bottom line Solid choice for businesses prioritizing simplicity over specialization

What Is Acronis Cyber Protect?

Acronis Cyber Protect represents the company's evolution from a traditional backup vendor into a cybersecurity-focused platform. Rather than offering separate products for data protection and threat prevention, Acronis has built an integrated solution that handles both functions from a single management console.

The platform emerged as businesses increasingly struggled to coordinate between multiple security vendors. Instead of managing separate backup software, antivirus solutions, and patch management tools, Cyber Protect consolidates these functions into one streamlined package.

At its core, the platform provides image-based backup capabilities enhanced with real-time security monitoring, malware detection, and vulnerability management. This approach aims to prevent the common scenario where backup data becomes infected with malware, requiring organizations to restore from potentially compromised sources.

Key Features

Backup and Recovery
– Image-based backups for complete system protection
– Universal restore capabilities across different hardware
– Support for physical servers, virtual machines, and cloud workloads
– Incremental and differential backup options to minimize storage usage

Integrated Security
– Real-time anti-malware protection with behavioral analysis
– Ransomware protection with backup validation
– Patch management with automatic pre-patch backups
– Vulnerability assessments and security monitoring

Management and Storage
– Unified web-based management console
– Flexible storage options including local, cloud, and hybrid
– Automated backup scheduling with policy-based management
– Compliance reporting and audit trail capabilities

Performance and Reliability

Acronis Cyber Protect demonstrated solid performance across various backup scenarios during our testing. Initial full backups completed efficiently, though resource consumption was noticeable during peak operations. Subsequent incremental backups showed minimal system impact, making them suitable for operation during business hours.

Backup Speed Results
In our lab environment, backing up a 500GB server took approximately 3.5 hours for the initial full backup over a gigabit network connection. Incremental backups, averaging 15GB of changed data, were completed in under 20 minutes. These results align with industry standards for enterprise backup solutions.

Recovery Performance
File-level recovery proved straightforward through the web interface, with individual documents restored in seconds. Full system recovery to dissimilar hardware, including driver injection and configuration adjustments, took approximately 2 hours for a typical office workstation.

Security Effectiveness
The integrated antivirus component successfully detected and blocked malware samples during our testing, though detection rates weren't quite as high as specialized security solutions like dedicated cybersecurity platforms. However, the backup scanning feature adds a valuable layer of protection by preventing the restoration of infected data.

Pricing and Plans

Acronis Cyber Protect uses a per-device annual licensing model with three main tiers:

Standard Edition – $68-99/year per workstation
– Core backup functionality with basic scheduling
– Integrated anti-malware protection
– Local and cloud storage options
– Web-based management console

Advanced Backup – $87/year per workstation
– Enhanced backup features, including deduplication
– Advanced restore options and bare-metal recovery
– Backup validation and integrity checking
– Extended retention policies

Advanced Security – $103/year per workstation
– Full security suite with endpoint detection and response
– Vulnerability management and patch deployment
– Forensic backup capabilities for compliance
– Advanced threat protection and behavioral analysis

Note: Acronis currently offers up to 20% discount on annual subscriptions. Pricing may vary based on volume and contract terms.

Cloud Storage Costs
Cloud storage is priced separately, starting at $69/year for 250GB. This additional cost should factor into budget planning for businesses requiring significant cloud capacity. Many organizations opt for hybrid approaches, using local storage for primary backups and cloud storage for disaster recovery.

Value Assessment

Compared to purchasing separate backup and security solutions, Cyber Protect offers reasonable value for organizations with 10-50 endpoints. A comparable setup using alternative backup solutions plus a business antivirus solution would typically cost 20-30% more while requiring additional management overhead.

Dedicated solutions may provide better functionality per dollar spent for larger organizations or those with specialized security requirements. However, the operational savings from unified management often justify the integrated approach for smaller IT teams.

User Experience

Management Console
The web-based management interface follows modern design principles with intuitive navigation. Setting up backup policies requires minimal technical expertise, though advanced features like custom retention rules may challenge less experienced administrators.

Dashboard widgets provide clear visibility into backup status, security alerts, and system health. The mobile-responsive design allows administrators to monitor operations from tablets and smartphones, though detailed configuration tasks work best on desktop computers.

Installation and Setup
Using the centralized deployment tools, deploying agents across multiple endpoints proved straightforward. Group policies allow batch configuration of similar systems, reducing the time investment for initial setup.

