Tresorit Review: Is It Worth It?
Tresorit, headquartered in Switzerland, is a standout in the world of cloud storage, prioritizing privacy and security above all else. Switzerland's stringent federal laws and regulations provide an unparalleled level of privacy, and Tresorit's claim of unbeatable security has earned the trust of over 12,000 organizations worldwide. Rigorously tested by experts, its encryption remains unbroken. Tresorit's strength lies in its focus on both security and simplicity, seamlessly syncing files across devices with end-to-end encryption, making it a compelling choice for individuals and organizations alike. In this review, we'll delve deeper into Tresorit's service to determine if it truly lives up to its promises and whether it's worth your consideration.
Background and History
The story of Tresorit is an intriguing journey that began with a young Istvan Lam, who, at the tender age of 12, received his first cryptography book as a gift from his family. This gift ignited the spark of his fascination with cybersecurity, setting him on a path to champion digital privacy. In his late teens, Lam delved deeper into cryptography, solidifying his commitment to safeguarding digital realms. Fast forward a decade to 2011, and Istvan Lam, along with two university peers and the head of a prominent IT security institution, laid the foundation for Tresorit. Over the years, Tresorit has evolved into a company that empowers teams worldwide with secure collaboration, all stemming from Lam's early passion for cryptography and unwavering dedication to digital privacy. As we delve into our review of Tresorit, we will consider how this remarkable origin story has shaped the service's approach to security and privacy.
Main Features
Tresorit presents a robust array of features that warrant a thorough examination. Centered on the twin pillars of security and privacy, Tresorit goes beyond conventional file storage to offer a comprehensive toolkit. The commitment to secure file sharing is palpable through features like encrypted share links, file requests, and stringent access controls. Notably, the inclusion of expiration dates and download limits for shared links amplifies the user-centric approach to privacy. But Tresorit's scope extends further, boasting an impressive 4TB of encrypted storage space, accompanied by version history and boundless activity tracking. Security-conscious users will appreciate measures such as 2-Step Verification and secure access from up to 10 devices, enhanced by the convenience of a document scanning feature.
Tresorit doesn't stop at individual features; it embraces the need for comprehensive control with administrative capabilities. Device management, remote wipe functionalities, and granular permissions underscore its credibility as a heavyweight contender in the realm of secure cloud storage.
At its core, Tresorit's client software facilitates seamless syncing of files and folders between your devices and the cloud, with account-dependent limits. Users can create 'tresors,' essentially collections of files and folders for more organized and efficient management. This feature offers flexibility, particularly for those who wish to depart from their existing folder structure.
Online collaboration tools within Tresorit are robust, accommodating both account holders and non-account holders. Users can set up links for others to upload files, with the ability to password-protect access and specify link expiration or usage limits, enhancing control over data sharing.
Tresorit extends its capabilities to networked drives and NAS drives for cloud backup, further enhancing its utility. File versioning is another valuable feature, allowing users to roll back to previous file versions as needed, with varying version limits based on the account tier.
While Tresorit's in-app collaboration may not match the bells and whistles of some competitors like Dropbox or Google Drive, it excels in fulfilling core functions. Its focus on core features, coupled with its unwavering commitment to security and privacy, positions Tresorit as a reliable choice for users who prioritize safeguarding their data without unnecessary frills.
Apps and Usability
Tresorit's interface and usability shine as notable assets within its arsenal. Across the board, from desktop to mobile, Tresorit's apps present a clean, fresh, and modern aesthetic that resonates with user-friendliness. Navigating through these apps is a breeze, aided by a helpful guided tour that acquaints users with the interface upon the first launch.
Our experience with Tresorit on macOS revealed a commendable level of functionality accessible through the desktop client. It covers everything from file activity to sharing and integrations. A standout feature is the seamless integration with the native file manager system, Finder, which fosters a familiar and intuitive user experience, while the experience on Windows was equally pleasant.
The mobile apps, on the other hand, exhibit an even more intuitive interface. Drawing parallels to the user-friendly nature of Dropbox, they facilitate swift access to files and effortless sharing with just a few taps. Additionally, Tresorit's Android and iOS apps seamlessly handle automatic uploads of mobile photos and videos to the cloud, streamlining the user experience.
