SECURITY MODEL · PRIVATE ALPHA
Your device encrypts first.
File content, filenames, and basic file metadata are encrypted in the browser before upload. The server stores ciphertext plus the minimum operational metadata needed to account for storage and retrieve encrypted chunks. The Recovery Key is generated on the customer device and is not uploaded to THE VAULT.
V1 uses a random 256-bit root secret, HKDF-SHA-256 per-file key derivation, AES-256-GCM encryption, fresh 96-bit nonces for encrypted metadata and every encrypted chunk, and associated data binding ciphertext to its file identifier and chunk index.
Important limitation: this is a web application delivered by its operator. A malicious future frontend deployment could theoretically capture a Recovery Key entered into that frontend. The private alpha therefore must not be described as independently audited or absolutely operator-proof.
Do not use this private alpha for passwords, cryptocurrency seed phrases, Social Security numbers, bank credentials, medical records, or other regulated/high-risk secrets. Keep independent backups.