Zoho Vault - Detailed Review

Frequently Asked Questions about Zoho Vault

How do I create an account on Zoho Vault?

To create an account on Zoho Vault, you need to start by creating a Zoho account if you don’t already have one. After entering your credentials, you’ll need to verify if your enterprise already has an organization created in Zoho. If not, or if you’re signing up for a personal account, select “No, my organization is new to Vault.” Then, create your passphrase to complete the account creation process. If you already have a Zoho account, you can log in and access Vault directly.

What is an organization in Zoho Vault, and how do I add a user who is already registered with another organization?

When you create an account with Zoho Vault, an organization is created internally. Users can only be part of one Zoho organization at a time. If the user you’re trying to add is already part of a different Zoho organization, they must delete their current organization to join yours. This involves exporting any data they need before deleting the organization, as deleting it will result in data loss from all connected Zoho applications.

How does the encryption and security work in Zoho Vault?

Zoho Vault uses a zero-knowledge architecture where all user data is encrypted and decrypted on the client side (in the browser) using the user’s master password. Only the encrypted data is stored on Zoho’s servers, and the master password is never transmitted or stored. This ensures that even Zoho cannot access your data. The encryption method used is AES 256-bit, which is a widely accepted and secure standard.

What happens if I forget my passphrase?

If you forget your passphrase, you can reset it, but this will result in losing access to any secrets you have added to Zoho Vault. When you reset the passphrase, you will receive an offline encrypted HTML file with all your secrets. If you remember your old passphrase later, you can use it to decrypt the data and recover your secrets.

Can I link my email address with another organization?

Yes, you can link your email address with another organization, but you must first delete your current organization. This involves exporting any important data before deletion, as it will result in data loss from all connected Zoho applications. After deleting the organization, you can accept the invitation to join the new organization using your current Zoho password.

How do I add or remove users from my Zoho Vault account?

To add or remove users, log in to Zoho Vault and go to the “Admin > Subscription” section. Here, you can modify your current plan details and add or reduce user licenses as needed. Simply click on the “Add/Reduce” option against the “Users” section and follow the prompts to adjust the license count.

What are the different types of secrets in Zoho Vault (enterprise vs. personal)?

You can store both enterprise and personal secrets in Zoho Vault. Enterprise secrets are those that can be shared with other users, while personal secrets are private and cannot be shared. You can classify and reclassify secrets as needed, and all personal and unshared passwords are encrypted using the user’s passphrase.

Does Zoho Vault offer any additional security features like two-factor authentication and geo-fencing?

Yes, Zoho Vault offers several additional security features. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is available, which requires an additional device to approve logins, adding an extra layer of security. Additionally, features like allowed IP addresses and geo-fencing allow you to restrict access to your account based on specific IP addresses or locations, enhancing security further.

Can I upgrade, downgrade, or cancel my Zoho Vault account at any time?

Yes, you can upgrade, downgrade, or cancel your Zoho Vault account at any time. Zoho Vault is a pay-as-you-go service, and there are no cancellation fees. If you cancel, you’ll only be billed for the current month.

Where does my data get stored in Zoho Vault?

Zoho has data centers around the world. During sign-up, the system identifies your country based on your IP address and assigns a data center accordingly. You can also update the location to select a preferred data center if needed.

How does password sharing work in Zoho Vault?

Zoho Vault has an advanced password-sharing system that allows you to securely share passwords among team members or family. You can share passwords by putting them into folders, set expiration dates for shared passwords, and manage access privileges. Users can also send password requests, making it convenient for temporary access or new employee onboarding.