Acronis Email Security - Detailed Review
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Acronis Email Security - Product Overview
Acronis Email Security Overview
Acronis Email Security, integrated into the Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud, is a comprehensive solution aimed at protecting email communications from a wide range of threats. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features:Primary Function
The primary function of Acronis Email Security is to intercept and block email-borne threats before they reach the end-users. This includes protecting against spam, phishing, business email compromise (BEC), account takeover (ATO), malware, advanced persistent threats (APTs), and zero-day attacks.Target Audience
This solution is primarily targeted at Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT leaders who manage email security for their clients. It is also beneficial for organizations using Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or on-premises email servers.Key Features
Multi-Layered Protection
Acronis Email Security employs a multi-layered approach, including reputation-based filters, IP reputation checks, and advanced threat detection. This helps in blocking malicious messages and flagging suspicious emails.Threat Intelligence
The solution combines threat intelligence from six leading sources and Perception Point’s custom engine to stay ahead of emerging threats. This includes URL reputation engines and unique image recognition technology to identify malicious URLs and prevent spoofing.Advanced Detection
It uses AI-based static and behavioral heuristic detection to protect against advanced threats. This includes scanning multiple URLs, files, and documents for malware.Incident Response
The service offers an incident response feature where cybersecurity experts from Perception Point can analyze suspicious files or emails and provide detailed reports.Scalability and Speed
Acronis Email Security scans 100% of email traffic without causing delays, ensuring that all threats are caught, even those delivered via internal email addresses. By integrating these features, Acronis Email Security provides a holistic and effective solution for protecting email communications from various types of threats. Acronis Email Security - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of Acronis Advanced Email Security, powered by Perception Point, is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it accessible for a wide range of users, including those in small businesses.Ease of Use
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud, which includes the Advanced Email Security feature, is praised for its ease of use. The interface is described as “intuitive” and “touch-friendly,” ensuring a smooth and efficient user experience. This means that managing email security does not require a significant time investment from IT resources.Setup and Deployment
Setting up Acronis Advanced Email Security is straightforward. The process involves a simple one-click deployment, which integrates seamlessly with existing security solutions. This ease of setup is highlighted in configuration videos that guide users through the process of enabling Advanced Email Security in their tenant.User Experience
The user experience is enhanced by a clear and organized dashboard. Users can easily assess the client’s threat landscape at a glance through graphic dashboards and various reporting options. This includes ad hoc reports and usage reports, which are useful for billing purposes and monitoring the protection of mailboxes.Customization and Control
Users have significant control over what is considered spam, allowing them to minimize junk emails and reduce storage and archiving costs. The system also allows for setting up rules and filters, giving users the flexibility to customize their email security according to their needs.Support and Reporting
While the reporting templates may not be as robust as some users might prefer, the reports are better when exported to Excel. The system also offers incident response services, where cybersecurity experts can analyze incidents and provide detailed reports, further enhancing the user experience.Conclusion
Overall, Acronis Advanced Email Security offers a user-friendly interface that is easy to set up and manage, providing a seamless and efficient experience for users. Acronis Email Security - Key Features and Functionality
Acronis Advanced Email Security
Acronis Advanced Email Security is a comprehensive, AI-driven solution that offers several key features to protect businesses from a wide range of email-borne threats. Here are the main features and how they work:
Multi-Layered Protection
Acronis Advanced Email Security employs a multi-layered approach to safeguard email communications. This includes reputation-based filtering, SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) record checks to drastically reduce unwanted and malicious emails.
Advanced Threat Detection
The solution leverages machine learning and advanced threat intelligence from multiple sources, including six market-leading technologies and Perception Point’s unique engine. This allows for the identification and neutralization of threats, including phishing, BEC (Business Email Compromise), malware, and zero-day attacks. AI-powered algorithms analyze email traffic to identify patterns indicative of malicious activity more accurately than traditional security solutions.
