Cryptomator Keeps Sensitive Files Secret from Google Drive
Afam, an experienced tech writer and advocate for data privacy and security, recently put Google Drive's encryption to the test using Cryptomator. He created a vault called 'Vault for MUO' within his Google Drive sync folder on his computer, adding a mix of files including CSV exports, images, and spreadsheets.
The vault mounted as a virtual drive on Afam's computer, allowing him to access the files without any issues. However, when he opened Google Drive, he didn't recognize his own folder or see his photos or spreadsheet. Instead, it showed folders named 'c' and 'd', along with recognizable Cryptomator files.
The encrypted identifiers replaced Afam's daughter's folder names, photo filenames, and CSV titles, making it clear that Google Drive couldn't read the contents of the vault. Afam noted that while Google Drive sees metadata such as file and folder timestamps and counts, it doesn't get the readable content or original directory structure.