Frequently Asked Questions

At dataSentinel, we pride ourselves on the simplicity of our product. Simple. Safe. Secure. It's what we're all about. See below for a few of the questions that might be on your mind.

1. What exactly is dataSentinel? 
   
   We are a backup system, accessed through a USB stick, that creates a fully secure backup, protecting your files from system crashes, file corruption, or theft. It allows you to back up your data, and keep those records secure and private, all without any complex setup or technical expertise.
   
   While providing this level of protection to you, we also increase accessibility to all your partners who are authorized dataSentinel users. DataSentinel users can access their company files from any computer without having to copy the files onto CDs or other storage media.  
   
   
2. How do I use dataSentinel? 
   
   Once dataSentinel has been set up for your system, you can work with almost no sign that it is working, but are given full protection should your computer ever be stolen or accessed by someone other than an authorized user. 
   
   
3. What can I do with dataSentinel?  
   
   You can access business data wherever you go on the planet. It stores data securely on multiple hosted Internet servers. DataSentinel even protects files from being accessed should you link into a file-sharing program.  
   
   
4. Do I need to install software? 
   
   No, it automatically runs on any Windows-based computer once the USB stick is installed. 
   
   
5. Where is my data stored? 
   
   While dataSentinel uses a data stick to access the data, no files are actually stored on the stick. Data is stored on multiple on line servers, strategically located across North America, in a very secure patent-pending format. 
   
   
6. Do I need to select which files/directories to save? 
   
   DataSentinel automatically saves files located in the computer user's Documents and Applications folder (less pictures and music folders), and the PST file, if required. Users can select other folders to store, or simply drag folders into the dataSentinel file system. 
   
   
7. How safe is my data? 
   
   DataSentinel stores data in a compressed, encrypted and ultra fault-tolerant format on servers located in separate geographies, using distributed block storage. Data is totally secured. 
   
   
8. Do I need to run a backup? 
   
   No. The nature of the dataSentinel storage method makes backup and restore procedures redundant. 
   
   
9. Where can I use the dataSentinel USB stick? 
   
   Users can access personal or business data on any PC connected to the Internet. 
   
   
10. Can I share data with friends or colleagues? 
    
    Yes, users can share files or folders (read/write) with clients or colleagues. 
    
    
11. Can I drag and drop folders from Windows Explorer?  
    
    Yes, users can drag and drop folders or files into the dataSentinel directory to save them on line. 
    
    
12. If I lose my stick, can anyone get at my data?  
    
    No. The USB system is password protected. Without the user's password, the stick will not work. User can buy a new stick, and access their data again. 
    
    
13. What happens if I lose my Internet? 
    
    For performance sake, the encrypted blocks of all files saved in the host computer are kept in a temp directory. If the Internet connection is severed, then the files can still be accessed on the host. 
    
    
14. Can anyone access or see my data on line?  
    
    No. The storage algorithm uses latest encryption and pseudo random number generators to provide highest security. Our block technology ensures that anything a prowler might access, would be gibberish. 
    
    
15. What happens if my computer crashes?
     
    You can take your dataSentinel USB stick to another computer, plug it in, and access your data. Data is totally protected and secure.