Frequently Asked Questions

What makes ShieldFive different from other cloud storage?

ShieldFive uses zero-knowledge encryption, meaning your files are encrypted in your browser before they reach our servers. We cannot see, access, or decrypt your files - only you have the keys. Traditional cloud storage providers can access your files, but ShieldFive cannot.

Is ShieldFive really secure?

Yes. ShieldFive uses AES-256-GCM with per-file keys, and passphrases are protected with PBKDF2-SHA256. All encryption happens in your browser before upload. Even if our servers were compromised, attackers would only see encrypted data they cannot decrypt.

What happens if I forget my passphrase?

Your files cannot be recovered. This is the trade-off for zero-knowledge security. Neither ShieldFive nor anyone else can recover your files if you lose your passphrase. Always store passphrases in a password manager or write them down securely.

Can I use ShieldFive for free?

Yes! The free plan includes 20 GB of storage and 20 GB of monthly transfer. It's perfect for trying ShieldFive or storing important documents. You can upgrade anytime for more storage and bandwidth.

Do I need technical knowledge to use ShieldFive?

No. ShieldFive is designed for everyone. Just upload your files, set a strong passphrase, and ShieldFive handles all the complex encryption automatically. The interface is simple and guides you through each step.

Can I share files with people who don't have ShieldFive accounts?

Yes! Anyone with your share link and passphrase can download your files - no account required. You can set expiration dates, download limits, and geographic restrictions on share links for added security.

How long does encryption take?

It depends on file size and your device:

• Small files (under 100 MB): A few seconds
• Medium files (100 MB - 1 GB): 30 seconds to a few minutes
• Large files (over 1 GB): Several minutes

Keep your browser tab open during encryption for best performance.

What's a vault master key and should I use one?

A vault master key is a single passphrase you can use for all your files. It's optional but recommended if you plan to upload multiple files. Benefits:

• Only one passphrase to remember
• Easier to manage and share files
• Can decrypt folder names and search files

Without it, you'll need a unique passphrase for each file.

Can ShieldFive employees access my files?

No. Zero-knowledge encryption means we only see encrypted data. Even our engineers and administrators cannot decrypt your files or see your passphrases. This is by design and cannot be changed.

What file types can I upload?

Any file type! Documents, photos, videos, archives, databases - if it's a file, ShieldFive can encrypt and store it. There's a 10 TB (terabyte) limit per individual file.

How do I download my encrypted files?

Click the download button on any file, enter your passphrase, and ShieldFive will decrypt and download it in your browser. The decryption happens entirely on your device - we never see your unencrypted files.

Is my passphrase stored anywhere?

No. ShieldFive does not store share passwords in plaintext. For protected share links, the password is sent over HTTPS for server-side verification and abuse protection. Your unwrapped vault key stays only in memory and is cleared when you close the tab or sign out.

Can I use ShieldFive on mobile devices?

Yes! ShieldFive works in modern mobile browsers (Safari on iOS, Chrome on Android). For the best experience, we recommend using a desktop or laptop for large file uploads.

What if I need more storage than 5 TB?

Contact us! We offer custom enterprise plans for organizations with larger storage needs. We can work with you to create a plan that fits your requirements.

How do I cancel my subscription?

Go to Settings → Billing and click "Cancel Subscription." You'll keep access until the end of your billing period, then automatically move to the free plan. No data is deleted when downgrading.

Are there any bandwidth limits?

Each plan includes monthly transfer quotas (uploads + downloads). Free plan: 20 GB/month. Paid plans range from 500 GB to 5 TB per month. View your current usage in Settings → Billing.