TL;DR
This guide shows you how to make sure your files in Bittorrent Sync (now Resilio Sync) are properly encrypted, both while they’re being transferred and when they’re stored on your devices. We’ll cover setting up folder encryption and understanding the different options.
1. Understanding Encryption Options
Bittorrent Sync offers two main types of encryption:
- End-to-end Encryption: This is the most secure option. Only you and people you share with can read your files. Bittorrent Sync servers cannot access them.
- Sync Encryption (default): Files are encrypted during transfer but decrypted on devices once synced. The Resilio Sync server *can* access your data while it’s being transferred.
We’ll focus on setting up End-to-end Encryption for maximum privacy.
2. Enabling End-to-end Encryption
- Open Resilio Sync: Launch the application on your computer.
- Select the Folder: Right-click on the folder you want to encrypt and choose ‘Edit Shared Folder’. If it’s a new folder, encryption options will appear during setup.
- Go to Advanced Settings: In the ‘Edit Shared Folder’ window, click on the ‘Advanced’ tab.
- Enable Encryption: Check the box labelled ‘Encrypt data transfer and folder contents’. This activates end-to-end encryption.
Important: Enabling encryption for an existing folder will re-sync all files, which can take a long time depending on the size of your data.
3. Setting a Password
- Password Prompt: After enabling encryption, you’ll be prompted to set a strong password.
- Choose a Strong Password: Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. A longer password is more secure. Do not forget this password! You will need it to access the folder on any device.
- Confirm Password: Enter the password again to confirm.
Resilio Sync will now encrypt your files using this password.
4. Sharing Encrypted Folders
- Generate a Share Link: Right-click on the encrypted folder and select ‘Share’.
- Copy the Share Link: Copy the generated link.
- Send to Recipients: Send the link to the people you want to share the folder with.
- Recipients Need Password: Your recipients will need to enter the same password you set when they add the shared folder to their Resilio Sync application.
Note: The share link itself does not contain your files or decryption key.
5. Accessing Encrypted Folders on Other Devices
- Add Shared Folder: On the other device, open Resilio Sync and click ‘Add Shared Folder’.
- Paste Share Link: Paste the share link you copied earlier into the ‘Folder URL’ field.
- Enter Password: Enter the password you set for the folder when prompted.
- Sync Begins: Resilio Sync will begin syncing the encrypted files to your device.
6. What if You Forget Your Password?
Warning: If you forget your password, there is no way to recover your data! End-to-end encryption means even Resilio Sync cannot help you access the files.
Therefore:
- Store Password Securely: Use a password manager or write it down in a safe place.
- Consider Multiple Backups: Keep multiple copies of your password (e.g., encrypted file, physical storage).
7. Checking Encryption Status
- Folder Icon: Encrypted folders will have a padlock icon next to their name in the Resilio Sync interface.
- Transfer Details: When files are syncing, you should see an indication that they are being encrypted during transfer.