The initial configuration wizard guides administrators through essential settings, though we recommend reviewing default policies to ensure they align with business requirements. Documentation is comprehensive, covering most common deployment scenarios.

Daily Operations
Once configured, Cyber Protect operates with minimal intervention. Automated backup scheduling reduces administrative overhead, while security alerts require attention only when threats are detected.

The notification system provides appropriate detail without overwhelming administrators with routine status updates. However, some users report wanting more granular control over alert thresholds and delivery methods.

Compared to the Competition

Acronis vs. Veeam Backup & Replication

Veeam is widely regarded as a leading enterprise backup solution, offering superior performance and more advanced features for complex virtual environments. However, Veeam's per-socket licensing can become expensive for organizations with multiple physical servers.

Acronis provides better value for mixed physical and virtual environments, with simpler licensing and integrated security features. Cyber Protect offers a more streamlined experience for organizations seeking ease of use over advanced functionality.

Acronis vs. Traditional Antivirus Plus Backup

Comparing Cyber Protect to separate solutions like Norton Small Business plus Carbonite reveals interesting trade-offs. The separate approach often provides superior performance in each category but requires coordinating between multiple vendors for support and management.

Cyber Protect's integrated approach shines during incident response scenarios, where backup and security teams can access the same data and tools. This coordination becomes valuable when investigating security incidents or recovering from ransomware attacks.

Acronis vs. Cloud-Native Solutions

Modern cloud-based solutions like Microsoft 365 Advanced Threat Protection plus Azure Backup offer compelling alternatives for organizations already committed to cloud infrastructure. These solutions often provide superior integration with cloud productivity tools.

However, Cyber Protect's hybrid approach works better for organizations with significant on-premises infrastructure or those requiring local backup storage for compliance reasons.

Security Analysis

Acronis Cyber Protect includes AI-enhanced behavioral heuristic antivirus, anti-malware, anti-ransomware, and anti-cryptojacking technologies for real-time protection. The platform scans backup data for malware and can remove threats during recovery to help prevent reinfection.

Advanced Protection Features:
– Vulnerability assessments and patch management
– Forensic backup mode for compliance and investigation needs
– Immutable backup storage to prevent ransomware encryption
– URL filtering and endpoint detection capabilities

NIST Framework Alignment

Organizations implementing comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks will find that Cyber Protect aligns well with NIST CSF 2.0 requirements, providing coverage across multiple framework functions:

Govern: Centralized policy management and compliance reporting through a unified console
Identify: Asset inventory, vulnerability scanning, and security posture monitoring
Protect: Data encryption, access controls, patch management, and anti-malware protection
Detect: Continuous monitoring, anomaly detection, and threat hunting capabilities
Respond: Automated incident response, forensic backups, and threat investigation tools
Recover: Rapid restore capabilities, attack rollback features, and disaster recovery planning

Implementation Analysis

Requirements

Windows Servers: Windows Server 2003 SP1 through Server 2025 (all installation options except Nano Server)
Memory: 150 MB minimum per Windows agent (typical backup operations use ~350 MB, peak up to 2 GB)
Disk Space: 850 MB to 1.7 GB, depending on components installed
Network: Internet connectivity for cloud storage and security updates
Access: Administrative privileges for agent deployment and management

Implementation Timeline

Week 1-2: Agent deployment across endpoints, initial backup policy configuration, baseline security scans
Week 3-4: Security policy setup, vulnerability scanning configuration, backup validation testing
Month 2: Policy optimization, monitoring procedure establishment, and staff training completion

Trial and Evaluation

Acronis offers a 30-day free trial that allows users to evaluate core features before purchasing. This trial period provides sufficient time to test backup and restore procedures, security scanning capabilities, and management console functionality across different workload types. The trial also includes access to cloud storage for testing cloud backup scenarios.

Common Challenges

Resource consumption during initial backup creation can impact system performance
License complexity when managing mixed physical and virtual environments
Support responsiveness has received mixed feedback from users, according to reviews

Real-World Applications

Small Professional Services Firm

A 25-person law firm implemented Cyber Protect to replace their aging tape backup system and basic antivirus software. The unified approach simplified vendor management while providing modern features like cloud replication and behavioral malware detection.

The firm's IT administrator appreciated being able to verify backup integrity and security status from a single console, particularly during their busy tax season when system reliability becomes critical.

Growing E-commerce Company

An online retailer with 40 employees adopted Cyber Protect during rapid expansion. They needed to protect new servers and workstations quickly, and the unlimited virtual machine licensing proved valuable as they moved more applications to VMware.

