Zero Knowledge Encryption
Zero-Knowledge Encryption is one of the most secure methods in which to transfer and store data. OpenDrive stands “a cut above the rest” offering the Zero-Knowledge Encryption option with the Secure Files Folder, which is available to all premium (paid) users. Files are uploaded from a computer with the OpenDrive desktop client installed, which features a secure AES-256 bit file encrytion algorithm. The key for this encryption never leaves your computer, so files are secured before they are received by OpenDrive servers. This protects your files from interception during upload. It also ensures that they are hash checked multiple times to protect against file corruption, an ever increasing problem that is cropping up with other cloud storage companies recently.
The reliability and security of Zero-Knowledge Encryption is ensured and characterized by three defining principles:
● Completeness
● Soundness
● Zero-Knowledge
Completeness is achieved when the statement (the check of the encrypted data) being provided is true, while the trusted verifier is following the proper protocol. The verifier, in this case, is server that the file is being uploaded to. This ensures that the given statement will be perceived as fact.
Soundness is achieved when the statement being provided is false, with no possibility to cheat the statement and/or convince the verifier otherwise. This is the double check.
Zero-Knowledge is achieved when the provided statement is true and the verifier can learn of no other information besides that initial fact and that the statement is true. In other words, it ensures that the top two conditions are intact and that the security password, which is encoded into a 256 bit hash, is known only to the user. It is called Zero Knowledge because the cloud storage provider will have zero knowledge of the locally stored password and the server will only serve to compare the conditions to make sure they match in the conversion process.
OpenDrive’s desktop client and API are designed to provide that level of security for all premium users. Whether you are a Mac or Windows user, you can rest assured that your files in the Secure Files Folder will only be accessible by you, on your own computer, and only with the proper password. Without the password, the data will be garbled and unintelligible as a file. The biggest piece of mind this technology offers you is total, all around, true file security. Even if your provider is forced to surrender your files by court order, they will not be able to provide the encryption password because they honestly won’t have it. There is no better security in the Cloud than that!
Here is a brief demonstration of how this feature works:
When you log into the Windows or Mac client, you will see the Secure Files Folder listed among the root folders on your account. It will only be available through the desktop app and won’t be accessible through the web interface, as there is no secure way to store the Zero Knowledge Encryption password within your browser’s plugins or history that will not make it vulnerable.
Double clicking the folder’s icon will bring up the Password screen. If this is the first time you are accessing this folder, you will be setting the password you will use to access this folder from now on. It is important to keep this password in a safe place and not forget it. If you lose your password, it can be reset for you through OpenDrive Support, but you will lose the files you have in your secure folder.
Once you set your password and have access to the folder, you can upload your files manually or use OpenDrive’s exclusive Sync and Backup Manager to do it automatically as part of a scheduled task. From then on, all you have to do to access the files in that folder is enter the password, which you will be prompted to do in all subsequent sessions.
We are sure you will enjoy this unique and ultra-secure feature that OpenDrive has to offer. It is perfect for the Personal user who wishes to maintain the freedom of privacy, as well as the Business that wishes to maintain intellectual property protection and confidentiality.
Are you ready to get started? Simply click the link below to take your drive with OpenDrive today.
