Synology Introduces ActiveProtect Manager 2.0: Centralized Data Protection for Hybrid IT Infrastructure

Synology has introduced ActiveProtect Manager 2.0 (APM 2.0), a software update for ActiveProtect data protection devices. The new version expands support for on-premises and cloud platforms, adds cross-platform recovery, and enhances backup protection. The upcoming APM 2.1 update will introduce additional AI-powered cyber resilience and pre-recovery backup verification capabilities.

Expanded Platform Support

APM 2.0 expands workload protection to Amazon EC2, Azure VM, Proxmox VE, Nutanix AHV, and Google Workspace. Cross-platform recovery allows workloads to be backed up in one environment and restored in another. This approach simplifies Disaster Recovery and workload migration across supported platforms.

Cloud DR and Expanded Backup Storage Options

APM 2.0 expands the available backup destinations: ActiveProtect Vault now supports additional Synology NAS models, while Azure Blob Storage has been added as a supported cloud storage destination for backup and tiered data storage.

For Cloud DR scenarios, backups stored in Amazon S3 or Azure Blob Storage can be restored directly to Amazon EC2 or Azure VM without transferring data through on-premises infrastructure. This reduces recovery time and simplifies the implementation of a hybrid Disaster Recovery strategy.

Enhanced Data Protection

ActiveProtect Manager 2.0 adds volume-level software encryption to protect data at rest. According to Synology, in the event of a stolen drive or lost equipment, backups and system configuration remain inaccessible without authorized access.

Advancing Cyber Resilience with APM 2.1

Synology has also announced features planned for APM 2.1. These include AI/ML-powered anomaly detection, which will analyze changes across backup versions, including change rates, file modifications, mass deletions, and entropy. Suspicious backups will be placed in quarantine for additional administrator review.

The update will also introduce pre-recovery backup malware scanning using integrated third-party antivirus software, including Microsoft Defender, Bitdefender, and ESET. If malware is detected in the latest backup, the Auto Fallback feature will allow the system to restore the most recent clean version.

Availability

ActiveProtect Manager 2.0 is available for all Synology DP Series devices at no additional cost. The solution is designed to centrally manage backup and recovery across hybrid IT environments, bringing together the protection of physical, virtual, and cloud workloads within a unified Backup & Disaster Recovery strategy.

LanAr Service can help assess your Synology ActiveProtect use case, select the appropriate DP Series device, and design a backup and Disaster Recovery architecture tailored to your infrastructure requirements.