Privacy, Security & Performance
If Carbonite is always on, won’t it slow down my computer?
No. Carbonite has been designed to operate in the background so as not to slow down your PC or Internet connection while you are actively using your computer.
If you touch your mouse or keyboard, Carbonite automatically slows down until your computer has been idle for a few minutes. It’s very unlikely that you will ever notice a change in the way your computer performs while using Carbonite.
Can I delete a file from the backup server?
Yes, simply right-click on the file and select ‘Do not back up’ from the Carbonite menu. The file will be deleted from Carbonite’s servers 2 days later.
(Please note that if you are using Carbonite on a Mac, you will have to use the ‘More’ menu after right-clicking)
Does Carbonite store a copy of my encryption key?
By default, Carbonite creates and stores an unique encryption key for every customer automatically. This key is used to encrypt (scramble) your files before they leave your computer so no one can see them.
However, when you first install Carbonite, you are given the choice to manage your own encryption key. If you choose this option, Carbonite will not store your encryption key. Unless you are experienced at managing encryption keys or have a special need to do so, we strongly recommend you allow Carbonite to manage your encryption key for you. If you choose to manage your own key, and you lose it, there will be no way to recover your files.
Please note that Carbonite does not yet support private encryption key management for Mac users.
How secure is my backed up data?
Our reputation and business depend on protecting your data, so keeping your data secure is a top priority for the Carbonite team.
Carbonite encrypts your files before saving a copy of them to our secure online servers. Your data is then sent to us using a secure SSL connection, a standard practice for most online transactions among merchants and financial institutions.
Employees of Carbonite cannot see your backed up data; however, by default, Carbonite stores a copy of your encryption key in a secure server so that you can easily log in, and retrieve and decrypt your files whenever you need them.
When you first install Carbonite, you can choose to manage your own encryption key; however, unless you are experienced at managing encryption keys or have a special need to do so, we strongly recommend you allow Carbonite to manage your encryption key for you. If you choose to manage your own encryption key, and you lose it, there will be no way to recover your files.
Please note that Carbonite does not yet support private encryption key management for Mac users.
How fast will my data be backed up?
Your first complete backup will take some time, but once your first backup is complete, updates to your backup usually take only a few minutes each day and are virtually unnoticeable.
Depending on your Internet connection speed and how long you stay connected to our servers, you should be able to back up between 2 and 3GB per day with Carbonite. So, if you have 3GBs of data on your computer, your initial backup will take about 24 hours. If you have 30GBs of data, your initial backup will take about 10 days. That assumes, however, that you’re not using your computer for other work. Carbonite slows down when you’re working on your computer so as not to interfere with your CPU or Internet speed. Therefore, if you use your computer 8 hours a day, your backup will go 33% slower.
Where is my data stored?
Carbonite has two state-of-the-art facilities in Massachusetts that provide carefully temperature-controlled rooms, backup generators, restricted personnel access, and other features to protect the security and integrity of your data.
Your files are always available for you online should you need to restore them. Just go to http://www.carbonite.com.au and click on the Restore tab to login and retrieve your data.
What type of encryption does Carbonite use?
Carbonite uses a combination of Blowfish and DES III (Triple DES) encryption. Both are strong encryption algorithms with the benefit of relatively low processor overhead (hence your PC is not slowed down by Carbonite’s encryption software). These encryption algorithms, in combination with the use of SSL for data transmission, make Carbonite’s data protection/encryption process similar to online retails and online financial institutions.
Blowfish is one of the fastest block ciphers in widespread use. Blowfish is a symmetric block cipher with a variable-length key up to 448 bits, making it ideal for both domestic and exportable use. Blowfish was designed in 1993 as a fast, free alternative to existing encryption algorithms.
The Data Encryption Standard (DES) was developed by an IBM team around 1974 and adopted as a national standard in 1977. Triple DES (DESIII) is a much stronger variation of this standard and is billions of times more secure.
