SpiderOak is an online full-feature backup product that can sync, access, store and share files in a secure way. It uses a No Knowledge security system to offer you the best security for your stored data, a feature that we shall explain in details later on in this SpiderOak Review.
SpiderOak is based in the U.S, and the company is known for its emphasis on privacy. It differentiates itself from other file-sharing companies by their unique feature of archiving changes and syncing files across multiple devices.
In this review, we shall look at various aspects and features of this product.
SpiderOak Pricing
With SpiderOak, you have complete control of what you pay, depending on the amount of storage space that you need. They offer their packages in 100GB increments starting from 100 GB. The biggest package is 5000 GB, but you can always contact them if you need more space.
You can opt for their 2GB storage space which is free or upgrade to;
- 100GB storage for $5 per month
- 250 GB storage for $9 per month
- 1000GB storage for $12 per month.
The annual package includes
- 100GB for $59
- 250 GB for $99Â
- 1000 GB for $129.
One thing we liked here is that you are offered the 250 GB plan in a 21 day free trial period. This trial period has no obligations and doesnât require you to provide your credit card details. This is a pretty nice opportunity to get to explore the service.
Remember: SpiderOak will automatically renew your account at either the monthly or yearly anniversary of your billing date.
Features
Being one of the biggest names in secure cloud service, SpiderOak offers quite a number of impressive features to its users. Privacy is always at the forefront for them, and so they put a lot of emphasis on it. For this, they use their Zero-Knowledge privacy system to offer you 100% privacy.
You are also able to use an unlimited amount of computers for one account, and this means that you can be able to access your data from wherever you are.
You are also able to access features such as file syncing and some great customization options that you can use to back up your data. Their services generally enable you to have great customization options that you can use to back up your data.
Here is a list of Spider Oak feature in general;
- Secure Backup- All your data is held secure and only you can have access to it.
- Sync Anywhere- You will be able to sync your data across all your devices, so you will always have it on the go.
- Share Files Privately- All your shared files will not be accessible to third party users, and only the target audience is reached.
- 100% privacy â Their zero knowledge privacy policy ensures that no other party except you (yes, including SpiderOak) can access your encryption keys or passwords.
- Unlimited Device Support– SpiderOak supports all major platforms so you will be able to use it on your
- Free Mobile Apps for Android and iOS- To get your mobile applications, you donât have to pay a dime!
The main products are two, SpiderOak Semaphor and SpiderOak one. SpiderOak One is the primary product that provides secure, reliable backup to protect your files from data loss and ransomware.
SpiderOak Semaphor
Semaphor is a tool made to support secure collaboration. It is focused on providing encrypted group chat and file sharing to make your team more productive and secure.
It features direct messaging, and admins can create an unlimited number of teams and have history stored for upwards of 30 days.
This is a useful feature for collaboration with your team, as it will ensure that you can work remotely with your team while at the same time keeping your data secure.
Just like SpiderOak One, Semaphor has a free account which you can use for trials. After that, the Standard & Pro account goes for $9 per month, while the Enterprise package has scaled pricing based on users.
Encryptr
Encryptr is a free password generator and management tool that stores personal information securely in the cloud. It utilizes SpiderOakâs trademark Zero Knowledge security policy.
The tools create strong passwords for logging in to any site and also saves existing Login details. You can also be able to upload documents that can be synced between multiple devices so you can access them whenever you need.
Security Check
Zero Knowledge Encryption
SpiderOak uses their Zero Knowledge security to make sure that you are the only person who can access your stored data. Not even SpiderOak themselves can know what you have stored.
You do not create your password on an online web form that can be reached by SpiderOak servers. Rather, you create your password on your desktop application. A strong key derivation function generates encryption keys using that password, and no trace of your original password is ever uploaded to SpiderOak with your stored data.
Every time you want to use SpiderOak, you have to log in using your Password. It is only during that browsing session, that your password is stored. This storage is however done in an encrypted format to enhance security. After ending your browsing session, your password is completely destroyed such that it canât be traced back.
SpiderOak also uses a layered approach to encryption, using a combination of 2048 bit RSA and 256 bit AES. This is a very secure data encryption technology, as all encryption is done on the client side.
There is, however, a downfall of this security system. Though very beneficial, it tends to drain your device memory such that it decreases the performance. However, if you have data that you need to keep secure, the product is definitely worth it.
Data Back Up Capabilities
With SpiderOak, all your data types will be supported, and therefore you donât have to worry about your videos, photos, etc.
Data Backup happens automatically, and therefore you donât have to worry about backing up your data. This adds more reliability in that if you forget to backup, that is not an issue as the backup has already happened.
If you donât want the data backup to happen automatically, you also have the option to schedule it according to your desire or needs.
Data Restore Capabilities
With SpiderOak, you wonât have problems accessing your data. All data that has been backed up is usually available with only a little effort. All you have to do is log in and click a button from whichever device you are working on.
By only a simple click of the âRestoreâ button, you will be able to access all your data.
SpiderOak Speeds
SpiderOak has to encrypt your data, and encryption greatly affects data speed. This, therefore, means that transfer speeds with SpiderOak are rather slow.
You will notice that your data may take longer to upload than using data service products that do not offer encryption like DropBox and Google Drive. The only way to boost this is by using a fast connection or a powerful device.
However, if you really want to store sensitive data, you have to go with that.
Getting Started
Itâs easy to download SpiderOak from their official website. You just need to go to the âDownloadsâ section, and youâll be given options to either download Semaphor, Encryptr or SpiderOak One. In this SpiderOak Review, we are majorly focusing on SpiderOak One.
To register an account, you wonât have to do it on the Web. This is meant to boost your Privacy as registering an account on the web would give SpiderOak servers access to all the details you enter.
Once you download the application, you can just install it and then open.
You will be given a form where you can create an account. Free accounts require no personal information to set up, so you wonât need to hand over your bank details until youâre ready to pay.
You can then Log into your new account, and you will have the interfaces for backup, managing, syncing and sharing.
You will also have an easy time sharing your backed up data with friends. All you have to do is go to the share option, and enter the shareID of the recipient.
Canceling your SpiderOak account
Canceling your SpiderOak account is an easy thing to do. Hereâs what you need to do;
- On the bottom right side of the application, you can click on âAccount.’
- This will open your web browser and take you to a page on the SpiderOak website where you can manage your account.
- You can choose âCancel Account.’
If you are paying for your subscription, you will receive a âpro-rated refund for the remaining time on [your] account.â The money will appear within two weeks of your cancellation.
Support
SpiderOak doesnât have a live chat support system or phone support that you can use to get instant help.
They, however, have a well-stocked Documentation and FAQ support.
To contact support, you have to do it via mail. You will have to wait for around 4 hours before you receive a response. Their responses are however personalized and knowledgeable to almost make up for the lack of Live Support.
Spider Oak Pros & Cons
Pros
- Zero-knowledge security policy
- SSL secured
- Supports Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux
- Free account for up to 2 GB of storage
- Unlimited number of computers connected to storage account
- Claims to be 10-15 times faster than traditional backups
- Support all the major operating systems with their own apps
- Deleted file and historical version storage
- De-Duplication feature
Cons
- Can slow down your machine
- Doesnât provide a hard copy backup service
Conclusion
The major pillar for SpiderOak is their privacy policy. They provide a very reliable and affordable service where you can backup your data securely without worrying anybody accessing your files.
SpiderOak itself canât even access your data, and so you can be assured of 100% privacy.
This is a cloud service we really liked, and if you want to back up your data securely, SpiderOak is the way to go.
