With the more secure private encryption key option chosen (in my case at least), it is on the next screen that the process continues with the downloading of the iDrive desktop software. NB – In order to configure iDrive to make use of zero-knowledge encryption, the “Private encryption key” option (see above) should be selected! It is this option which allows iDrive users to manage and keep safe their own encryption key which covers the encryption of all data sent to and from the cloud storage service (with iDrive themselves managing the key when the default (top) option is selected). With these few details entered, the next screen in the process is where we can opt to select the type of security we wish to use, a choice between the default setting of allowing iDrive to manage encryption and encryption keys on our behalf or, alternatively, the choosing of a private encryption key which is the responsibility of the account holder to remember!

Signing up for an iDrive account beings at the official iDrive website where a 10GB free account is available for all new users to the service as are multiple premium account offerings ranging up to a massive 50TB in storage!Īs can be seen above, the initial sign-up is very easy with iDrive requiring only a name, working email address ( which will need to be verified) and an account password in order to set-up the 10GB free account. In this latest version of my iDrive review, now fully updated for 2023, I will be putting the service to the test again and finding out how it compares in an ever cloud storage market – let’s go! I previously tested out iDrive a few years ago and was impressed by the full range of cloud storage and backup features which are included within the service. iDrive backup functionality extends beyond simple cloud backup to include both locally stored and cloud-based backup functionality, good historic versioning options (including file archiving abilities), secure AES 256-bit zero-knowledge encryption plus the ability to make use of full disk imaging and disk cloning tools amongst various other useful backup abilities.

Whilst there are many great features to be found within an iDrive account, the backup tools themselves are worthy of special mention given the range of functionality they provide. IDrive is well known as a comprehensive cloud offering, one providing secure cloud storage which is backed-up by many other related features including cloud backup software, secure file sharing, integrations with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 plus smartphone apps for iOS and Android amongst many others.

Idrive cloud