Uploading encrypted files

How do I encrypt and upload a file?

1. Open your Files dashboard and click "Secure File Encryption."

2. Select "Encrypt and Upload to Vault," then set a strong passphrase or use your vault master key.

3. Review the key-safety checklist if prompted.

4. Keep your browser tab open while your file encrypts and uploads. The encryption uses industry-standard algorithms (AES-256-GCM for file data, PBKDF2-SHA256 for passphrase wrapping) to protect your data.

What passphrase strength is required?

For your security, ShieldFive requires strong passphrases:

• Minimum 12 characters
• Must achieve at least 50 bits of entropy (shown by the strength meter)
• Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols for best security

The encryption modal includes a strength meter to help you create a secure passphrase. Consider using the built-in passphrase generator for maximum security.

Why do I need to verify my email?

Before your first upload, you should:

• Review the onboarding checklist: A quick reminder that lost passphrases cannot be recovered by anyone, including ShieldFive.

• Verify your email: Protects your account and ensures you can receive important security notifications.

Uploads only require verified email. The checklist is recommended but not blocking.

What are the file size limits?

• Maximum file size: 10 TB (terabytes) per individual file

• Large file handling: Files are automatically split into optimized chunks during upload for reliability

• Minimum size: Empty files are not supported

What information does ShieldFive store about my files?

ShieldFive stores only encrypted metadata:

• Filename: Encrypted and never visible to our servers
• File size: Tracked for quota purposes only
• Storage path: Randomized to prevent any file identification

We cannot see your file names, contents, or any other details about your data. Everything is encrypted before it leaves your browser.

How are storage and transfer quotas enforced?

Before each upload, ShieldFive checks your current plan limits:

• Storage quota: Total encrypted file storage allowed on your plan

• Transfer quota: Monthly upload and download bandwidth included in your plan

If you exceed your limits, you'll be prompted to upgrade your plan or free up space by deleting files.

Why might an upload be rejected?

Uploads may be rejected if:

• The encryption verification fails (file may have been tampered with)
• Your passphrase doesn't meet minimum security requirements
• You've exceeded your storage or transfer quota
• Your email isn't verified

If an upload is rejected, you'll receive a clear error message explaining how to resolve the issue.

Are there limits on how many files I can upload?

To prevent abuse, uploads are limited to 10 requests per minute. If you need to upload many files, space them out or wait a minute between batches. This limit helps ensure reliable service for all users.

What happens if my upload fails or gets interrupted?

If an upload fails:

• Any partially uploaded data is automatically deleted
• No charges are applied to your quota
• You can retry the upload immediately using the same modal
• There's no resume feature - each upload starts fresh for security