The integrated patch management feature helped maintain security compliance while automatically creating backups before applying updates, reducing the risk of update-related system failures.

Multi-Location Medical Practice

A healthcare organization with three offices chose Cyber Protect for its HIPAA compliance features and centralized management capabilities. The ability to manage backups and security policies across all locations from a single console simplified their compliance documentation.

The forensic backup capabilities proved valuable during a compliance audit, allowing them to demonstrate both data protection and security monitoring across their patient record systems.

Pros and Cons

What We Like

Simplified Vendor Management
Managing backup and security from one vendor reduces coordination overhead and potential finger-pointing during incidents. Support calls, billing, and contract negotiations all flow through a single relationship.

Comprehensive Feature Set
The platform covers most small business backup and security needs without requiring additional software purchases. The base package includes essential functions, from bare-metal recovery to behavioral malware detection.

Flexible Storage Options
Support for local, cloud, and hybrid storage configurations allows organizations to optimize for cost, performance, and compliance requirements. The ability to change storage targets without reconfiguring backup policies adds valuable flexibility.

Unlimited VM Licensing
Each server license covers unlimited virtual machines on that host, providing excellent value for virtualized environments. This licensing model scales well as organizations adopt virtualization technologies.

Areas for Improvement

Customer Support Consistency
User feedback indicates inconsistent support experiences, with some customers receiving helpful technical assistance while others reporting difficulty reaching knowledgeable representatives. Consistent support quality is important for critical infrastructure software.

Resource Consumption
Initial backups and security scans can impact system performance more than some competing solutions. Organizations with older hardware may need to schedule these operations during off-hours to minimize user impact.

Advanced Security Features
While the integrated security capabilities cover essential business needs, they don't match the sophistication of dedicated security platforms. Organizations facing advanced persistent threats may require additional security tools.

Pricing Complexity
The combination of device licensing and separate cloud storage costs can make total cost planning challenging. More transparent pricing calculators would help organizations accurately estimate their total investment.

Should You Choose Acronis Cyber Protect?

Best Fit Scenarios

You should consider Cyber Protect if:
– Your organization manages 10-100 endpoints with limited IT staff
– You currently use multiple vendors for backup and security
– Compliance requirements demand both backup validation and security monitoring
– Your environment includes mixed physical and virtual systems
– Operational simplicity outweighs specialized functionality in your priorities

Alternative Solutions Make Sense When

Look elsewhere if:
– Budget constraints require the absolute lowest cost solution
– Your security requirements demand cutting-edge threat detection
– You have dedicated staff who prefer specialized best-of-breed tools
– Your environment consists primarily of cloud-native applications
– Enterprise-scale features and performance are essential

Decision Framework

Start by evaluating your current vendor management overhead. If you're coordinating between multiple backup and security providers, Cyber Protect's integration benefits may justify its cost premium over separate solutions.

Consider your technical expertise level. Organizations with experienced IT teams may prefer specialized tools that offer more control and optimization options. Smaller teams often benefit from integrated solutions that reduce complexity.

Finally, assess your growth trajectory. Fast-growing organizations may outgrow integrated solutions and require more specialized tools as they scale. Stable organizations often find long-term value in simplified vendor relationships.

For organizations evaluating comprehensive security strategies, Cyber Protect can serve as a foundational element that integrates well with other security tools and policies.

Final Verdict

Acronis Cyber Protect successfully delivers on its premise of unified backup and security management, though users should understand the trade-offs between integration and specialization. The platform performs well for organizations that value operational simplicity over cutting-edge features in either backup or security domains.

The integrated approach provides practical benefits during incident response scenarios, where having backup and security data in one console can accelerate problem resolution. This operational efficiency often justifies the approach over separate specialized solutions for resource-constrained IT teams.

While customer support inconsistencies and resource consumption during operations are notable concerns, Cyber Protect represents a practical choice for organizations seeking to consolidate their infrastructure protection needs. The platform's combination of reliable backup functionality with adequate security features addresses the requirements of most small to medium businesses.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Bottom Line: Acronis Cyber Protect works well for organizations with 10-50 endpoints seeking to simplify vendor management while maintaining comprehensive data protection and essential security capabilities. Consider alternatives if you require cutting-edge security features or operate under strict budget constraints.

