Meet Acronis SCS: Scottsdale-based cyber protection, edge data security company

Published: 02/21/2020
Updated: 06/14/2023

A conversation with Acronis SCS CEO John Zanni

Q: Tell us about your company:

John Zanni: Acronis SCS is an American cyber protection and edge data security company dedicated to delivering products designed to meet the unique requirements of the U.S. public sector. Our innovative backup, anti-ransomware, disaster recovery, and secure content management products ensure data security and operational assurance across federal, state and local government, education, and non-profit computing environments. Acronis SCS products are built and supported in the United States by U.S. citizens.  

Q: What city in Arizona is your company located in?  

Zanni: Scottsdale  

Q: How did your company get started?  

Zanni: Since 2013, all U.S. states except two have reported ransomware attacks at the local, county, or state level, and state and local government networks are twice as likely as commercial counterparts to be infected with ransomware and malware. In this increasingly complex cyber landscape, Acronis SCS was created in 2018 to focus on meeting the unique security and usability needs of these and all U.S. public sector organizations. Our solutions proactively protect against threats and provide operational assurance in the face of attack or hardware failure.  

Q: Explain why you chose Greater Phoenix to build your company: 

Zanni: Since opening Acronis SCS’ doors in Scottsdale, we’ve often been asked: Why Arizona? With a business model laser-focused on serving the U.S. public sector’s backup and recovery, edge data security, and cyber protection needs, why put down roots here over D.C. and Silicon Valley? Our answer is threefold. With impressive defense and tech infrastructure already in place, access to the nation’s top talent, and a high standard of living, Arizona is a force to be reckoned with in cybersecurity.  

Q: What makes your product unique and different?  

Zanni: Acronis SCS’ software provides industry-leading cyber protection and data security to U.S. public sector organizations of all types and sizes. Our newest offering, a full-disk image hardened backup and disaster recovery solution called Acronis SCS Cyber Backup 12.5 Hardened Edition, is specifically designed to better serve our government’s most sensitive computing environments: air gapped networks, including Department of Defense weapons testing sites, development labs, training simulators, deployed tactical elements and warfighters, public utility SCADA systems, and more.  

Unlike other options on the market which tout increased connectivity, subscription-based licensing, and an API-first approach, our hardened backup does innovation differently. With zero integration or outbound connections to online services, certified high-grade encryption methods, AI-based anti-ransomware protection, and rigorous testing via FIPS 140-2, Common Criteria, and DoDIN Approved Products List (APL) certification processes, our software radically reduces the network attack surface. That means no superfluous access points or third-party touchpoints. It also means streamlined functionality for government IT teams managing cumbersome legacy systems, platforms and applications.  

Q: What is the best thing about having your business in Greater Phoenix?  

Zanni: Even though Maricopa County is the fastest growing county in the nation, Greater Phoenix has maintained a strong sense of community. Since opening our doors in 2018, individuals from across the state have welcomed us with open arms, heard our business plan, and worked to connect us with individuals in the Valley that could help. This approach to newcomers has only served to reinforce the region’s strong business ecosystem, large defense footprint and impressive educational institutions. We are proud to call Greater Phoenix our home.  

Q: In your opinion, why should someone build a career in Greater Phoenix?  

Zanni: It’s hard to imagine a region more supportive of tech innovation and small business growth than Greater Phoenix. That makes it an excellent place to build meaningful, self-sustaining careers in tech and beyond. As testament to that notion, we’ve found it easy to collaborate with a supportive network of local/state organizations and other employers just as committed to making our region an attractive spot for career-seekers. We’ve been particularly impressed by that network’s response to and in support of Acronis SCSVets, an initiative we launched last year to drastically reduce veteran and military spouse underemployment in Arizona and beyond, while eliminating America’s cyber workforce shortage.   

Q: What are three words you would use to describe the business community in Greater Phoenix?  

Zanni: Thriving, innovative and welcoming.  

Q: Are you currently hiring? If so, what types of positions do you need filled now? What about in the future?  

Zanni: When we opened our doors in Scottsdale in 2018, we had just a handful of employees. Today we have more than 30, with plans to bring on more people across a range of roles, from business development and sales to product support. We’re proud of our approach to hiring – it’s not just about filling jobs, it’s about building careers. We’re also incredibly proud that nearly a third of our staff is made up of U.S. veterans. You can always find an up-to-date list of open positions on our company LinkedIn page.  

Find out more about Acronis SCS on Twitter and YouTube. 

 

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