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Tarsnap

Tarsnap is an open source online backup service that emphasizes security and privacy. It provides encrypted, deduplicated backups to the cloud using Amazon S3 storage. Key features include client-side encryption, data deduplication, bandwidth minimization, and customizable retention policies.

What is Tarsnap?

Tarsnap is an open source cloud backup service developed by Colin Percival that launched in 2008. It emphasizes security, privacy, and reliability for online backups.

Some key features and benefits of Tarsnap include:

  • Client-side encryption - All data is encrypted client-side before uploading to Tarsnap servers. Tarsnap never sees the unencrypted data or encryption keys.
  • Data deduplication - Tarsnap uses content-defined chunking algorithms to deduplicate data across backups, reducing storage requirements and costs.
  • Bandwidth minimization - Tarsnap intelligently compresses and transfers only new or changed portions of files, saving on bandwidth needs.
  • Custom retention policies - Users can specify custom data retention policies from 30 days up to infinite.
  • Open source codebase - Tarsnap is built on an open source codebase that has been audited and vetted by security experts.

Potential downsides include complexity for less technical users and potentially higher costs compared to consumer backup solutions. But for users prioritizing security and privacy, Tarsnap is widely regarded as a best-in-class secure cloud backup option.

The Best Tarsnap Alternatives

Top Apps like Tarsnap

Google Drive, Dropbox, Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office, Duplicati, Spideroak One Backup , MediaFire, BackBlaze, Koofr, CrashPlan, Yandex Disk, MultiCloudBackup, DataHaven.NET, Cyphertite, Attic Backup, Safeberg are some alternatives to Tarsnap.

Google Drive

Google Drive is a file storage and synchronization service developed by Google. It provides users with 15 GB of free cloud storage to store files and access them from any device. Some key features of Google Drive include:Store files like documents, photos, videos, and more in the cloud.Access files...

Dropbox

Dropbox is a file hosting service that offers cloud storage, file synchronization, personal cloud, and client software. Dropbox allows users to create a special folder on their computers, which Dropbox then synchronizes so that it appears to be the same folder (with the same contents) across multiple devices.Some key...

Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office

Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office is a comprehensive personal data protection and cybersecurity solution designed for home users. It combines backup, antimalware protection, remote access tools, and disaster recovery capabilities into a single integrated product.Key features include:Full image and file backups for entire PC systems, including operating systems...

Duplicati

Duplicati is a free, open source backup software that securely stores encrypted, incremental, compressed backups on cloud storage services and remote file servers. It supports standard protocols like FTP, SSH, WebDAV and various backends like Microsoft OneDrive, Amazon S3, Google Drive, Dropbox, Tahoe-LAFS and many others.Some key features of...

Spideroak One Backup

Spideroak One Backup is a cloud backup and file hosting service focused on privacy and security. It uses client-side encryption to encrypt all data before it leaves the user's device, ensuring only the user has access to their data. Some key features include:End-to-end encryption - Data is encrypted on...

MediaFire

MediaFire is a file hosting, file synchronization, and cloud storage service launched in 2006. Users can upload documents, photos, videos, music, and other media files to MediaFire servers which can then be accessed privately or shared publicly via links.A key feature of MediaFire is its simplicity and ease of use...

BackBlaze

BackBlaze is an online backup service launched in 2007 that focuses on offering unlimited cloud backup space and file restoration options for Windows and Mac users. It provides continuous, automatic backup of documents, photos, music, and other important files on your computer to secure BackBlaze data centers, allowing you to restore...

Koofr

Koofr is a cloud storage solution launched in 2013 that focuses on privacy and security as its main selling points. It offers end-to-end encryption for all files uploaded to its servers, ensuring that no one except the owner can access them.Some key features of Koofr include:Apps for all major...

CrashPlan

CrashPlan is a cross-platform online backup software application originally created by Code42 Software. It allows users to securely back up their files to Code42's cloud storage or onto a friend's computer over the internet for free. CrashPlan also offers paid plans with unlimited backup space and file versioning.Some...

Yandex Disk

Yandex Disk is a cloud storage service launched in 2012 by Yandex, a major Russian technology company. It allows users to store their files online, synchronize them across devices, and share them securely.Some key features of Yandex Disk include:Apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and web browser accessFree...

MultiCloudBackup

MultiCloudBackup is a comprehensive cloud-based backup solution designed to provide robust protection for user data and systems. It stands out with its ability to back up to multiple cloud services simultaneously, adding an extra layer of data security and redundancy.With MultiCloudBackup, users can schedule automatic backups to occur continuously...

DataHaven.NET

DataHaven.NET is an open-source object-relational mapping (ORM) framework for .NET applications. It provides a convenient way for .NET developers to work with databases using regular .NET objects.Some key features of DataHaven.NET include:Mapping between .NET classes and database tablesSupport for stored procedures and viewsChange trackingEager, lazy and...

Cyphertite

Cyphertite is an open source, encrypted cloud storage platform that emphasizes privacy and security. It enables users to store their files and data securely in the cloud using client-side encryption. This means only the user has the encryption keys - not even Cyphertite administrators can access the unencrypted data.Some...

Attic Backup

Attic Backup is an open source, deduplicating backup program used to securely back up data across multiple machines or drives. It was designed as an alternative to traditional backup software like Bacula or Amanda.Some key features of Attic Backup include:Deduplication - Attic Backup scans for duplicate data blocks...

Safeberg

Safeberg is an open-source, privacy-focused web browser that blocks online ads, trackers, fingerprints, and cryptominers by default. It is designed with enhanced tracking protection and encryption features to keep your browsing data safe and private.Some key features of Safeberg include:Blocks ads, trackers, malware, phishing attempts, and prevents fingerprinting...