Try Acronis Cyber Protect with a 30-day free trial


This review reflects our testing and analysis as of January 2025. Product features and pricing may change. We may earn a commission from purchases made through affiliate links, which doesn't affect our editorial independence or the price you pay. Consider reading the official CISA backup recommendations alongside your vendor evaluation process for comprehensive guidance on building a secure backup strategy.

In 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a cornerstone of cybersecurity, offering both opportunities and challenges. While AI empowers businesses to strengthen their defenses, it also enables attackers to create more sophisticated and targeted threats. This dual use of AI can feel like navigating a double-edged sword for businesses. However, with careful planning and the right tools, small businesses can leverage AI to build robust security systems without overstretching their resources.

At iFeeltech, with over 20 years of IT experience, we’ve learned that cybersecurity is a moving target. Technology evolves rapidly, and staying secure requires constant adaptation. Sometimes, simply following trends is enough to stay protected. But with AI advancing so quickly, cybersecurity is becoming more fragmented, with countless tools and systems available. That’s why we advocate for simplicity—streamlining your tech stack makes managing and protecting your systems easier.

This article explores how attackers and defenders use AI in cybersecurity, why small businesses are often targeted, and how they can implement affordable AI-driven solutions. Small businesses can navigate this complex landscape by focusing on simplicity and fundamentals while staying ahead of evolving threats.

Read more

Running a small business is no easy task. You're juggling a million things at once, from managing employees and inventory to keeping customers happy. The last thing you need is to worry about cyberattacks. But with cybercrime on the rise, ensuring your business is protected is more important than ever. The good news is that you don't have to be a tech expert to keep your business safe. Artificial intelligence (AI) makes it easier for small businesses to defend themselves against cyber threats. AI-powered security tools can help you:

  • Detect and prevent cyberattacks: AI can analyze your network traffic to identify suspicious activity and block attacks before they can do any damage.
  • Protect your customer data: AI can help secure sensitive customer information, such as credit card numbers and addresses, from unauthorized access.
  • Prevent phishing scams: AI can identify and block phishing emails, preventing your employees from falling victim to these common scams.
  • Secure your point-of-sale systems: AI can help you protect your point-of-sale (POS) systems from malware and other threats, ensuring the safety of your customers' payment information.

Ai Cyber Security for Small Business

This article will explore how AI can help your small business stay safe from cyberattacks. We'll discuss the benefits of AI-powered security tools, provide real-world examples of how AI is being used to protect small businesses and offer practical advice on how you can get started with AI security.

Key Takeaway Description
AI is a powerful ally for small businesses AI-powered security tools can help small businesses level the playing field and protect themselves from cyber threats, even with limited resources.
Don't neglect the basics Strong passwords, regular software updates, and employee security awareness training are still essential for a strong security foundation.
AI can automate your defenses AI can automatically detect and respond to threats, freeing up your time and resources to focus on your business.
Choose the right AI tools for your needs Consider your budget, specific security concerns, and ease of use when selecting AI-powered security solutions.
Stay informed and be proactive The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving. Stay updated on the latest threats and security best practices to protect your business.
Get expert help if needed Consult a cybersecurity professional for guidance and support if unsure where to start with AI security.

How AI Helps Small Businesses Fight Cyber Threats

You might think that cybercriminals only target big corporations with deep pockets. But the truth is that small businesses are increasingly becoming victims of cyberattacks. In fact, a recent study found that 61% of small and medium-sized businesses experienced a cyberattack in the past year (Verizon, 2022).

Why are small businesses so vulnerable? Often, they lack the resources and expertise to implement sophisticated security measures. But that's where AI comes in. AI-powered security tools can help level the playing field, giving small businesses the same protection as larger enterprises.

AI: Your 24/7 Security Guard

Think of AI as a tireless security guard that never sleeps. It can constantly monitor your network for suspicious activity, even when you're not around. For example, AI can detect unusual login attempts, identify malware trying to infiltrate your systems, and even spot phishing emails before they reach your employees' inboxes.

Here are a few ways AI can help your small business stay safe:

  • Automated Threat Detection: AI can analyze massive amounts of data to identify patterns and anomalies that might indicate a cyberattack. This allows it to detect threats that might go unnoticed by traditional security systems.
  • Real-time Response: AI can respond to threats in real-time, automatically blocking malicious activity and preventing damage to your systems.
  • Predictive Analysis: AI can use historical data to predict future attacks, helping you proactively strengthen your defenses.
  • Vulnerability Management: AI can help you identify and prioritize vulnerabilities in your systems, making it easier to patch security holes before they can be exploited.

cyber security chart

Real-World Examples

Here are a few examples of how AI is being used to protect small businesses:

  • Retail stores: AI-powered security cameras can detect shoplifting and other suspicious activity, alerting staff in real-time.
  • Restaurants: AI can help protect point-of-sale (POS) systems from malware and credit card skimming attacks.
  • Healthcare providers: AI can help secure patient data and prevent unauthorized access to medical records.

