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04 / Understand the limits

What a private vault protects—and what still needs your care.

Understand local encryption, temporary previews, recovery and the limits of a separate vault.

By Veil2 min read

Start with the stored files

In the current Veil implementation, file contents and the space index are encrypted on the device. The index includes names, folders and notes. Your pattern opens the space through its protected key material. This is a description of the implementation, not a claim of an independent security audit.

A strong key does not make every pattern strong

A short or predictable pattern can be guessed. Choose one that other people cannot easily observe or infer, and keep the recovery code private. The app slows repeated failed unlock attempts, but that does not guarantee protection against someone attacking a copied set of encrypted files outside the app.

Previews and exports create another boundary

To display some formats, such as videos and PDFs, Veil creates temporary decrypted files protected by iOS. It clears its temporary directory on locking and startup. An exported file is different: the receiving app or destination controls that copy, and it may remain there after you lock Veil.

Locking is useful, not magic

Veil locks when it goes into the background. When it detects screen recording or mirroring, it pauses access. This does not prevent screenshots, another camera, a compromised device or every possible memory copy. Separate patterns also do not make the existence of stored spaces forensically invisible.

Keep the recovery path under your control

Encryption makes a good backup routine more important. Keep an encrypted backup and its matching code in separate, reachable places. Test restoration with disposable content. Veil cannot reset a forgotten pattern for you through a support email.

What is available now

Local storage, encrypted file backups and recovery are available. iCloud backup, online sharing and device sync are not enabled in this version. No ads. Optional usage analytics with Amplitude is off by default and can be turned off anytime in Settings. Your photos, notes, filenames, patterns and recovery codes are never included. Read the privacy page to understand how purchases, support and website requests are handled.

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