Zero-knowledge architecture

We Can't Read Your Files. Literally.

Most cloud storage services encrypt your files — but they hold the keys. CopyClap is different. Your files are encrypted inside your browser before they ever leave your device. We store only locked boxes. You keep the only key.

The Difference

Traditional Storage vs. CopyClap

Old way

Traditional Cloud Storage

How most services work

You upload a file. The service encrypts it on their servers. They hold the decryption key. If their servers are hacked, a rogue employee acts up, or a government requests data — your files can be opened.

The risk:

  • Service can read your files anytime
  • Hacked? Files exposed
  • Insider access? Employees can peek inside
Our way

CopyClap

Private by design

You upload a file. Your browser encrypts it before sending. The server receives only scrambled data. Without your password, no one can decrypt your files.

The result:

  • We cannot read your file contents
  • Storage breach? Files stay encrypted
  • Insider access? No one can open your files
The Flow

How Your Files Stay Private

Every step happens inside your browser. The server is just a delivery truck.

Step 1

Select

Choose a file locally in your browser. Nothing is sent yet.

Step 2

Encrypt

Your browser encrypts the file with a unique key before it leaves your device.

Step 3

Upload

Only scrambled ciphertext is uploaded. Keys stay encrypted too.

Step 4

Download

Fetch your encrypted data and encrypted file key when you need it.

Step 5

Decrypt

Unlock the file inside your browser using your vault password.

CopyClap — Zero-Knowledge Encryption
Your Browser
Private_Document.pdf
Plaintext file
Encrypted with AES-256-GCM
Key stays in your browser
Ciphertext only
Our Server
Encrypted blob
Unreadable without key
0x7a9f...e4d2 (scrambled data)
Encrypted file key
Your vault password never leaves this browser
We cannot decrypt what we cannot see
Transparency

What We See vs. What We Don't

Transparency is the foundation of trust. Here's exactly what we can and cannot access.

What We Can See

Necessary for the service to function

  • Your email address (for login)
  • Encrypted file blobs (scrambled, unreadable data)
  • File sizes (in bytes, not the actual content)
  • Upload and download timestamps
  • Your storage quota usage

What We Cannot See

Only accessible with your password

  • Your vault password — never leaves your browser
  • Your file contents — encrypted before upload
  • Your filenames — encrypted inside metadata
  • Decryption keys — generated and stay in your browser
  • Share passwords — verified, never stored in plaintext
Sharing

Secure Sharing

Share files with anyone — without giving us the key.

Open Links

Anyone with the link can download. The link itself contains the decryption capability — but only for that specific file. We store only a one-way hash of the link token, not the token itself.

Password-Protected Links

Add a password and the file key is encrypted with a key derived from that password. Even if someone intercepts the link, they cannot decrypt without the password. We verify passwords using industry-standard hashing — we never store them in plaintext.

Recovery

Forgot Your Password? You're Not Locked Out.

Since we don't know your password, we can't reset it for you. But you can set up a recovery phrase when you create your vault.

Your recovery phrase is a sequence of words generated from random entropy. From this phrase, your browser derives a recovery key — completely separate from your vault password. The recovery key encrypts a backup of your vault key, which is stored on our server. If you forget your password, you can use your recovery phrase to restore access. Without the recovery phrase, even we cannot help you.

FAQ

Common Questions

Can CopyClap staff read my files?

No. We store only encrypted data. Decryption happens in your browser, and we do not have your password or keys. Even with full database access, your file contents cannot be read without your password.

What happens if CopyClap gets hacked?

An attacker would gain access to encrypted file blobs and encrypted keys — both useless without your vault password. Your actual file contents would remain safe.

Can you decrypt my files if legally required?

No. We do not have your password, vault key, or file keys. We can only provide the encrypted data we store, which cannot be read without your credentials.

Is my password sent to your server?

No. Your vault password is used only inside your browser to derive your vault key. It is never sent to our servers.

How do share links work?

When you create a share link, your browser encrypts the file key with a key derived from the share token (or a password, if you set one). We store only the encrypted key and a hash of the token. The actual token stays in the link, which you share directly with the recipient.

What if I forget my vault password and lost my recovery phrase?

Your files cannot be recovered. We intentionally have no way to restore your keys. This is the trade-off of privacy: no one but you can access your data.

Ready to take back your privacy?

Your files. Your keys. Our servers just store the locked boxes.