Notably, the mobile apps provide a toggle to enable or disable mobile data usage, a handy feature for data-conscious users. However, it's worth mentioning that there are no automated warnings based on file size, a feature found in some other cloud storage apps. Further enhancing security, the mobile apps offer passcode or biometric access, distinct from the device's login credentials.
The web interface maintains Tresorit's commitment to simplicity and functionality. While it lacks some advanced options like direct media file streaming, it excels in being user-friendly and functional. Furthermore, users have the option to keep files exclusively on the web, bypassing local device syncing, granting greater control over storage management.
In summary, Tresorit's interface and usability impress with their speed, intuitiveness, and overall user-friendliness.
Privacy and Security
Tresorit's commitment to data security and privacy is underscored by a robust set of measures designed to safeguard user information. One of its flagship features is end-to-end encryption, which serves as a formidable fortress around your data. With this encryption, Tresorit ensures that every file and relevant metadata on your devices is shielded with unique, randomly generated encryption keys. Crucially, these keys never traverse the digital highway in an unencrypted format, fortifying the confidentiality of your data. Accessing files hinges solely on possessing the user's unique decryption key, a key aspect of Tresorit's 'zero knowledge' approach, where even Tresorit's own staff cannot access your files, delivering a level of security that is impervious to hackers and law enforcement, albeit with the caveat that forgetting your key renders access to your data irretrievable.
Beyond end-to-end encryption, Tresorit employs cryptographic key sharing grounded in industry-standard public key cryptography. This methodology, including RSA-4096 with OAEP padding scheme and PKI certificates, ensures that even Tresorit cannot access shared keys, bolstering data security.
Tresorit's dedication to data integrity extends to client-side integrity protection, where the content of each file is shielded from unauthorized modification through cryptographic authentication methods like HMAC or AEAD. This level of security persists even in the event of a breach on Tresorit's systems.
Privacy is further fortified by the jurisdiction Tresorit operates under, Switzerland, with its privacy laws offering substantial protection, surpassing those in the US and the EU. The use of non-convergent cryptography sets Tresorit apart, preventing the determination of content matches in the cloud, safeguarding user data from prying eyes.
While Tresorit's 'zero knowledge' approach is commendable, the absence of open-source client apps might raise some concerns within the security community. Nevertheless, an independent security audit conducted by Ernst and Young in 2019, with access to the source code, corroborated Tresorit's claims regarding the protection of customer data.
In addition to these security measures, Tresorit incorporates two-factor authentication, providing users with an additional layer of account protection. In sum, Tresorit's unwavering commitment to data security and privacy is evident in its comprehensive suite of measures, and while the absence of open-source client apps may warrant further scrutiny, their approach remains steadfast in its mission to protect user data.
Compliance
Tresorit's commitment to compliance with industry standards and regulations is a testament to its unwavering dedication to security and privacy. The company holds certification for ISO 27001:2013, a globally recognized standard and code of practice, which underscores its commitment to information security across all organizational levels. TÜV Rheinland, an independent third-party auditor, conducted the audit and certification process, affirming Tresorit's robust security measures.
In the realm of data protection, Tresorit aligns seamlessly with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The GDPR emphasizes encryption as a crucial technology for data protection and compliance. Tresorit's end-to-end encryption technology ensures that encryption keys, the gatekeepers to your data, reside exclusively on the client-side, on your device. This approach ensures that only you and those you explicitly share data with can access the information, exemplifying Tresorit's commitment to safeguarding user privacy and compliance.
Tresorit's prowess extends to compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Leveraging its zero-knowledge, end-to-end encrypted technology, Tresorit offers a HIPAA-compliant cloud storage solution. To further solidify its commitment to safeguarding Protected Health Information (PHI), Tresorit actively engages in signing HIPAA Business Associate Agreements (BAA) with customers, a testament to its dedication to healthcare data security.
