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    How to encrypt the files in Backup4all

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    This article applies only to Backup4all. If you don't have it yet, you must download it first.

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    Jul 23, 2019
    Backup4all 5.x - 8.x
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    Backup4all supports file encryption for backup types using zip archives (smart, full, differential, incremental, mirror with zip). There are two encryption methods: standard encryption and AES encryption (128/192/256 bits). In this article we will show you how to set Backup4all to encrypt the files in backups.

    Summary

    Backup4all supports file encryption for backup types using zip archives (smart, full, differential, incremental, mirror with zip). There are two encryption methods: standard encryption and AES encryption (128/192/256 bits). In this article we will show you how to set Backup4all to encrypt the files in backups.

    On this page:

    How to create the backup job

    1. Open Backup4all.
    2. Go to File -> New.
    3. In the Where do you want to save the backup? section, select a backup destination.
    4. On the What do you want to backup page, add the backup sources. Press Next.
    5. On the Filter the backup sources page, you can set include/exclude filters for backup sources. Then press Next.
    6. On the How do you want to backup page, you can choose the backup type and the encryption.
    7. On the When do you want to backup page, you can set the backup job to automatically run on the specified time and days. Press Next.
    8. On the Personalize your backup job page, enter a name for the backup in the Backup name field.
    9. Press Save and run.

    How to set the standard or AES encryption

    1. Open Backup Properties -> Compression
    2. Under “Encrypt the zip files” section, select “Strong encryption (AES) or “Standard encryption”.
    3. Press “Set the password” button and type the password you want.
    4. Press Save.

    How to hide the file names in backup

    Backup4all supports file obfuscation, which means if you enable the “Obfuscate file names in zip” option, the original file names will be changed, so none will be able to see it. This way you will get in destination a zip file with the source real names changed in order to get a higher protection. Normally, in zip file only the file content is protected, but anyone can see the name of the files. When the obfuscate option is used, even if the real names of the files in zip are replaced with numbers, you can still restore the files with the original names if the correct zip password is used.
    To enable file obfuscation, please follow the steps:
    1. Open Backup Properties -> Compression.
    2. Choose an encryption method, then select the “Obfuscate file names in zip” option.
    3. Press Save.

    Password storage in Backup4all

    Backup4all can store the zip passwords in the local Windows account, or protect them with a master password. You can also chose not to store the passwords at all.
    When the local Windows account option is used, the passwords will be stored in local configuration files and retrieved automatically when executing an action. However, the passwords could be retrieved if your Windows account gets compromised.
    If you chose to protect the passwords using a master password, your Backup4all passwords will be stored in local configuration files, encrypted using a master password and retrieved automatically when executing an action. You will have to enter the master password only when you start the application or when the first backup job starts.
    Selecting the last option “do not store passwords” will not store any password, but you will be asked to enter the passwords every time it is needed.
    For any option you select, please note that no passwords are stored in the backup destination.

    Applies to:

    Backup4all 5.x - 8.x