In simple terms, encryption is a secret pass phrase applied to the contents of your files to ensure they are completely unreadable without the means to do so in conjunction with that encryption key. McAfee encrypts your files on your computer before they are sent over the Internet to the McAfee cloud. Your files remain encrypted when stored in the McAfee cloud and can only be read if you have both the encryption key and the means to read the encrypted file.
When you install McAfee Online Backup software, you may be able to select the type of encryption key you want to use for your backups. Your administrator can determine which types of encryption keys you can choose from or whether you can choose at all. That encryption is permanently associated with all files sent to the McAfee cloud from that computer.
The type of encryption key used determines whether some tasks are seamless and simple or whether extra steps are required. The McAfee Online Backup default encryption key yields the least complicated experiences.
| Default Encryption Key | The McAfee Online Backup default encryption
keys are 448-bit keys created using the Blowfish algorithm.
McAfee separately stores the key. This lets us automatically decrypt your files when you download or restore them. This is the least complicated, most seamless experience for users, imposing no restrictions on any McAfee Online Backup features. |
Your administrator can determine whether you can choose your type of encryption key, or which types you can choose from. You may use the same type of encryption key when you install each instance of the backup software. In making these choices during installation, you can choose to create the simplest experience possible when downloading or restoring files. Or, you can choose to be responsible for managing the most secure experience, which can also be the most complex.