Time Capsule is out and ready to be shipped. Time Capsule is a new wireless backup device from Apple. It combines an Airport base station and a big hard-drive to use with Time Machine.
I love wireless, and everything that can remove the clutter from my desktop. Time Capsule seems to be a great device but what about security?
I know it implements WPA security, but we all know that hackers can break into anything. I’m concerned about Time Capsule because of its built-in backup.
Think about that. All your Macs are going to backup their data in your Time Capsule; storing the history of all your files for months. What about a hacker break into your network? He will just have access to all your files, uncrypted, without even having to sneak into any of your other computers.
Maybe you think I’m a paranoid but most people leave their wireless network switched on all day. Prove me wrong but your data might be at risk.
CTO at 
Comments
I thought the data is encrypted?
heri29 February 08 at 12:51 pm
I thought the data is encrypted?
heri29 February 08 at 11:51 am
Time Machine backups are non encrypted. But I don’t know if files stored on Time Capsule can be encrypted (using Filevault or something like that).
Frederic Brunel29 February 08 at 1:39 pm
Time Machine backups are non encrypted. But I don’t know if files stored on Time Capsule can be encrypted (using Filevault or something like that).
Fred Brunel29 February 08 at 12:39 pm
In the case then, you can still use FileVault (system preferences) to encrypt files.
heri29 February 08 at 1:49 pm
In the case then, you can still use FileVault (system preferences) to encrypt files.
heri29 February 08 at 12:49 pm
Actually, from what I’ve read so far, Time Capsule won’t backup FileVault filesystems; actually Time Machine itself is not really FileVault friendly. IMO that’s a big issue.
Frederic Brunel29 February 08 at 5:00 pm
Actually, from what I’ve read so far, Time Capsule won’t backup FileVault filesystems; actually Time Machine itself is not really FileVault friendly. IMO that’s a big issue.
Fred Brunel29 February 08 at 4:00 pm
Yipes that’s an unnecessary compromise for a small convenience. I’m sure that finding people’s digital treasure troves and geotagging them will become a sport.
Ian Rae8 March 08 at 4:39 am
Yipes that’s an unnecessary compromise for a small convenience. I’m sure that finding people’s digital treasure troves and geotagging them will become a sport.
Ian Rae8 March 08 at 3:39 am
Time Capsule does in fact back-up your FileVault encrypted home folder (though it should be noted that upon initial use, I had to manually elect to do so). Your entire home folder is stored as a .sparsebundle file and the files within it are individually inaccessible. This is the essence of the encryption. The inconvenience is having to recover the entire home folder as opposed to individual files you are seeking. In summary, yes, Time Capsule does back-up your FileVault encrypted home folder, though as one large file. Good luck kids.
fadedmisconceptions13 January 09 at 11:58 pm
We're loving it. Time Capsule is worth much more
Detektiv20 May 09 at 4:33 am
The sparebundle is not encrypted. You can limit access to the disk by password though. Still, if someone gets physical access to the TimeCapsule or external HD on an AirPort Extreme with Time Machine, then they have access to your data.
-Daniel Chvatik
ataxi
Daniel28 July 09 at 12:26 pm
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