I am only interested in backing up data periodically. I have been manually uploading the encrypted folder (not zipped) using the upload folder option in OneDrive’s browser interface vs. using the desktop app to sync.
If I need to access a backup later, I just download the vault folder from OneDrive and add the vault to the Cryptomator app.
Does the vault need to be locked when you upload the encrypted folder to the cloud manually? Does it matter if the encrypted folder is not zipped? Lastly, does it matter if you rename the encrypted folder after it is uploaded to the cloud, so long as everything within the encrypted folder such as the d folder and keys are left intact? The only thing I have noticed is that the root folder name will just determine the new name of the vault when you download it and load it back into Cryptomator.
I now realize 7z is probably a better solution for this use-case but was wondering if my method is viable as it seems to have been working with no issues so far.
No, no need to lick the vault.
It does not matter. Cryptomator vault files are just files. If you want to pack them into a zip before uploading, then do it. If not, then don’t.
Also this does not matter. Typically the name of the folder is your vault name. If you want to have a specific name of your vault after you downloaded your archive and and add the vault to your Cryptomator app, then the folder has to be renamed. (As you correctly mentioned)
My personal opinion: yes, in this specific Szenario you are not using the benefits of the file based encryption Cryptomator offers, and thus 7zip encryption seems more effortless than using Cryptomator. But nevertheless it’s valid to also use Cryptomator. You should not have problems with this usecase.
Thanks for your timely and informative response! I will probably be switching to 7z per your recommendation.
I had a couple of follow up questions.
Can the renaming of the encrypted vault folder be done in the cloud or only after you download it from the cloud and add as an existing vault to the app? I cannot see why it would matter if you rename before or after.
I was curious about one other thing too. Let’s say hypothetically you accidentally deleted an encrypted file/folder in OneDrive within the d folder and it went to the OneDrive recycle bin. Would OneDrive restore the file/folder back to its orignal location in the d folder, and if not, where would it place the restored file?
It does not matter. A Cryptomator vault is just a bunch of files and folders. As long as you do not rename anything in or besides folder „d“, feel free to rename the vault folder whenever you like (but if it’s mounted to Cryptomator app, then you’ll have to re-mount it, because obviously the path to „d“ will change)
I think so. But I’m not sure. (You should just test this).