Boxcryptor - Detailed Review

Here are some frequently asked questions about Boxcryptor, along with detailed responses to each:

1. What is Boxcryptor and how does it work?

Boxcryptor is a cloud encryption software that allows you to encrypt your files before they are uploaded to your cloud storage providers. It creates a virtual drive on your machine, acting as an encryption-empowered window to your data. Once installed and set up, Boxcryptor automatically encrypts files added to designated folders, and these files are decrypted on-the-fly when you access them.

2. Does Boxcryptor provide cloud storage?

No, Boxcryptor does not provide cloud storage. Instead, it integrates with your existing cloud storage services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and others. It mirrors your cloud storage provider’s folder in a new drive, where you can work with your encrypted files.

3. What are the system requirements for Boxcryptor?

Boxcryptor requires macOS 10.15 or later to run on Mac devices. It is also available on Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android, though the specific system requirements may vary for these platforms.

4. How does Boxcryptor handle file encryption and decryption?

Boxcryptor encrypts your files on-the-fly, meaning you do not need to decrypt them manually before working with them. When you open an encrypted file, it is decrypted automatically in the background, and when you save changes, the file is re-encrypted. You can also encrypt existing files by right-clicking and selecting the “Encrypt” option in the Boxcryptor context menu.

5. What happens if I lose my Boxcryptor password?

Boxcryptor is a zero-knowledge encryption service, which means they cannot restore your password if you lose it. If you forget your password, your encrypted data will be lost irrevocably. It is crucial to remember your password or store it securely, such as in a password manager.

6. Can I share encrypted files with others using Boxcryptor?

Yes, you can share encrypted files with others by giving them the necessary permissions. However, if a user saves the key of a shared file and their access is later revoked, they could still decrypt the file using the saved key. Boxcryptor allows you to manage permissions for each file or folder, giving you full control over who can access your encrypted data.

7. What are the pricing plans for Boxcryptor?

Boxcryptor offers several pricing plans, including a free plan that allows encryption on two devices and one cloud storage service. Paid plans include a Personal plan and various Business plans, each with different features such as unlimited devices, multiple cloud services, filename encryption, and enhanced support. The Personal plan costs $48/year or $108 for three years, while Business plans offer additional features like activity monitoring and group management tools.

8. Is Boxcryptor still available for new users?

No, Boxcryptor is no longer available for new users. Dropbox has acquired Boxcryptor’s key technology, and existing users will need to migrate their services when their contracts expire. Boxcryptor provides an off-migration guide to help users decrypt their files and transition to alternative encryption services like Cryptomator.

9. How do I recognize encrypted files in Boxcryptor?

Boxcryptor marks encrypted files and folders with small icons in the Boxcryptor drive. These icons indicate whether a file or folder is encrypted or not. Additional states and icons are available for cloud services that support on-demand features, such as Dropbox Smart Sync.

10. Does Boxcryptor offer filename encryption?

Yes, Boxcryptor offers filename encryption, but this feature is only available in paid plans. This means that not only the content of the files but also their filenames are encrypted, adding an extra layer of security.