📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses the importance of backing up encryption certificates when encrypting folders for cloud storage, highlighting that losing the certificate prevents access to the encrypted files. The original poster is curious whether certificates are saved repeatedly upon each encryption, which could lead to a large list, and considers using multiple secure storage media for backups. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the necessity of proper certificate management to ensure ongoing access to encrypted data.
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Peterr

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Thread Author #1
Hello
I have found out how to encrypt a folder I would sent to the Cloud.
I also saw how to decrypt the folder.
I saw mention of backing up the cetificate which sems to complicate the process..
if you can decrypt a folder you have encrypted, why is it necessary to backup the certificate?
Is it because the first time a certificate is generated and without it you cannot open the folder?

If so where do you back the certificate up to in case of drive failure?
Thank you
Peter
 

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kemical
Peterr said:
Hello
I have found out how to encrypt a folder I would sent to the Cloud.
I also saw how to decrypt the folder.
I saw mention of backing up the cetificate which sems to complicate the process..
if you can decrypt a folder you have encrypted, why is it necessary to backup the certificate?
Is it because the first time a certificate is generated and without it you cannot open the folder?

If so where do you back the certificate up to in case of drive failure?
Thank you
Peter
Click to expand...

The first time you encrypt a folder or file, an encryption certificate is automatically created. You should back up your encryption certificate. If your certificate and key are lost or damaged and you don't have a backup, you won't be able to use the files...
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kemical

kemical

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#2
Peterr said:
Hello
I have found out how to encrypt a folder I would sent to the Cloud.
I also saw how to decrypt the folder.
I saw mention of backing up the cetificate which sems to complicate the process..
if you can decrypt a folder you have encrypted, why is it necessary to backup the certificate?
Is it because the first time a certificate is generated and without it you cannot open the folder?

If so where do you back the certificate up to in case of drive failure?
Thank you
Peter
Click to expand...

The first time you encrypt a folder or file, an encryption certificate is automatically created. You should back up your encryption certificate. If your certificate and key are lost or damaged and you don't have a backup, you won't be able to use the files that you have encrypted
Click to expand...
You could then save it to a different drive, DVD disk,thumb drive anywhere you considered safe.
This web page explains how:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/back-up-efs-certificate#1TC=windows-7
 

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Peterr

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Thread Author #3
I am sorry to be thick I did see the link, thank you.
MY question is, do you save a certificate to a flash drive, for example, each time you encrypt a folder?
It seems as though you would have quite an extensive list, unless I am mistaken..
 

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kemical

kemical

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#4
I guess so Peter although as you say the list could end up quite large.
 

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P

Peterr

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Thread Author #5
I thought I may have had it wrong. The media must be trusted for integrity because if it fails, you have no way to access the folders.
Maybe 2 different media would help. I have 2 different flash drives with passwords on them, so they would be perfect. I doubt 2 would go at the same time. - thank you.
Peter
 

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