In the evolving landscape of data privacy, Tresorit has been proactive in supporting the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which came into effect on January 1, 2020. This legislation mandates that entities handling data of California residents adhere to stringent guidelines. As a privacy advocate, Tresorit has championed CCPA compliance from its inception and stands ready to assist companies in their compliance efforts, reflecting its commitment to data security and privacy on a global scale.
Furthermore, Tresorit has earned the Digital Trust Label, a certification initiated by the Swiss Digital Initiative. This label assesses digital services across four vital categories: security, data protection, reliability, and fair user interaction. Tresorit's recognition as one of the first companies to receive this label in 2022 underscores its unwavering dedication to providing trustworthy and secure digital services.
Tresorit's compliance with a range of international standards and regulations, such as ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, and the Digital Trust Label, is a testament to its commitment to providing a secure, private, and compliant cloud storage solution for users and organizations seeking the highest standards of data protection and privacy.
Pricing
Internxt places a paramount emphasis on safeguarding your privacy through an array of advanced measures:
Internxt employs military-grade encryption through AES-256, guaranteeing that all the data stored within your account remains comprehensively protected. This level of encryption is so formidable that it would take an immeasurable amount of time for even the most powerful processors to decrypt even a minute file.
Integral to Internxt's privacy framework is its implementation of zero-knowledge technology. This steadfast approach ensures that your files, photos, passwords, and any other forms of data never become visible to unauthorized users or servers. This commitment to zero-knowledge reinforces your data's confidentiality throughout its journey within the Internxt ecosystem.
A cornerstone of Internxt's strategy is its GDPR-compliant synchronization. This signifies a resolute commitment to adhering to the stipulations outlined in the General Data Protection Regulation. From "privacy by design" principles to ensuring individuals' rights to information and the right to be forgotten, Internxt takes proactive steps to meet these provisions while remaining attuned to evolving privacy regulations.
End-to-end encryption is woven into every facet of Internxt's service. All data you store or transfer undergoes encryption before departing your device. This design ensures that decryption remains impossible without explicit user consent. Notably, not even the Internxt team holds the ability to access your files, photos, or passwords, safeguarding your privacy down to the minutest detail.
Payment Methods
Tresorit provides users with a selection of convenient payment methods for its subscriptions. Currently, you can choose to pay for Tresorit subscriptions using PayPal, offering a secure and widely recognized payment platform. Additionally, Tresorit accepts payments via Visa, MasterCard, and American Express credit and debit cards, catering to a broad spectrum of users.
To accommodate diverse payment preferences, Tresorit allows users to select their preferred payment method during the signup process or make the switch to it later.
While Tresorit offers a range of payment options to ensure user convenience, it's important to note that, unfortunately, cryptocurrency payments are not currently supported. Tresorit operates with Euro (EUR), US Dollar (USD), Swiss Franc (CHF), and British Pound (GBP) as accepted currencies, depending on your region.
For those interested in using wire transfer as a payment method, it is worth mentioning that this option is exclusively available for yearly team subscriptions with a minimum of three users. To explore this payment method, users can reach out to Tresorit's support team, who will guide them through the setup process.
Pricing
Tresorit offers a range of pricing plans tailored to meet diverse user needs, all while prioritizing security and privacy:
Personal:
- Secure cloud storage designed for personal use.
- Pricing: €6.99 per month, billed annually, or €8.39 billed monthly.
- Key Features: GDPR Compliant, 1TB of encrypted storage, 10GB maximum file size, access from anywhere, and secure file sharing.
- Add-ons available.
Professional:
- Ideal for professionals seeking secure collaboration.
- Pricing: €16.79 per month, billed annually, or €20.99 billed monthly.
- Key Features: GDPR Compliant, 4TB of encrypted storage, 15GB maximum file size, access from anywhere, secure file sharing, encrypted file requests, enhanced control and tracking, custom branded sharing, and the ability to disable downloads and printing.
- Add-ons available.
Business Standard:
- A foundational plan for secure collaboration, starting from 3 users.
- Pricing: €8.40 per user per month, billed annually, or €10.50 billed monthly.