Real-Time Threat Defense
Acronis Advanced Email Security can block threats within seconds, minimizing delays and potential damage. It uses CPU-level technology to detect and block advanced attacks such as APTs (Advanced Persistent Threats) and zero-day attacks at the exploit stage by identifying deviations from normal execution flow during runtime.
URL and File Analysis
The system recursively unpacks content into smaller units (files and URLs) and dynamically checks them using multiple engines. This process is significantly faster than legacy sandboxing solutions, taking under 30 seconds compared to 20 minutes. Additionally, it uses four leading URL reputation engines combined with Perception Point’s advanced image recognition technology to validate the legitimacy of URLs.
Anti-Spam and Anti-Spoofing
Acronis Advanced Email Security includes anti-spam and anti-spoofing features that block malicious communications using reputation-based filters and machine-learning algorithms. It also prevents payload-less attacks such as spoofing, look-alike domains, and display name deception with high precision.
Integration and Deployment
The solution seamlessly integrates with popular email platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, as well as on-premises email servers. This cloud-based deployment simplifies management and reduces operational complexity.
Automated Incident Response
AI-driven automated response capabilities allow the system to quarantine malicious emails, block suspicious attachments, or alert security teams for further investigation. This automation minimizes response times and reduces manual intervention, helping to mitigate the impact of email-based attacks.
Threat Intelligence and Compliance
Acronis Advanced Email Security leverages real-time threat intelligence feeds from multiple sources to stay ahead of emerging threats. It also provides detailed tracking for compliance and incident analysis, helping businesses meet security standards and regulations. The solution includes audit trails and improved email protection to ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
Support and Analysis
The system offers direct access to cyber analysts who act as an extension of the service delivery team. These analysts monitor customer traffic, analyze malicious intent, and handle false positives, remediation, and release when required, providing ongoing reporting and support.
Conclusion
In summary, Acronis Advanced Email Security is a powerful tool that integrates AI and machine learning to provide comprehensive protection against various email threats, ensuring the security and compliance of business communications.
Acronis Email Security - Performance and Accuracy
Evaluation of Acronis Email Security Performance
Detection Accuracy
Acronis Email Security, powered by Perception Point, demonstrates high detection accuracy against various email-borne threats. It uses multiple layers of protection, including AI-based static and behavioral heuristic detection, signature-based detection, URL reputation checks, and unique image-recognition algorithms. This multi-layered approach helps in detecting and blocking threats such as spam, phishing, business email compromise (BEC), malware, advanced persistent threats (APTs), and zero-day attacks before they reach the end users’ inboxes.Advanced Threat Detection
The solution is particularly effective in detecting hidden malicious content by recursively unpacking attached or embedded files and URLs, and then analyzing each element separately using dynamic and static detection engines. This capability is crucial for identifying and mitigating advanced evasion techniques employed by cybercriminals.False Positives and Legitimate Accuracy
While Acronis Email Security has a high detection rate, there is a mention of potential false positives in other contexts (though not specifically for email security). However, the general approach of Acronis products is to minimize false positives. For instance, in the context of EDR solutions, Acronis achieved a Legitimate Accuracy Rating of 77%, which, although not perfect, indicates efforts to reduce misclassifications.Real-World Performance
Real-world scenarios and user testimonials highlight the effectiveness of Acronis Email Security. For example, a managing partner of Hawkins Technologies reported significant improvements in filtering out suspicious email content after switching to Acronis Advanced Email Security, indicating practical success in real-world applications.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
One of the limitations mentioned in the broader context of Acronis products is the potential for false positives, which can lead to some legitimate applications or URLs being misclassified as threats. However, these issues are typically addressed quickly by Acronis specialists after analysis. In terms of email security specifically, traditional limitations such as reliance on static rules and the inability to scan embedded URLs or images are addressed by Acronis’s use of dynamic scanning and multiple threat intelligence sources. However, managing and configuring such advanced security solutions can still be resource-intensive, although Acronis aims to streamline this process with features like easy deployment and integrated incident response.Conclusion
Acronis Email Security demonstrates strong performance and accuracy in detecting and mitigating email-borne threats. Its multi-layered security approach, powered by AI and advanced detection techniques, ensures comprehensive protection against a wide range of threats. While there may be some limitations related to false positives and resource management, the overall effectiveness and ease of use make it a strong contender in the email security market. Acronis Email Security - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Structure for Acronis Email Security
The pricing structure for Acronis Email Security, which is part of the Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud suite, can be outlined as follows:Pricing Model
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud, including its email security features, operates on a per-workload pricing model. This means you pay based on the number of devices or workloads you need to protect.Email Security Specifics
The Advanced Email Security feature, powered by Perception Point, is available as an add-on to the Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud.- Advanced Email Security: This is not a standalone plan but an additional feature that can be added to your existing Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud subscription. It costs £2.20 per item.