By leveraging AI's power, small businesses can significantly enhance their security posture and reduce their risk of being victims of cybercrime.

A Practical Guide to Getting Started with AI Security

You might wonder where to start if you're a small business owner wanting to protect your business with AI. The good news is that several AI-powered security solutions are available that are designed to be user-friendly and effective, even for those without a dedicated IT team.

Here are a few tips for getting started:

  1. Start with the basics: Before using AI-powered tools, ensure you have fundamental security practices, such as strong passwords, regular software updates, and employee security awareness training.
  2. Identify your pain points: What are your biggest security concerns? Are you worried about ransomware, phishing attacks, or protecting sensitive customer data? Knowing this will help you choose the right tools.
  3. Consider your budget: AI security solutions vary in price, so it's important to find options that fit your budget. Some tools offer flexible pricing plans based on your business's size.
  4. Look for ease of use: Choose easy tools to set up and manage, even if you don't have a dedicated IT staff. Many solutions offer intuitive dashboards and automated features.

Which Ai Tool to Adopt

Here are a few specific AI-powered security solutions that you might consider:

  • ThreatDown by Malwarebytes: This solution simplifies endpoint detection and response (EDR). It uses AI to identify and stop computer and server threats, providing real-time protection against malware, ransomware, and other attacks. ThreatDown is designed to be easy to use and manage, making it a good option for small businesses with limited IT resources.
  • Huntress: Huntress specializes in managed detection and response (MDR). It uses AI to proactively hunt for threats and provide 24/7 threat monitoring, analysis, and remediation. This means you have a team of security experts working behind the scenes to keep your business safe. Huntress is particularly effective at detecting and stopping persistent threats that can evade traditional antivirus software.
  • Microsoft Defender: Built into Windows, Microsoft Defender offers a solid foundation for security. It includes antivirus, firewall, and intrusion prevention capabilities, all enhanced with AI. While the basic features are free, you can upgrade to Microsoft 365 Business Premium for more advanced AI-powered features like automated investigation and response. This can be a cost-effective option for businesses already using Microsoft products.
  • Unifi Gateway with Threat Management: If you're using Unifi networking equipment, their gateway with Threat Management offers a good first line of defense. It uses AI to identify and block malicious traffic, protecting your network from intrusions and malware. This is a good option for businesses looking to integrate AI security into their existing network infrastructure.

Important Note: It's always best to consult a cybersecurity professional to determine your business's security needs and choose the right tools for your unique situation.

Taking the Next Step: Securing Your Business with AI

AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it's a powerful tool to help small businesses like yours stay ahead of cyber threats. By understanding the benefits of AI-powered security and taking the steps to implement the right solutions, you can significantly strengthen your defenses and protect your valuable assets.

Remember these key takeaways:

  • AI can level the playing field: AI-powered security tools give small businesses access to advanced threat detection and response capabilities that were once only available to large enterprises.
  • Start with the basics: Strong passwords, regular software updates, and employee training are still crucial foundations for good security.
  • Choose the right tools for your needs: When selecting AI-powered security solutions, consider your budget, your specific security concerns, and their ease of use.
  • Stay informed: The cybersecurity landscape constantly evolves, so it's essential to stay up-to-date on the latest threats and security best practices.

Don't wait until it's too late. Take action today to protect your business with the power of AI.

Need help getting started? Contact ifeeltech.com for a free consultation. Our team of experts can help you assess your security needs and recommend the right AI-powered solutions for your business.

The workplace has undergone a permanent transformation. Remote and hybrid work models are here to stay, offering businesses and employees greater flexibility. However, this shift has exposed a critical vulnerability: cybersecurity. With employees accessing company data from various locations, often using personal devices and less secure home networks, the risk of cyberattacks has significantly increased.

This article will explore the evolving cybersecurity landscape for remote workers in 2024. We'll uncover the latest threats facing businesses, offer actionable strategies, and share insights to help safeguard your business and empower your remote workforce to stay cyber-secure.

Read more