Backup File Share Encrypted Files (Previously PGP NetShare)

Products

• File Share Encryption Powered by PGP Technology

Issue/Introduction

Backing Up Symantec File Share Encrypted Files

You can back up files and folders that have been protected by Symantec File Share Encryption. The manner in which the files are handled during the backup process depend on whether you are using a stand-alone client or in a Symantec Encryption Management Server (previously PGP Universal Server) managed environment.

Resolution

Backing up files with unmanaged Symantec Encryption Desktop clients

When an unmanaged (standalone) client backs up encrypted files and folders, the files are decrypted transparently during backup and are stored in the clear on the backup media. Restoring files to their original location, the files will re-encrypt again transparently.

To keep encrypted files encrypted on backup media in an unmanaged client, the best solution is to Exit PGP Services from PGP Tray icon and then perform the backup. Temporarily stopping PGP Services retains the file encryption when performing backups and does not re-encrypt the file when restoring the file.

Backing up files on a Symantec Encryption Management Server managed client

When a managed client is used to back up of File Share Encrypted files and folders, how the encryption is handled depends on if the backup application is set as an application bypass by the server administrator.

 

• If the backup application is part of the decryption bypass list, the encrypted files remain encrypted on the backup media after backup. Restoring them to their original location keeps them encrypted.
• If the backup application is not part of the decryption bypass list, then it is similar to backing up files with an unmanaged client. Therefore, the encrypted files are decrypted transparently during backup and are stored in the clear on the backup media. Restoring the files to their original location will re-encrypt them again transparently.