Zero-Knowledge Architecture
Understand why SovSeal employees cannot access your files — and why that's by design.
Zero-Knowledge Architecture
SovSeal uses a zero-knowledge architecture, meaning we have no ability to access, read, or share your files. This is not a policy — it is a technical reality of how our system is designed.
Zero-knowledge means we hold zero knowledge about your data's contents. We store only encrypted blobs that are meaningless without your keys.
What Zero-Knowledge Means
We Cannot Access Your Files
Your files are encrypted with keys derived from credentials that only you know. SovSeal employees:
- Cannot view your files
- Cannot read your documents
- Cannot see your photographs
- Cannot access your passwords or keys
This is true for:
- Our engineering team
- Our support staff
- Our executives
- Any future owner of the company
Even Under Compulsion
If SovSeal receives a valid legal order to produce your data:
- We can provide account metadata (email, payment records)
- We can provide encrypted file blobs
- We cannot provide decrypted content — we don't have the keys
Technical Reality: This isn't a promise we make — it's a technical impossibility. The architecture does not include any mechanism for SovSeal to decrypt user data.
How This Works
Client-Side Encryption
All encryption occurs on your device:
1. You upload a file
2. Your device encrypts the file with your keys
3. Only encrypted data is transmitted
4. SovSeal stores encrypted blob
5. Your device decrypts when you access
SovSeal never touches unencrypted data.No Master Keys
Unlike some "encrypted" services that retain master keys for account recovery:
| Approach | Provider Access | Account Recovery |
|---|---|---|
| Master key retained | Provider can decrypt | Provider can reset credentials |
| Zero-knowledge (SovSeal) | No decryption possible | You must maintain your credentials |
What This Means for You
Complete Privacy
- Your sensitive documents remain yours alone
- Your cryptocurrency keys are never exposed
- Your personal files are truly private
Trade-offs You Should Know
The same architecture that protects your privacy has implications:
Credential Responsibility: Because we cannot access your data, we cannot help you recover it if you lose your credentials. You must maintain access to your authentication methods.
SovSeal provides:
- Passkey authentication: Hardware-backed credentials
- Recovery codes: One-time backup access
- Trusted device authentication: Established devices can reset access
But ultimately, your data's security depends on you maintaining your credentials.
Why We Chose This Design
We believe privacy is a fundamental right. Many "secure" services retain backdoor access for convenience. We chose security over convenience because:
- Your data may include cryptocurrency worth significant value
- Your privacy should not depend on our policies
- Your trust should be based on architecture, not promises
- The assets you're protecting may be accessed by future generations
Verification
You Don't Have to Trust Us
Our zero-knowledge architecture is:
- Auditable: Security researchers can verify our claims
- Documented: Our encryption methodology is publicly described
- Tested: Independent penetration testing confirms our architecture