Secure files with End-to-End Encryption (E2EE) using Boxcryptor

Created by Christian Sprajc
Last updated: Sep 02, 2020

OUTDATED

(warning) OUTDATED: PowerFolder is fully compatible with the new version of Boxcryptor

Overview:

Introduction

This user guide explains how to setup PowerFolder to work with Boxcryptor Classic adding additional security by end-to-end encryption (E2EE). End-to-end encrypted files in PowerFolder are available on desktop computer, notebook, iPhone, iPad or any Android device. Drawback: Files won't be readable after download from the web portal since decrypting files by web browsers is not possible. Note: It's possible to select specific folders to be end-to-end encrypted while securing others by standard security.

End-to-end encryption is recommended for folders containing highly sensitive content. An additional encryption password is required to access its contents.

Even without end-to-end encryption files in PowerFolder get encrypted before they leave the client. In addition all files are stored encrypted in the cloud (at rest). PowerFolder uses industrial security standards (AES, RSA, SHA).

Requirements

  • PowerFolder account.
  • PowerFolder Client installation.
  • Boxcryptor Classic installation (Download and install). Works with Free, Personal and Business Unlimited edition.

Setup on Windows

On your desktop computer/notebook:

  1. Create a new folder in PowerFolder, which will later hold the encrypted files.
  2. Open Boxcryptor. The "Welcome to Boxcryptor" wizard opens.
  3. Choose "Create new Boxcryptor classic folder". Click next.
  4. Choose "Custom" storage location. Click "Browse".
  5. Select the previously created folder. Click next.
  6. Choose a drive letter. Click next.
  7. Choose a strong encryption password. Note: Encryption is severely weakened if your password is too simple.
  8. Click next. You are ready!
  9. Click finish. The drive letter will open in Windows-Explorer afterwards. You can now copy files into it.

Congratulations. The encrypted folder is now available on all your computers and mobile devices.

Always use the drive letter when accessing, changing or coping files to the encrypted folder. Only files which are stored in the drive letter are being transparently encrypted by Boxcryptor Classic.

You can also share this folder with other PowerFolder users. Please send the encryption password through a secure channel to the other user. Note: Encryption is severely weakened if a insecure channel is used to transmit the encryption password.


To access a previously encrypted folder or access a encrypted folder, which has been shared with you please follow these steps:

  1. Open Boxcryptor.
  2. Choose to open an existing folder.
  3. Choose "Custom" storage location. Click "Browse".
  4. Browse to the previously created folder, select "Boxcryptor Classic.bc". Click next.
  5. Choose a drive letter. Click next. You are being prompted for the encryption password.
  6. Enter the encryption password. Click OK.

Congratulations. The drive letter is now available to you in Windows-Explorer.

Setup on Android

  1. Install and start the PowerFolder mobile app for Android.
  2. Login with your PowerFolder account.
  3. Select the encrypted folder from the list.
  4. Open the context menu and choose "Download". This downloads all (new) files.
  5. Install and start the Boxcryptor Classic mobile app for Android.
  6. Select "Connect with local storage". Select "built-in storage".
  7. Browse to and select "PowerFolders".
  8. Select the encrypted folder, select "Boxcryptor Classic.bc". You are being prompted for the encryption password.
  9. Enter the encryption password. Click ok.

Congratulations. You can now browse and access files contained in the encrypted folder.

Files are stored encrypted (at rest) on your Android device. They are also available offline. To update the local files on your device repeat step 2 to 4.

There is also a manual for Boxcryptor on Android available.

Setup on iPhone or iPad

  1. Make sure you can receive emails on your iOS device.
  2. Login with your PowerFolder account at the web portal.
  3. Select the encrypted folder.
  4. Click settings on the menu bar.
  5. Copy the "WebDAV URL" of the encrypted folder.
  6. Compose an email containing the WebDAV URL and sent it to yourself.
  7. On your mobile device open the previously sent email.
  8. Copy the WebDAV URL from the email by pressing and holding on the text, then select copy.
  9. Install and start the Boxcryptor Classic mobile app for iOS.
  10. Choose cloud provider.
  11. Choose "WebDAV".
  12. Select Service "Custom".
  13. Paste the "WebDAV URL" you previously copied from your email.
  14. Enter your PowerFolder Account data. Press Login.
  15. Select "Boxcryptor Classic.bc". You are being prompted for the encryption password.
  16. Enter the encryption password. Click Finish.

Congratulations. You can now browse and access files contained in the encrypted folder.

Files are not stored on your iOS device. An online connection is required to access the encrypted folder.

There is also a manual for Boxcryptor on iOS available.

New version of Boxcryptor

The support for the new version of Boxcryptor is in development. The new version of Boxcryptor is currently unable to connect by WebDAV to PowerFolder. The issue has been reported and Boxcryptor is working on a patch (20 Feb 2015).