Top 4 Windows Alternatives to CrashPlan for Consumers

As of Aug. 22, 2016, Code42 began phasing out its CrashPlan for Home cloud services in order to focus specifically on small business and enterprise audiences. The phase out began with the elimination of new or renewed home storage services and will be completely phased out on Oct. 23, 2018. For those who have not planned for the phase-out, now is the time.

There are many other cloud solutions available and most offer storage with limited space, just as CrashPlan did. If you need more space to cover all your files, premium services are available and you can upgrade your account to suit what you need. The programs mentioned here are based on having one Windows OS system with backups on the same PC. However, many companies allow uploading and downloading on multiple devices. Here are some great alternatives to Code 42’s CrashPlan for Home.

1. Carbonite

According to 9to5Mac.com, Code24 recommends Carbonite to existing CrashPlan for Home members and all users of the home plan can receive a 50 percent discount to switch. Carbonite offers unlimited storage for as low as $59.99 per year (plus discount), so you will have plenty of room for all those images, files, spreadsheets, and other data you decide to back up. Other plans are available with advanced features, such as backing up external hard drives.

Carbonite uses 128-bit, military-grade encryption on all your files, along with Transport Layer Security (TLS/SSL) protocols. Existing users should receive information on switching. Carbonite makes the process simple and all you need to do is verify your email and create your account. They do the rest.

2. SpiderOak One

SpiderOak One by SpiderOak provides end-to-end encryption for file sharing and backups to protect from ransomware, data loss, and privacy theft. SpiderOak is offering CrashPlan for Home members a 30 percent discount on all plans, in addition to the standard 21-day trial.

The backup software encrypts data before leaving the computer, during transit, and on the SpiderOak servers. A combination of 2048-bit RSA and 256-bit AES encryption is used to secure your files. Nobody has access to your files, even employees. Plans start as low as $5 per month or $59 annually. Add the 30 percent discount and your making out well, while enjoying a secure backup process.

3. Backblaze

Backblaze offers unlimited space for all accounts and includes backups for external hard drives. Files get encrypted on the machine, are transferred using a secure SSL connection, and are stored as encrypted data in the Backblaze datacenter. When you login to your account, your private key decrypts the data. Two-factor authentication is also available for a more secure login. You can also select a user passphrase to encrypt your private key if you desire. Backblaze welcomes CrashPlan for Home users, but offers no discount. However, the rates are already competitive and the software is chock-full of features. You can get an account for as low as $5 per month or $50 annually.

4. Acronis True Image

Acronis is another cloud storage option at the forefront of file backup operations with its True Image personal backup software. Pricing starts as low as $49.99 per year for the “Advanced” subscription and includes 250GB. There is a “Standard” package, but that does NOT include cloud storage.

True Image allows both an internal backup and a cloud backup for the “Advanced” package or above. This is a good additional feature because you should always have more than one backup that also resides in different locations. Data is stored in one of its data centers that you choose. The closer it is, the faster the functionality. All data centers use SSAE-16 encryption and are Tier IV certified.

No matter which backup software you switch to, file protection is important. You never know when a virus will strike or malware will take over. You certainly will not expect ransomware to infiltrate your Windows Operating System, but it can. Having backups of your most important files in the cloud allows you to retrieve them once you have your computer back up and running safely. In addition, remote files need to have protection too and these four software programs can help keep your digital life safe and secure. Be sure to check out each one to see more details on their security features and benefits.

David Molnar is CEO of Dave’s Computers, a leader in computer repair and data recovery in New Jersey. LIKE Dave’s Computers’ Facebook page to stay current on computer issues and trends – you might even find some “computer humor” there! Subscribe to Dave’s blog for additional computer tips and tricks.

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