💾 Storage Integrations (BYOS)

Bring Your Own Storage (BYOS) is one of Eternal Vault’s most powerful features. Instead of uploading files to our servers, you can connect your existing cloud storage services like Google Drive, and your files stay exactly where they are. We just create secure links to them.

🎯 What is BYOS?

Your Files Stay Put

• Documents remain in your Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, etc.
• Never imported to Eternal Vault’s servers
• Always under your control in your own storage accounts

Secure Connections Only

• We only access files you explicitly choose through the file picker
• No browsing your entire storage - you pick each document individually
• Encrypted access tokens stored securely on our servers
• Disconnect anytime and remove all access instantly

Perfect for Privacy

• Maximum privacy: Your files never leave your storage
• GDPR compliant: Your data stays in your preferred location
• Audit trail: See exactly which files are connected
• Emergency access: Still works with trusted contacts when needed

🚀 Getting Started with Storage Integrations

Step 1: Access Storage Integrations

1. Log into your dashboard at dash.eternalvault.app
2. Navigate to Integrations in the sidebar
3. Click “Storage” to see available integrations

Step 2: Choose Your Storage Service

Currently available:

• Google Drive ✅
• Dropbox ✅
• Box ✅
• OneDrive 🔄 (Planned)

Step 3: Connect Google Drive

1. Click “Connect” on the Google Drive card
2. You’ll be redirected to Google’s authorization page
3. Sign in to your Google account (if not already signed in)
4. Review permissions that Eternal Vault is requesting
5. Click “Allow” to authorize the connection

Step 4: Confirm Connection

After authorization, you’ll be redirected back to Eternal Vault where you’ll see:

• Success notification confirming the connection
• Updated status showing “Connected” with a green badge
• Last checked timestamp for health monitoring

📁 Adding Documents from Your Storage

1. Go to Documents section in your dashboard
2. Click “Add Document” dropdown arrow
3. Select your connected storage (e.g., Google Drive)
4. Use the file picker to choose specific documents

The Google Drive file picker allows you to:

• Browse your Drive in a familiar interface
• Search for specific files using Google’s search
• See file previews and details
• Filter by file type (documents, images, PDFs, etc.)
• Select exactly the file you want to connect

Once you select a file:

• Add title and description for your vault
• Choose categories and tags for organization
• Select which vault to add it to
• Click “Connect Document” to finalize

🔒 How Security Works

Important Security Consideration

Security Comparison:

Direct Upload to Eternal Vault:

• ✅ Client-side encryption before files leave your device
• ✅ Zero-knowledge architecture - we cannot decrypt your files
• ✅ Complete privacy - only you and trusted contacts can access

Storage Integrations (BYOS):

• ⚠️ Files remain unencrypted in your cloud storage
• ⚠️ Cloud provider security determines privacy level
• ⚠️ Your responsibility to secure the original files
• ⚠️ Storage provider access - their employees may potentially access files
• ⚠️ Account security entirely dependent on your cloud storage login

OAuth 2.0 Authentication

• Industry standard OAuth 2.0 protocol
• Encrypted access tokens stored securely
• Automatic token refresh to maintain access
• Scope-limited permissions - only access to files you choose

Minimal Permissions

Our Google Drive integration only requests:

• drive.file: Access to files created or opened by our app
• drive.install: Allow installation from Google Drive’s “Add-ons” interface

We do NOT request:

• ❌ Full Google Drive access
• ❌ Ability to modify existing files
• ❌ Permission to create new files
• ❌ Access to your entire file system

File Access Levels

During Normal Operations:

• Files remain private in your storage
• Only you can access them through Eternal Vault
• No public links are created

During Emergency Access:

• Temporary shareable links are created automatically
• Trusted contacts can access files during emergency period
• Links are revoked if you send a heartbeat (false alarm)
• Links expire after the emergency period ends

📊 Managing Your Integrations

Connection Status

Your storage integrations show simple status indicators:

• Status indicators show current state:
  • 🟢 Connected: Integration is active and working
  • ⚪ Not Connected: Ready to be connected
  • ⚫ Coming Soon: Integration not yet available

Disconnecting a Service

To disconnect a storage integration:

1. Click “Disconnect” on the integration card
2. Confirm the disconnection in the dialog
3. Access is immediately revoked from our side
4. Files remain in your storage but are no longer linked

⚠️ Important: Disconnecting will make connected documents inaccessible through Eternal Vault, including during emergency access.

