SpiderOak

SpiderOak is an online backup computer program for Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Android and Apple iOS. It allows to make backup of the user's data, or to release single folders or files to other persons or to synchronize them on different systems. Here, the focus is on the privacy of the user.

Operation

The central role in the SpiderOak backup the files. Here the user has the opportunity to build on its existing folder structure by defining which file types (text, audio, video ... ), folders, or files they want to back up. Thus, the files must be placed not only in a specific folder, but can from their regular location of back up. Since the data is not only stored in the cloud, but also on a computer, you can use its documents even without Internet access. These are then secured in accordance with the next connection. To save disk space as well as the time needed for a backup, SpiderOak uses deduplication. This means that after the first upload of a file only the individual changes - and not the whole file - must be loaded on the server.

After the backup is performed, you can initiate synchronization with other computers and share files over the program.

For business customers more services and conditions are offered.

Memory prices

The company provides each user with free two gigabytes of memory. In addition, you can secure one further gigabytes free on newly recruited users, this measure is limited to a maximum of eight solicitations.

Paid the memory may each be increased in increments of 100 gigabytes.

Security

To ensure the privacy of the user, all information will be encrypted before being uploaded by the client. The password is, according to the developers before on servers not in plain text, provided that neither the mobile app nor the web access can be used. In this case, the password is kept in the temporary memory of the server from SpiderOak to decrypt the data on the server. This ensures that no employee of the company, even strangers can access through the server to the data. This is the so-called ' zero- Knowledge' approach that the company is pursuing. One drawback that has to be taken into account for this is that there is no way to have them sent a forgotten password. However, when registering a password hint is specified, which helps to remember the password.

Since SpiderOak is based in the U.S., it is subject to U.S. law. This provides National Security Letters in front which allow U.S. authorities any access to any user data - also by changes be required at a previously safe program (see case Lavabit ). As with the National Security Letters are almost always accompanied by a duty of confidentiality, it is not possible for ordinary citizens to check the security of their data.