- Key Features: GDPR Compliant, 1TB of encrypted storage per user, 5GB maximum file size, admin control, collaborative functions, and Tresorit for Outlook and Gmail plugins.
- Add-ons available.
Business Plus:
- Enhanced control and security, starting from 3 users.
- Pricing: €11.20 per user per month, billed annually, or €14 billed monthly.
- Key Features: GDPR Compliant, Single Sign-On (SSO), HIPAA Compliant, 2TB of encrypted storage per user, 15GB maximum file size, advanced admin control, enhanced collaboration and tracking, data residency options, and Tresorit for Outlook and Gmail plugins.
- Add-ons available.
Enterprise:
- Tailored for enterprise-level security, scalability, and integration, starting from 50 users.
- Custom pricing tailored to specific requirements.
- Key Features: GDPR Compliant, Single Sign-On (SSO), HIPAA Compliant, scalable encrypted storage, 20GB maximum file size, advanced integration, admin, and file sharing options, enhanced data residency choices, personalized staff training, and priority support, as well as Tresorit for Outlook and Gmail plugins.
Tresorit's pricing structure offers flexibility and scalability to cater to individual users, professionals, and businesses of varying sizes. Each plan is crafted with security, compliance, and privacy in mind, ensuring that users can choose the level of protection that aligns with their specific needs and budget.
Tresorit Pros & Cons
Tresorit: Pros
- Very easy to use
- End-to-end encryption
- Data compliance
- 2-factor authentication
- Free account with 5GB
- Fest syncing
Tresorit: Cons
- Closed-source
- A bit expensive for some
Tresorit Review: Verdict
Tresorit shines as a paragon of security, speed, and reliability. Its user-friendly apps offer a seamless experience, and its backup services exhibit flexibility and sophistication, allowing for the creation of custom file and folder groups outside the primary computer's directory structure.
Tresorit's touted end-to-end encryption and security measures are indeed commendable, making it a seemingly impregnable fortress for your data. Security audits underscore its commitment to safety. However, in the spirit of transparency and community trust, we believe that a cloud storage provider so deeply vested in security should consider open sourcing its client-side apps. Such a step would solidify its dedication to the security cause.
Tresorit's appeal lies in its Swiss-based operations, a boon for privacy enthusiasts. However, its premium pricing compared to the competition, along with certain features confined to higher-tier business packages, may give pause to personal users. Nevertheless, for businesses seeking a secure cloud storage solution, Tresorit stands as a worthy investment.
The support for various operating systems, is praiseworthy, offering sleek aesthetics and top-notch performance.
In conclusion, Tresorit delivers precisely what you pay for: a highly secure and private alternative to mainstream options like Dropbox and Google Drive - which you should avoid. Its reliability extends to its responsive customer support team, which endeavors to address queries promptly. For maximum file security, pairing Tresorit with a reputable password manager is highly recommended.
Currently in the free trial period on my iPhone 15
I’m starting to think Tresorit is a FBI HONEYPOT OPERATION.
In iOS. Latest tresorit version and iOS 17. There is NO WAY TO DOWNLOAD FILES in the tresorit app. Offline within the app means the files are still contained in the app.
You can ONLY UPLOAD but NOT DOWNLOAD ANYTHING. ????? WTH , please do a review on this. Thanks and love ur reviews. Zach.
Hey Zach! Thanks for sharing your feedback! That’s really strange, did you talk to their support? What did they tell you?
Emailed and never heard back.
In the iOS app. There’s no way to download files besides making them available offline but ur still CONTAINED in the app. Also after checking the comments on the app reviews. Some one said the same thing almost 3 years ago. So it’s something very weird going on here.
This would be sad though because that means EY’s reputation would be gone instantly if this is a FBI honeypot.
That’s not good. Thanks for sharing your experience, I’ll make sure to include that in the updated review.
Your Tresorit coupon/coupon code IS NOT WORKING. Please post updated link or code.
THANK YOU SO MUCH for letting us know! What a stupid mistake, the coupon code has stopped working since we ceased our partnership with Tresorit, and we forgot to remove it. THANK YOU AGAIN.