ATIH 2017 password security not very secure
After creating a password protected encrypted image, ATI asks for a password when attempting to open or mount an image, but from then on, allows free and open access to anyone clicking on the image. The password dialong is not required again until I restart the computer. Not very secure, given that I generally may not reboot for a month or more (system sleeps rather than shuts down).
So whats the deal? Is this by design, or another Acronis bug that will never get fixed?
Thanks for any input.
Hi Steve, thanks for your response. I wonder at the logic of that, as it is a definite weak link in security. I would expect that the password would be required when the image is dismounted (or ending an image browsing session). Even ejecting the external drive containing the image does not trigger the password request. Rebooting or logging back on could easily be forgotten.
Due to the perpetual scheduling bugs in ATI, I've been using the free version of 'that other imaging software', which has worked flawlessly. I've been hesitant to buy because they are a bit expensive, even the upgrades. But I have to say that they have a much better product, both in design and use. And when a password protected image is dismounted and remounted again in the same user session, the password requirement is triggered.
I guess the upshot is that, while I've been dissatisfied with many aspects of Acronis, the images rarely fail to restore and that is the main event. But little by little, the lack of sound reasoning in the features and the bugs that never get fixed have pushed me more and more to 'the other software'. A shame, given that I've been using ATI since v7.
I'm now using the free version of the 'other' on several machines here and find it's met my needs. And now, I will buy the paid version for at least one. Honestly, I wish Acronis could get it together.
Rant over. And thanks again for not only this response, but for your commitment to supporting ATI. You and a few others have provided helpful and accurate answers for many users over the years. Much appreciated.
Andros, I have no issues with the wish of any users who want to have a rant - that is what makes life more interesting and we all need to do the same from time to time!
The choice about which specific backup product to use is yours alone to make - I also use the free version of another imaging product from time to time and have found it to be capable of doing what I need at those times though I do like the extra options that ATI offers but can live with doing just differential backups when working on computers for friends & neighbours.
The password issue hasn't really been a problem for me - I mainly use this for backups going to the Acronis Cloud or when testing.
The password issue is just one more in a long trail of issues. Many of them minor, but annoying to deal with. But the scheduling issues were the main reason I switched. Nothing seemed to make a difference, including complete removal as per guide and re-install. Even on new system installs, the scheduled images would just eventually fail to run. I'd have to delete the scheduled event and create a new one to a different folder. And then It'd work for a while, then eventually fail.
'That other software' has manages to make scheduling problem free, and what's more, they understand the security flaw I mentioned in this thread. Their password protected images are only available until dismounted. If re-mounted in the same user session, a pw is required for access.
My plan is that I will use the 'other' paid version on my production machine, the free version on all other machines. That pretty much covers my needs. I will keep ATI around for occasional use. The price is mostly pretty cheap. And I have absolutely no problems with Disk Director. It always works well.
How long do your cloud backups take? Resources?
Cloud backup times vary depending on a number of variables, so no easy formula here!
My recent activity for my Cloud backup using ATI 2018 shows as follows:
So the backup this morning was 1 hour 19 mins but the average is just under 6 hours. I run 2 copies of Windows 10 OS on this laptop, one being the latest Insiders Build so is changing fairly often with new upgrades. I typically leave the Cloud backup running overnight and check when I am up the next morning! Broadband ISP upload rates are a factor here - mine are around 5MBps up and upto 100MBps down.
Thanks for the elaboration, Steve - apologies for the delayed response. I know cloud backups can be a lifesaver. One of those things I'll eventually get around to.
That said, I've solved all the issues I had with ATI by moving on to that 'other software'. The password issue is dealt with properly, the scheduling does what it's supposed to do, no bloat, no flooding the system with system files and services.
Honestly, I don't know why I waited for so long. It's an elegant backup solution that's simple, unintrusive and has a very small footprint. One paid version for my production machine and the free version for the others, which have specific purposes and don't require regular backups. Life is simpler.
At any rate, thanks for your always useful input.