Features
Here are some key features included in the Advanced Email Security add-on:- Anti-Spam: Filters and IP reputation checks to root out spam.
- Anti-Evasion: Analyzes embedded files and URLs to detect evasive techniques used by cybercriminals.
- Threat Intelligence: Utilizes multiple threat intelligence services to enhance protection.
Plans and Tiers
While the Advanced Email Security is an add-on, here are the broader plans for Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud:- Standard: Designed for small to medium environments, costing $85 (or equivalent in other currencies). It includes 50GB of Acronis cloud storage.
- Advanced: For large IT environments, costing $129 (or equivalent in other currencies). It includes additional features like centralized management of backup plans, backup to tapes, and more.
- Backup Advanced: Costs $109 (or equivalent in other currencies) and is positioned between the Standard and Advanced tiers in terms of features and pricing.
Free Options
There is no free version of Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud or its Advanced Email Security feature. However, Acronis offers a 30-day free trial for Cyber Protect Cloud, allowing you to test the features before committing to a paid plan. Acronis Email Security - Integration and Compatibility
Acronis Email Security Overview
Acronis Email Security, integrated into the Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud, offers a comprehensive and seamless integration with various tools and platforms, ensuring broad compatibility and enhanced cybersecurity.Integration with Broader Cybersecurity Ecosystem
Acronis Email Security is part of the Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud, which unifies cybersecurity, data protection, and endpoint protection management. This integration allows Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to manage email security alongside other cyber protection services from a single, unified console. The solution seamlessly integrates with endpoint security solutions, network firewalls, and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms, enabling a cohesive defense-in-depth strategy.Compatibility Across Email Platforms
The Advanced Email Security pack supports a wide range of email platforms, including Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Open-Xchange, and any on-premises mail servers. This broad compatibility ensures that MSPs can protect their clients’ email inboxes regardless of the email service they use.Real-Time Threat Intelligence and AI-Driven Security
Acronis Email Security leverages AI and real-time threat intelligence feeds to detect and mitigate email-based threats. This includes phishing, spoofing, business email compromises (BECs), advanced persistent threats (APTs), and zero-day attacks. The AI-driven approach automates response actions, such as quarantining malicious emails and blocking suspicious attachments, reducing the need for manual intervention and enhancing response times.Scalability and Performance
The solution is engineered to scale and cover 100% of email traffic, with the ability to scan emails in as little as 30 seconds. This is a significant improvement over legacy sandboxing technologies, which can delay malware verdicts by up to 20 minutes. This scalability and speed ensure that all email traffic is protected without compromising performance.Customization and Configuration
MSPs can customize and configure the Advanced Email Security solution to align with the specific security policies, compliance requirements, and risk tolerance levels of each client. This flexibility allows for a tailored approach to email security, ensuring that the solution meets the unique needs of each client.Conclusion
In summary, Acronis Email Security integrates seamlessly with a wide range of tools and platforms, offering broad compatibility and advanced cybersecurity features. Its AI-driven approach, real-time threat intelligence, and scalable performance make it a comprehensive solution for protecting against email-borne threats. Acronis Email Security - Customer Support and Resources
Support Options for Acronis Email Security
When you need support or resources related to Acronis Email Security, which is part of the Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud suite, here are the various options and resources available to you:Contact Support
You can reach Acronis customer support through several channels:- Phone Support: You can call their helpline at 1 781-782-9000 for immediate assistance.
