Security Questions

Can other businesses using Agency Backup see my data?

To your business and others, it will seem like you are the only one using this service.  You will not see the names or data of other businesses using the service.  The only way to initiate a restore is through the remote backup software.  In addition, if you are on a different computer than the one that initiated the backup, you will need your account username and password, plus your encryption key code.  No one can see your data, copy it, or make modifications of any kind.

How is my data secured?

The two primary security measures Agency Backup employs are (1) limiting access to your data to authorized users by username and password authorization; and (2) encrypting your data prior to transmission and storing it in an encrypted state.  Without your encryption key, not even our employees can access your data.

How do I know my data is secure?

If you use encryption, your information is encrypted before it leaves your PC.  Encryption methods include the Advanced Encryption Standard, (AES), the same standard used by many banks and the United States Government to protect sensitive  information.  When using encryption your data is compressed and encrypted before leaving your PC and your encryption key is not transmitted with the data.

How secure is AES (128-bit) encryption?

With AES (128-bit) encryption there are approximately 3.4 x 10³⁸ possible 128-bit keys or 340,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000.  In comparison, DES keys are 56 bits long, which means there are approximately 7.2 x 10¹⁶ possible DES keys. Thus, there are on the order of 10²¹ times more AES 128-bit keys than DES 56-bit keys.

What do I do if I lose my encryption key code?

Lost key codes cannot be recovered.  They are NEVER transmitted to our servers.  We have NO WAY of getting them back.  ARS recommends keeping multiple copies of your encryption key code in safe, secured remote locations.

Can I change my encryption key code? 

Yes, the Remote Backup software allows you to change your encryption key code.  Your new encryption key will take effect after you run your next backup.

Where is my data kept offsite?

Your data is kept at a world class data center located in Dallas, Texas.  The data center is among the best-connected hosting facilities in the world.  The center is maintained physical, environmental, and electronic security 24/7/365.