How do I know if backup is encrypted?

Question

fritzmom Author

Level 1

11 points

How do I know if backup is encrypted?

Hello All

iPod Touch 3rd gen v 4.2

iTunes v 10.3.1.55

Windows 7 32 bit

Before updating to iOS v 5.x, I decided to check all the postings to see if the "encrypted backup" was still a problem. Seems it is. So, I think to myself; if I get asked for a password (that I've not set), then I should cancel the 'restore' then try to restore from an older backup. I copy folder:

C:\Users\Username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup to 2 separate locations on my PCs Hard Drive and also to an External USB Flashdrive after EVERY 'Backup/Sync' I do when I plug my iPod Touch into iTunes. I believe that I am backing up my backups. I keep these copies for about 6 months. Question: This IS backing up my iPod Touch, correct? I've never used the 'right click on device' to backup.

But, after more reading of more posts I came across one where someone else had the same idea. However, his PAST backups were also encrypted.

Now, before maybe getting this problem (I understand that it doesn't happen to everyone) I was wondering if my past backups were also encrypted. NOTE: I do not use encryption. So, does anyone know how I can tell if my past backups are encrypted or not?

I might be worrying about nothing, but I believe it's better to be Proactive rather than Reactive.

Thanks

fritzmom

iPod touch, Windows 7

Posted on Jan 21, 2012 11:25 AM

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Answer 1

lllaass

Level 10

210,513 points

Jan 21, 2012 11:31 AM in response to fritzmom

iTunes and encrypted backups

In the iTunes Summary screen, select "Encrypt iPhone backup" if you want to encrypt the information stored on your computer when iTunes makes a backup. Encrypted backups are indicated by a padlock icon, and a password is required to restore the information to iPhone. You may want to write down the password for your backup and store it in a safe place. If you use a Mac, when you set a password you can select to store the password in the keychain. With iOS 4 and later, you can transfer the iOS keychain backup to a new device if you encrypt the backup.

Warning: If you encrypt an iPhone backup in iTunes and then forget your password, you will not be able to restore from backup and your data will be unrecoverable. If you forget the password, you can continue to back up and use the device, however you will not be able to restore the encrypted backup to any device without the password. You do not need to enter the password for your backup each time you back up or sync.

If you cannot remember the password and want to start again, you must perform a full software restore and when iTunes prompts you to select the backup from which to restore, choose set up as a new device.

Above from:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4946

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Answer 2

fritzmom Author

Level 1

11 points

Jan 21, 2012 12:50 PM in response to lllaass

Thank you very much for the quick response. So, if I'm in Windows Explorer, then I would see a Padlock icon beside the folder name that is 40 digits/letters if the backup was encrypted? When looking at this folder I don't see a padlock so I'm assuming that my backups (so far) are not encrypted.

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Answer 3

fritzmom Author

Level 1

11 points

Jan 23, 2012 7:53 AM in response to lllaass

Hello Again

Yesterday I did a Sync/Backup, today I did a Manual Backup. When I check iTunes\Edit\Preferences\Devices there are absolutely no Backups listed. However when I check (through Windows Explorer) C:\Users\Usersname\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\Backup I see the 40 digit/letter Folder name and in that folder are files created today.

Why don't I see any Backups listed when I check through iTunes? Am I doing something wrong or just not looking in the proper location?? That 40 digit/letter Folder DOES contain my iPod Touch Backup...does it not??

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Answer 4

lllaass

Level 10

210,513 points

Jan 21, 2012 1:39 PM in response to fritzmom

You will see the padlock when you look at the backups iniTunes>Preferences>Devices

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