🛠️ Supported File Types

Google Drive Integration

Document Files:

• PDF files (.pdf) - application/pdf
• Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx) - application/msword, application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document
• Plain text files (.txt) - text/plain
• Rich Text Format (.rtf) - text/rtf
• CSV files (.csv) - text/csv

Microsoft Office Files:

• Excel spreadsheets (.xlsx) - application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet
• PowerPoint presentations (.pptx) - application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.presentationml.presentation

Google Workspace Files:

• Google Docs - application/vnd.google-apps.document (exported as PDF)
• Google Sheets - application/vnd.google-apps.spreadsheet (exported as Excel)
• Google Slides - application/vnd.google-apps.presentation (exported as PowerPoint)

Image Files:

• JPEG (.jpg, .jpeg) - image/jpeg
• PNG (.png) - image/png
• GIF (.gif) - image/gif
• BMP (.bmp) - image/bmp
• WebP (.webp) - image/webp

🚨 Emergency Access with BYOS

How It Works

When your doomsday threshold is exceeded:

1. Automatic shareable links are created for all connected external documents
2. Trusted contacts receive emergency access emails with these links
3. Links work without login during the emergency period
4. Documents open directly in Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.

Privacy Protection

• Time-limited access: Links expire after emergency period
• Automatic revocation: Links deleted if you send heartbeat (false alarm)
• Audit logging: All access creation and revocation is logged
• Granular control: Only documents you connected are accessible

What Contacts See

Your trusted contacts will see external documents like this:

• Document name and description you provided
• Storage source (e.g., “Google Drive”)
• Direct access link that opens the file in the original storage
• No download required - they can view directly online

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can Eternal Vault see all my files?

No. We only have access to files you explicitly select through our file picker. We cannot browse your entire Google Drive or other storage services. The OAuth permissions we request are limited to individual file access only.

Are my files encrypted with storage integrations?

No - this is important to understand. Files connected through storage integrations remain in your cloud storage with whatever encryption and security your storage provider offers. For maximum security, we recommend uploading sensitive documents directly to Eternal Vault where they are encrypted with client-side encryption before storage. Only you and your trusted contacts can decrypt directly uploaded files.

What happens to my files if I cancel my subscription?

Your files remain safe in your own storage services. They’re not dependent on Eternal Vault. However, you’ll lose the ability to:

• Connect new documents from storage
• Provide emergency access to connected documents
• Use the file picker integration

Can I change which files are connected?

Yes. You can:

• Add new files anytime using the file picker
• Remove documents from your vault (doesn’t delete from your storage)
• Update document details like titles and descriptions
• Change categorization and tags

What happens if I change my storage password?

OAuth tokens are separate from your storage password. Changing your password won’t affect the connection. However, if you revoke Eternal Vault’s access from within your Google/Dropbox settings, you’ll need to reconnect.

How often does Eternal Vault check my storage?

• Health checks: Every few hours to verify connection status
• File verification: Only when accessing documents

Can I use multiple storage services?

Yes! You can connect multiple services:

• Google Drive + Dropbox + OneDrive (when available)
• Different files from different services
• Manage all connections from one dashboard
• Emergency access works across all connected services

🔧 Troubleshooting

Connection Issues

“Failed to connect storage”

• Check your internet connection
• Try again - temporary Google API issues happen
• Use incognito mode to avoid browser conflicts
• Check popup blockers - OAuth needs new windows

“Permission denied”

• Check Google account access - some organizations restrict OAuth
• Try personal Google account if using work/school account
• Clear browser cookies for accounts.google.com
• Contact support if organization policies block access

File Access Issues

“File not found” during emergency access

• File may be moved in Google Drive after connection
• File may be deleted from storage
• Permissions changed on the original file
• Storage account deactivated

“Cannot create shareable link”

• File permissions may prevent public sharing
• Organization policies might block link sharing
• File type may not support sharing
• Storage quota issues with the external service

Health Check Failures

“Integration needs attention”

• Token may be expired - try disconnecting and reconnecting
• Storage service may be temporarily down
• Account changes in your Google/Dropbox account
• API limits may be temporarily hit

Ready to connect your storage? Head to your Storage Integrations page and get started with BYOS today.

Questions? Contact our support team for help with storage integrations.