- Live Chat: Acronis offers live chat support on their website, where you can start a chat with a live agent.
- Contact Form: You can submit a request via their contact form available on the website.
- Social Media: Acronis has an active presence on platforms like Reddit, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube, where you can reach out for support.
Self-Service Support
For those who prefer to find solutions on their own, Acronis provides a comprehensive set of resources:- Knowledge Base: This includes detailed articles, FAQs, and tutorials that cover a wide range of topics related to their products.
- Community Forum: You can engage with other users and experts in the community forum to find answers to common issues.
Advanced Resources
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud, which includes the Advanced Email Security pack, offers additional tools and features:- Advanced Email Security Pack: This pack, powered by Perception Point, detects and stops email-borne threats such as spam, phishing, and zero-day malware attacks.
- Training and Sales Enablement: For service providers, Acronis offers training materials, sales enablement resources, and ready-to-launch marketing campaigns through the Acronis Partner Portal.
Integrated Security Solutions
The Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud integrates backup, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity into one comprehensive solution. This includes features like vulnerability assessments, device discovery, hardware inventory, and remote desktop access, all managed from a single intuitive interface. By leveraging these support channels and resources, you can effectively address any issues or questions you have regarding Acronis Email Security and the broader Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud suite. Acronis Email Security - Pros and Cons
Advantages
Comprehensive Protection
Acronis Email Security offers a broad range of security functionalities, including advanced threat protection, spam filtering, malware detection, and phishing protection. It leverages powerful threat intelligence, signature-based detection, URL reputation checks, and unique image recognition algorithms to block various email-borne threats such as spam, phishing, business email compromise (BEC), and zero-day attacks.Advanced Threat Detection
The solution uses AI-based static and behavioral anti-malware analysis to combat zero-day threats and other sophisticated attacks. This includes the ability to recursively unpack and dynamically check content, which is faster and more effective than traditional sandboxing methods.Seamless Integration
Acronis Email Security integrates seamlessly with cloud-based email platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, eliminating the need for additional infrastructure or complex setup. This integration simplifies deployment and management for organizations.Centralized Management
The solution provides a centralized management interface, allowing administrators to configure and monitor security settings across the organization from a single dashboard. This streamlines the management process and reduces the risk of misconfigurations.Automatic Updates
Acronis Email Security receives automatic updates and patches, ensuring that security measures remain current against emerging threats. This reduces the manual effort required to keep security measures up to date.Scalability
The solution is highly scalable and adaptable to the changing needs of organizations. It can easily accommodate increased email traffic and new security requirements without significant infrastructure changes or upgrades.Encryption and Data Protection
Acronis Email Security includes features like email encryption and data loss prevention (DLP) to protect sensitive information and prevent users from sending private data to unauthorized parties.Disadvantages
Resource Intensity
While the centralized management is a benefit, the initial setup and ongoing maintenance of such a comprehensive solution can still be resource-intensive. Administrators need to ensure all settings are correctly configured to avoid any gaps in security coverage.Dependency on Cloud Infrastructure
For cloud deployment, the management server is located in Acronis data centers, which might introduce a dependency on cloud infrastructure. This could be a concern for organizations with strict on-premises requirements or those with limited internet connectivity.Potential Downtime Risks
Although less likely with Acronis Email Security compared to traditional Secure Email Gateways (SEGs), any cloud-based solution carries the risk of downtime or disruptions. This could result in email service outages and leave the organization vulnerable during such periods.Cost Considerations
Implementing Acronis Email Security might involve costs associated with subscription licenses, especially for advanced features and larger storage capacities. This could be a consideration for smaller organizations or those with budget constraints. In summary, Acronis Email Security offers a highly comprehensive and integrated solution for email security, with significant advantages in terms of protection, integration, and management. However, it also requires careful consideration of resource intensity, infrastructure dependencies, and potential costs. Acronis Email Security - Comparison with Competitors
Features and Strengths of Acronis Email Security
- Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud includes email security features such as AI-driven threat detection, phishing protection, and malware protection. It integrates well with the broader suite of backup, disaster recovery, and endpoint management tools.
