Security

Transmitting confidential business data to an offsite storage provider can raise concerns about privacy and security.  We understand those concerns and have implemented a robust security structure to help.  Through the use of communication encryption, data encryption, and data center security, information sent to our backup servers is always protected.

Backup Data is Securely Encrypted

All files are first encrypted and compressed before being transmitted to USA Data Services. By using an encryption key only known to the sender, access to the data is limited to only the customer. USA Data Services does not have nor need access to this key for any reason.  As a precaution, the encryption key should be written down and stored in a safe location.  If the encryption key is lost, the data can never be restored.

Communication Security

All communications between our customers and USA Data Services are encrypted using 128-bit SSL technology, the same technology used by e-commerce companies. Even though the data being transmitted is already encrypted by the client's computers, we take this extra precaution just for added security.

How Encryption Works

With all this talk about encryption, let's explain what encryption is exactly. Wikipedia defines encryption as the process of obscuring information to make it unreadable without special knowledge. That special knowledge is the algorithm and encryption key used to encrypt the data.  Without that information, the data in its encrypted state looks like random garbage data.

The encryption method implemented by USA Data Services backup software is a symmetrical key algorithm known as Twofish.  Considered one of the top 5 advanced encryption methods, the 128-bit Twofish encryption cipher has never had a successful attack reported.   A 128-bit key has over 3.4 x 10³⁸ possible combinations. Cracking Twofish trying every possible encryption key would take 8.77 x 10¹⁷years.  We also support AES and TripleDES encryption methods.

Limit Access by IP Address

We can also restrict data access by IP address. All internet connections are identified by a unique address known as an IP address. Most internet providers assign a static IP address to their business customers. USA Data Services can configure your account to only allow connections from a computer with a specific IP address.  This helps restrict data access to only machines at the business's physical location.

Additional Security Measures

Our data centers are protected by 24/7 security camera surveillance, security guard protection, controlled premise alarms, and limited personnel access. We understand the sensitivity of the data stored on our servers, and are dedicated to protecting it.