iDrive versus Ransomware

What Makes iDrive Unique?

With just one iDrive account you can back up, restore, and sync data among an unlimited number of Windows PCs, Macs, iPhones, iPads and Android mobile devices. All of your data from desktop computers, laptops, smartphones and tablets can be kept in one secure place, neatly organized and accessible from anywhere.

So what does this have to do with ransomware? I'll tell you... Every week I read stories about individuals, schools, businesses, and government offices caught up in a ransomware attack. Their files are locked and encrypted. A message on their screen directs them to pay a "ransom" which can range from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of dollars. For most people, there are only two choices: pay up or kiss your files goodbye.

But for those who have a secure cloud-based backup, you can easily restore all your locked files and get back to good.

The iDrive Personal plan normally costs about $5/month for 2 Terabytes of online backup space. But because I think iDrive is the best cloud backup solution, I've negotiated a special deal for my readers. If you sign up with this link you'll get a 95% discount on your first year of iDrive, and up to 5 Terabytes of storage. So your price will be just $3.48!

There's a really nice perk that comes with an iDrive subscription -- you get one free Express Backup per year. Here's why that's so nice: iDrive sends you a portable external drive, you fill it with your initial large backup and mail it back (with free return shipping), saving time and bandwidth. The result is a MUCH quicker initial backup and upload process. Without the Express service, it would take SEVERAL WEEKS to upload five terabytes of data, assuming a decent broadband internet connection. Data is encrypted before transit, so you needn't worry about privacy.

iDrive Features

iDrive’s user interface is wonderfully intuitive, simple, and fool-resistant. :-) It makes management of multiple devices (PCs, Macs, smartphones, tablets) simple, regardless of how many devices and operating systems you mix and match. You can even use your mobile device to access files backed up from a PC or Mac.

iDrive backs up data incrementally, copying only changes made to files since they were last backed up; this saves space and upload bandwidth. iDrive also saves up to 30 past versions of a file so you can restore it to a previous state if you accidentally lose or damage a file.

Selected files of less than 500 MB can be backed up continually so that they’re sent to iDrive the moment they’re modified or at 10, 20, or 30 minute intervals. Lower-priority backup tasks can be scheduled conveniently. There’s even a daily backup scheduled by default for the forgetful.

If you have a limited monthly data allotment, you'll pleased that iDrive's bandwidth management functions are robust. They include an exclusion list for certain files, compression, and the smarts to transfer only the modified portions of a file.

When you need to restore a file from your backup, it's equally easy and intuitive. Restore features include a handy search function; folder tree browsing; and restore of files or folders with a single click. You can initiate a restore from your desktop, mobile or a web browser, so wherever you are, your backups are available.

iDrive is My Recommendation for Cloud Backup

Getting back to the ransomware problem, you may be wondering why you'd need iDrive's cloud backup if you're already making backups to a local external hard drive. The answer is "smart criminals." When ransomware first arrived, it would target only your system (C:) drive. But later "improvements" in the diabolical software extended its reach to other connected devices, such as flash drives, external backup drives, and networked folders. So a ransomware attack can scramble any locally reachable data, and even infect other computers on a local network. But if your backup resides in secure password-protected cloud storage, it's beyond the reach of ransomware.

iDrive shows how gracefully a venerable product can mature, instead of degenerating into obsolescence or bloated feature-itis. It's a backup service that's easy to use, with advanced features for those who need them. Support for backup and sharing of data with your PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android smartphone or tablet sets iDrive apart from the competition.

The free Express service is another unique feature that I don't see anywhere else. By way of comparison, the Mozy Data Shuttle service (for those who can still access it) costs a minimum of $275, and requires a $20/month Mozy Pro account. Crashplan no longer offers the Seeded Backup option. Carbonite doesn't offer the express seed/shuttle service at all.

If you're considering online backup -- and given the ever-increasing ransomware threat, I believe you should -- iDrive is my recommendation. PC Magazine gave it their Editor's Choice award for best backup five years in a row. In my opinion, it's currently the best of breed online backup solution with an excellent price point, and right now you can take advantage of the 95% discount for AskBob readers.