- It is known for its seamless cloud integration, responsive customer support, and easy deployment process.
Alternatives and Competitors
Barracuda Email Gateway Defense
- Barracuda offers advanced email filtering, malware protection, and phishing protection, making it a strong contender in email security specialization. It is particularly beneficial for industries handling sensitive information like healthcare and finance due to its compliance measures and seamless integration with existing IT infrastructures.
- While Barracuda has a higher initial cost, it provides extensive features including encryption, archiving, and continuity, which can justify the expense for businesses prioritizing email security.
Proofpoint Email Protection
- Proofpoint Email Protection is another strong alternative, focusing on secure email gateways and advanced threat protection. It scores highly in terms of user satisfaction, especially among enterprises, and is known for its effective email security features.
- Proofpoint is highly recommended by users, with a high likelihood to recommend score, indicating strong customer satisfaction.
Securiti AI
- While not exclusively an email security tool, Securiti AI offers a comprehensive data privacy and security platform that includes features relevant to email security, such as data consent automation and sensitive data discovery. It is particularly strong in automating compliance tasks and providing real-time visibility into data usage patterns.
- Securiti AI is more focused on broader data governance and protection but can be an excellent choice for organizations seeking a unified solution that includes email security as part of its overall data management strategy.
Unique Features and Considerations
Pricing and ROI
- Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud is noted for its affordable pricing structure and quick ROI, making it attractive for businesses looking for cost-effective solutions.
Integration and Deployment
- Acronis stands out with its easy deployment process and seamless cloud integration, which can be a significant advantage for businesses seeking minimal disruption during implementation.
Specialization
- If email security is the primary focus, Barracuda Email Gateway Defense might be more suitable due to its specialized features and strong reputation in this area. However, if a more integrated solution that includes backup, disaster recovery, and endpoint management is needed, Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud could be the better choice.
In summary, Acronis Email Security is part of a broader suite that offers integrated backup, recovery, and security features, making it a versatile option. However, for businesses with a strong emphasis on specialized email security, alternatives like Barracuda Email Gateway Defense or Proofpoint Email Protection might offer more targeted solutions. For those needing a comprehensive data privacy and security platform, Securiti AI could be an excellent alternative.
Acronis Email Security - Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Acronis Advanced Email Security, along with detailed responses:
What security technologies does Acronis Advanced Email Security use?
Acronis Advanced Email Security employs multiple advanced technologies, including threat intelligence, signature-based detection, anti-spam and reputation-based filters, reputation engines, advanced image recognition technology, CPU-level blocking, and machine learning with IP reputation, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC record checks.How does Acronis Advanced Email Security protect against phishing and spoofing attempts?
This solution uses powerful threat intelligence, signature-based detection, and advanced image recognition algorithms to stop phishing and spoofing attempts before they reach the end-users. It also includes anti-phishing and anti-spoofing engines to provide comprehensive protection.Is Acronis Advanced Email Security compliant with regulatory requirements?
Yes, Acronis Advanced Email Security is compliant with several regulatory standards, including SOC2, HIPAA, GDPR, and CCPA.Does Acronis Advanced Email Security require additional agent installation?
No, Acronis Advanced Email Security is a cloud-native, API-based deployment that integrates directly into the email system. However, MX record configurations may be needed when protecting on-premises email solutions.How is Acronis Advanced Email Security licensed and priced?
