Tresorit

Tresorit is a cloud-based file synchronization and sharing service distinguished by its focus on end-to-end encryption and stringent data security. Founded in Hungary in 2011, the company has established itself as a prominent player in the secure enterprise software market, catering to businesses and professionals with high compliance and privacy requirements. Its architecture is designed to ensure that files are encrypted on the user's device before being uploaded to servers hosted on Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services.

History

The company was founded in Budapest by István Lám, Szilveszter Szebeni, and György Szilágyi, who were students at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. The concept emerged from a perceived need for a more secure alternative to mainstream cloud storage providers following high-profile data breaches. An early beta test version was released in 2011, with the official launch following in 2012. Significant early growth was fueled by a successful crowdfunding campaign on the Kickstarter platform. The company later relocated its headquarters to Zürich, Switzerland, a jurisdiction known for strong data protection laws, while maintaining its research and development center in Hungary. In 2019, Tresorit received a substantial minority investment from Insight Partners, a global venture capital firm.

Features

The core functionality of Tresorit revolves around secure file synchronization across devices and controlled sharing with internal and external collaborators. Users can create shared folders, known as "tresors," with granular permission settings managed through an administrative console. The service includes features such as remote wipe for lost devices, detailed audit trails and activity logs, and integration with Active Directory for user management. It also offers data loss prevention tools, digital rights management for shared files via watermarking and access expiration, and secure electronic signature capabilities through a partnership with DocuSign. The platform provides applications for Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Security and encryption

Tresorit's security model is built on a zero-knowledge, end-to-end encryption architecture. Files are encrypted on the client side using the Advanced Encryption Standard with 256-bit keys before transmission. The encryption keys are derived from the user's password and never leave the user's device, meaning the company cannot access the stored data. This approach is independently verified through regular security audits and penetration testing conducted by firms like Cure53. The service's security claims have been bolstered by public bug bounty programs on platforms like HackerOne. Tresorit complies with major international standards, including the General Data Protection Regulation, ISO/IEC 27001, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, making it suitable for regulated industries.

Business model and pricing

Tresorit operates on a subscription business model with tiered plans for individuals, small teams, and large enterprises. Its pricing structure is positioned at a premium compared to mainstream consumer cloud services, reflecting its advanced security and compliance features. Plans typically differ in storage capacity, the number of user licenses, and the availability of administrative controls. The company also offers customized enterprise agreements for large organizations, which may include features like single sign-on via Security Assertion Markup Language, dedicated customer support, and service-level agreement guarantees for uptime.

Reception and awards

Tresorit has generally received positive reviews from technology publications and industry analysts for its robust security implementation and user-friendly interface. It has been frequently compared to and positioned as a more secure alternative to services like Dropbox and Google Drive. The company has received several awards recognizing its innovation and business growth, including accolades from the European Commission's European Business Awards and being named a "Cool Vendor" in cloud security by Gartner. It has been featured in prominent media outlets such as Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and TechCrunch for its approach to data privacy in the cloud era.

Category:Cloud storage Category:Computer security companies Category:Software companies of Switzerland