Ten questions to ask any photo vault app
App Store pages often use big security words with nothing behind them. These ten questions turn marketing into things you can check in five minutes. We answer them for StrongRoom at the end of each.
1. Is anything actually encrypted?
Why: Some apps only hide files behind a PIN screen. Check: the app should name its cipher and say what is encrypted (files, thumbnails, names). StrongRoom: AES-256-GCM for items, thumbnails and the index, key per item.
2. Is there an account?
Why: An account means a server that knows you. Check: does it ask for an email at first launch? StrongRoom: No account.
3. Where do the files live?
Why: A cloud copy is another place to be reached. Check: backup settings, privacy policy. StrongRoom: On the phone only; excluded from backups.
4. What does the privacy label say?
Why: It is the developer's own declaration to Apple. Check: the App Privacy section on the store page. StrongRoom: it collects no data; its label will say Data Not Collected.
5. Does it collect analytics or crash data?
Why: Crash reports can contain file names. Check: the privacy policy and in-app switch. StrongRoom: None.
6. What happens if you forget the credential?
Why: A vault no one can open is a trap. Check: is there a recovery phrase and how strong is it? StrongRoom: a 12-word phrase, an optional Recovery PIN (weaker, labelled), and honesty that without them the Vault is lost.
7. What happens if you lose the phone?
Why: This is the commonest disaster. Check: is there a backup or export? StrongRoom: Export Package you make yourself; none automatically.
8. Does it admit its limits?
Why: A security claim without limits is advertising. Check: look for a "limits" page. StrongRoom: /security/limits/.
9. What does it charge for?
Why: Paying to rescue your own files is bad design. Check: what happens to your items if you stop paying. StrongRoom: Pro adds unlimited items, more than one Vault and the Duress Vault; recovery and export are free, and existing items stay accessible.
10. Has anyone outside checked it?
Why: Self-assessment is not assurance. Check: a report from an outside reviewer, or published source. StrongRoom: Not yet; we will say when.
Score yourself
Count the questions an app answers clearly and checkably. If an app cannot answer at least eight, keep looking. If StrongRoom's answers do not suit you (for example, you need automatic backup), choose an app that answers them differently, and ask the same ten.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a photo vault app?
Ask the ten questions.
Which is the safest photo vault?
No app is immune to attack. Prefer the one with checkable claims and stated limits.
Is free enough?
Check what is free and what happens to your items if you stop paying.