Acronis Advanced Email Security is licensed per unique user. It does not charge separately for shared or group mailboxes. The pricing is £2.20 per item in the context of Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud.What types of mailboxes does Acronis Advanced Email Security protect?
Acronis Advanced Email Security protects cloud mailboxes such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Open-Xchange, as well as on-premises mail servers with the necessary MX record configurations.Can all emails from external domains be flagged?
Yes, you can flag emails with customizable banners based on policies and rules, providing end-users with additional contextual information about emails received from sources outside the company’s domain.Does the management console support multi-factor authentication (MFA)?
Yes, both the Acronis and Perception Point portals support MFA and have functionality built in. MFA is strongly recommended to be enabled, especially for accounts with privileged access.Who provides technical support for Acronis Advanced Email Security?
The technical support for Acronis Advanced Email Security is typically provided by the partner or service provider, such as US Signal’s Technical Operations Center (TOC) for their customers. Incident Response services are delivered by the Perception Point team.Can Acronis Advanced Email Security protect other collaboration tools like Zoom or Slack?
No, Acronis Advanced Email Security is specifically designed to protect cloud mailboxes and does not extend its protection to other collaboration tools like Zoom or Slack.Is the user interface of Acronis Advanced Email Security available in multiple languages?
Currently, the user interface of Acronis Advanced Email Security is only available in English, although it can detect threats in emails in other languages. There are plans to implement support for other languages gradually. Acronis Email Security - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Acronis Advanced Email Security
Acronis Advanced Email Security is a comprehensive and highly effective solution for protecting against a wide range of email-based threats. Here’s a detailed look at its benefits and who would most benefit from using it.Key Features and Benefits
Comprehensive Threat Protection
This solution blocks various email threats, including spam, phishing, business email compromise (BEC), account takeover (ATO), malware, advanced persistent threats (APTs), and zero-day attacks. By intercepting these threats early, it reduces the risk of data breaches and financial losses.
Real-time Threat Defense
Acronis Advanced Email Security can block phishing, spoofing, and zero-day attacks in real-time, ensuring that these threats do not reach the user’s inbox. This is achieved through advanced technologies like machine learning, threat intelligence, URL reputation checks, and image-recognition algorithms.
Advanced Threat Detection
The solution employs recursive unpacking of embedded files and URLs, along with dynamic and static detection engines, to catch sophisticated evasion techniques used by cybercriminals. This ensures that even hidden malicious content is identified and neutralized.
Seamless Integration
It integrates easily with popular email platforms such as Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, making deployment and management straightforward.
Efficient Security Management
The user-friendly interface and centralized console allow for efficient monitoring, detection, and response to potential threats, saving time and resources.
Who Would Benefit Most
Businesses
Any business relying heavily on email communication would greatly benefit from Acronis Advanced Email Security. Given that email remains the primary vector for cyber attacks, this solution is crucial for protecting sensitive information and maintaining compliance with data protection regulations.
Managed Service Providers (MSPs)
MSPs can leverage this solution to offer enhanced security services to their clients. The fast detection speeds (less than 30 seconds) and comprehensive threat protection make it an attractive offering for MSPs looking to protect their clients’ email communications effectively.
Organizations with High Security Needs
Entities that handle sensitive data, such as financial institutions, healthcare providers, and government agencies, would find this solution particularly valuable due to its advanced threat detection and prevention capabilities.
Overall Recommendation
Acronis Advanced Email Security is a highly recommended solution for anyone seeking robust email security. Its ability to detect and block a wide range of threats in real-time, combined with its seamless integration and efficient management features, makes it an excellent choice for businesses and MSPs alike. The partnership with Perception Point adds additional layers of security, ensuring that the solution stays ahead of evolving threats.
In summary, if you are looking for a reliable and comprehensive email security solution that can protect your business from the myriad of email-based threats, Acronis Advanced Email Security is an excellent option to consider.