Focus on the pCloud Encryption functionality

Undisputed leader of secure online storage services, pCloud has managed to attract nearly 14 million users worldwide. The company intends to conquer the last holdouts, thanks to the pCloud Encryption functionality, a little gem of data encryption.

Perhaps you are already a fan of the pCloud storage solution. But do you know pCloud Encryption ? This cybersecurity and privacy-focused feature provides an extra layer of security to protect your files. Discover its strengths and limitations to use it wisely!

What is pCloud Encryption and what are its uses?

As said earlier, pCloud Encryption is an encryption feature provided by the Switzerland-based company. Its specificity is to offer client-side encryption (client-side encryption), which means that data and files are encrypted on your device even before being transferred to the cloud server.

It is no coincidence that pCloud opted for this system: client-side encryption is based on zero-knowledge architecture, which is one of the most secure encryption methods, since no third party, including the provider, can access the user’s data. The latter is the only one who can unlock the encryption using a Crypto Pass (the key he configured himself) in order to access his files.

If you already use pCloud, you can activate Encryption from your customer area, by clicking on the Crypto tab. You will get a 14-day free trial. If applicable, you can directly subscribe to the pCloud Encryption Lifetime offer, including online storage and encryption functionality. The price of this feature is 150 euros for “lifetime” storage and security.

A secure enclave within pCloud

Encyption is a functional building block intended to strengthen pCloud security. According to its creators, it makes your storage space impossible to hack. As proof of its good faith, the company did not hesitate to launch a hackathon to mark the launch of its encryption functionality, promising a reward of $100,000 to anyone who managed to decrypt it. And to date, no one has succeeded…

Why use pCloud Encryption?

Thanks to its characteristics, Encryption meets the expectations of individuals who wish to protect their privacy as well as those of companies with high requirements in terms of security and data confidentiality.

For individuals: enhanced privacy protection

Are you afraid of storing your personal information on collaborative clouds, like Google Drive or iCloud? pCloud Encryption is for you. By creating a encrypted storage folder, you will be able to securely archive your private documents, such as your medical analyzes and your bank statements. Of course, it is also possible to store access to your administrative accounts (passwords) and your photos.

For businesses: a highly secure data storage and sharing solution

Originally, Encryption was created by pCloud with the aim of targeting the business market and more specifically SMEs/SMIs, which are more vulnerable to the risks of data leakage or theft. According to the recent report from the Asterès firm, 90% of cyberattacks in 2022 affected SMEs, or 9 times more than public organizations.

Encryption encrypts the most sensitive professional documents before their transfer: income statements, strategic plans, patents, customer and supplier files, etc. But that’s not all: it allows you to manage collaborative uses in complete security. And all this thanks to access management by user groups or even restrictions on modification and deletion of documents.

How does pCloud Encryption work?

pCloud Encryption: the encryption expert

pcloud Encryption uses encryption standards military level. Access security is guaranteed by two types of encryption:

• 4096-bit RSA: RSA encryption is the most commonly used asymmetric encryption method for transferring sensitive data online. It combines two keys: a public key (for encryption) and a private key (for decryption). Security strength is correlated to key length. Thus, 4096-bit keys guarantee tenfold protection compared to 2048-bit keys. It’s a bit like locking your front door with a 5-point lock instead of a simple bolt.

• 256-bit AES: This symmetric encryption algorithm (the same key is used for encrypting and decrypting files) is the encryption standard used by most government organizations. Reputedly inviolable, it offers the greatest number of possible combinations, far exceeding the computing power of the most advanced computers.

The limits of pCloud Encryption

This is a bit of a downside to the fortress erected by pCloud Encryption. Since you are the only one who can interpret the files encrypted using your personal key, the server will not be able to display file extensions, photo thumbnails and other previews relating to the content. For the same reason, you will not be able to play videos using a player or unzip an archive from the cloud. In other words, you will need to be patient to find your files… and be able to use them.

As a power user, you may already know: pCloud is accessible via webDAV. This http extension allows you to connect to a given server to manage content remotely, without going through an online interface or a third-party application. Unfortunately, webDAV is not supported by Encryption. You will therefore have to go through the platform and identify yourself to access your account and upload your files.

In summary, if you are looking for a reliable storage solution that includes ultra-secure client-side encryption, pCloud Encryption will meet your expectations… as long as you lower your flexibility requirements.