Veeam Endpoint Backup Free 1.5 released

Veeam Endpoint Backup Free 1.5 is a new version of the backup program for the Windows operating system.

The program has come far since the release of the first beta version, and version 1.5 of it introduces a batch of new features that make it even more interesting than before.

But first, it is required that you create an account on the site before you are allowed to download the free backup program to your system.

The program recommends to create recovery media during installation which you can use if the Windows system fails to boot. You may create recovery media from within the program as well if you don't create it during installation.

Veeam Endpoint Backup Free 1.5

The new version of Veeam Endpoint Backup Free introduces several new and interesting features such as Cryptolocker Protection, email notifications or improved schedule options.

Cryptolocker Protection

Probably the most interesting addition to the backup program is the option to eject removable storage once the backup is completed to protect it against cryptolocker attacks.

The main idea behind the feature is to connect removable storage media only to the computer when it is needed, and to eject it as soon as the backup operation completes.

While that is not a 100% way of protecting the backed up data against ransomware attacks, it limits the time period in which the data itself can be manipulated.

You find the option on the "Schedule" tab of the configuration window. Make sure that you have selected removable media on the local storage tab first as it is the requirement for the option.

Check "when backup target is connected" and "eject removable storage once backup is completed (Cryptolocker Protection)".

Email notifications

The method won't help you if an attack program is already running on the system though, but if that is the case it may have been noticed already.

Email notifications is another new feature. It allows you to add an email address to the program which it then uses to notify you about backup jobs. You may configure the program to sent you emails when a backup job throws warnings or errors, or when it successfully completes.

You find the option under Settings. There you need to check the "enable email notifications" options, and click on "configure and test" afterwards. This opens the screen you see on the screenshot above.

Enter your email credentials and set up SMTP server parameters manually or have the program detect server settings automatically.

Other changes

The scheduling options have been improved in Veeam Endpoint Backup Free 1.5. Weekly schedules have been improved specifically, as you may now select the weekdays that you want backup jobs to run. This makes it easy to configure the program to run jobs only on weekdays, the weekend, or any other combination of days.

Standalone backups that you create using existing backup jobs can now be stored in any location. Previously, it was only possible to store those backups at the location defined in the job.

You will also find smaller changes in the UI, such as an option to switch from duration to size on the backup history and progression status page, or progress indicators in the Windows taskbar.

Now You: Which backup program, if any, do you use currently?