Fwd: encrypting cloud-based files ?

[Steve Weyer]

I had sent this to AshMUG, but then realized we have some encryption experts on this list.


Begin forwarded message:

> I'm researching solutions that would allow me to access sensitive files -- from multiple devices -- via various cloud services.
>
> In the past, I've used an encrypted sparse disk image which has worked well -- but for just the Mac.
> e.g., http://ashmug.com/2006/07/disk-image-data-security/
>
> -----
> Background
>
> Dropbox and various cloud based services already encrypt files, so in theory, if one doesn't make those files public, they should be relatively safe. However, given recent security compromises (I think the keys are stored on the server) and loose privacy policies, maybe not be a good idea for sensitive files (e.g., tax returns, financial records, etc.)? So, another layer of protection (encryption) is desirable.
>
> I have 1Password (on my MacBook, iPad and iPhone -- shared via Dropbox), which has the ability to attach and encrypt documents, but these docs are not accessible on iOS 5 devices (e.g., original iPad). Also, I wasn't sure how well this would work/scale if I had 100s of Mb of files (is syncing done as a single large file, or incrementally? anyone w/ iOS 6 versions of 1Password care to comment?)
>
> I could create AES encrypted .zip files on Mac/Windows (using 7-Zip? ) and could probably open these on iOS via Archives app (cousin of Unarchiver on Mac), but don't think I'd be able to create encrypted .zip files on iOS -- plus entire file (rather than just changes) would likely have to be synced.
>
>
> ----
> Desktop & Mobile Apps that encrypt files for cloud services: Dropbox, Microsoft SkyDrive, Google Drive, ...
> A few apps that look possible so far are
> DataNow (iOS) and DataNow Vault (Mac, Win) [formerly "DataLocker"]
> http://www.appsense.com/products/appsense-labs/datanow-vault/
> CloudFogger (iOS, Mac, Win, Android)
> http://www.cloudfogger.com/en/
> BoxCryptor (iOS, Mac, Win, Android)
> https://www.boxcryptor.com/
> Viivo [iOS6, Win, Mac, Android] Dropbox-only?; from PKWare
> http://viivo.com/
> These all have free versions (more features w/ paid versions).
>
> a few review articles (plus I looked at app store reviews):
> http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-encryption-utility-for-cloud-storage
> http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-encryption-utility-for-cloud-storage#Quick_Selection_Guide
> http://www.nextofwindows.com/top-3-free-encryption-tools-to-protect-your-data-stored-in-the-cloud/
> http://www.itscolumn.com/2012/09/the-best-cloud-encryption-tools/
>
> Given review comments, and that they both work w/ iOS5, I'm going to start looking at BoxCryptor and Cloudfogger (coincidentally, both German).
>
> Or maybe this gives me a good excuse to replace my iPad1 so that I can try Viivo (or latest 1Password)...
>
> ---
> Question: So, does anyone here have experience with any of these tools, or have suggestions for other tools / approaches?
> (or interested in what I find out?)
>
> thanks
> Steve
>