Encryption Options Explained

Encryption Options Explained – Complete 2026 Guide for TimeTrack Pro

TimeTrack Pro stores all imported location data locally on your device — never on any server or cloud. By default, this data is protected by Android's built-in app sandboxing and scoped storage, but for maximum security (especially if your phone is shared, lost, or stolen), the app offers optional full-file AES-256 encryption. This guide explains every detail of the encryption system in 2026: how it works technically, step-by-step setup, password vs biometric options, what exactly gets encrypted, performance impact, forgotten password consequences (permanent loss — no backdoor), comparison to no encryption, best practices for strong passwords, security audit details, how encryption interacts with backups/exports, manufacturer differences (Samsung Knox, Xiaomi, Pixel, GrapheneOS), privacy benefits vs risks, when to enable it (tax logs, legal proof, family data, sensitive periods), and troubleshooting common encryption issues. All encryption is 100% on-device — no keys ever leave your phone, no recovery service, full user control.

1. Why Encryption Matters for Location Data

Location history is highly sensitive:

  • Reveals home/work addresses, routines, relationships, health visits, habits
  • If phone lost/stolen without lock or encryption — readable by anyone
  • Shared/family devices — prevents accidental access
  • Professional use (tax mileage, client meetings) — protects client locations
  • Legal/alibi proof — encrypted = tamper-evident chain of custody

TimeTrack Pro encryption adds military-grade protection (AES-256) on top of Android security — recommended for any sensitive periods.

2. Technical Details – AES-256 Implementation

Encryption specs (2026 version):

  • Algorithm: AES-256-CBC (Cipher Block Chaining)
  • Key derivation: PBKDF2 with HMAC-SHA256, 100,000+ iterations, random salt
  • Key source: your password (or biometric-wrapped key)
  • IV: Random per file/session
  • Authentication: HMAC-SHA256 for integrity
  • Padding: PKCS#7
  • What is encrypted: all imported timeline files + internal database
  • What is not: app settings, thumbnails (minimal)
  • Performance: <5% slower import/view on mid-range phones

Security level: AES-256 is NIST-approved, used by governments/banks — brute-force impossible with strong password.

3. Step-by-Step: Enabling & Using Encryption

Initial Setup

  1. Open TimeTrack Pro → Settings (gear icon)
  2. Tap Encryption
  3. Choose mode: Password only, or Password + Biometric (fingerprint/face)
  4. Enter strong password (12+ characters, mix letters/numbers/symbols)
  5. Confirm password
  6. Optional: enable biometric unlock (faster daily use)
  7. Tap Enable Encryption
  8. Existing data re-encrypted (few seconds to minutes)
  9. Success toast: "Encryption enabled"

Daily Use After Enabling

  • First open after setup: enter password or use biometric
  • Subsequent opens: biometric if enabled, or password fallback
  • View/import works normally — decryption in-memory only
  • Background: files remain encrypted on storage

Changing Password or Disabling

  1. Settings → Encryption
  2. Enter current password
  3. Change password or Disable
  4. Data decrypted/re-encrypted as needed

4. Password vs Biometric – Which to Choose

Option Security Convenience Best for
Password only Highest — brute-force resistant with strong password Lower — type every time Maximum security (legal proof, shared phone)
Password + Biometric High — biometric unlocks password-protected key Highest — fingerprint/face daily Daily use with good security

Biometric note: key still password-protected — biometric failure falls back to password.

5. What Happens If You Forget Your Password

  • Permanent data loss — no recovery, no backdoor, no support reset
  • App offers "Delete all data" option
  • Re-import from original exports (keep unencrypted backups!)
  • Reason: true security — no one (including developer) can access

Tip: write password in secure password manager or safe place.

6. What Gets Encrypted & Performance Impact

  • Encrypted: all imported JSON/KML files, internal timeline database, metadata
  • Not encrypted: app preferences, thumbnails (low-risk)
  • Impact: negligible on import/view speed (<5–10% slower)
  • Battery: zero extra drain
  • Storage: ~5–10% larger files

7. Best Practices for Strong Encryption Use

  1. Use 16+ character password (passphrase: "CorrectHorseBatteryStaple2026!")
  2. Enable biometric for convenience
  3. Encrypt before importing sensitive periods
  4. Keep unencrypted export backups (separate location)
  5. Test decryption after setup (close/reopen app)
  6. Change password periodically
  7. Disable encryption for non-sensitive review

8. Manufacturer & ROM Interactions

  • Samsung Knox: extra hardware isolation — even stronger
  • Pixel stock: clean Android — perfect
  • Xiaomi HyperOS: no interference
  • GrapheneOS/CalyxOS: hardened OS — ideal match
  • Rooted: encryption still strong if password good

9. Common Encryption Questions & Troubleshooting

  • "Wrong password" loop: disable → re-enable with new
  • Slow after enable: normal first re-encrypt — wait
  • Biometric not working: check phone fingerprint/face setup
  • Forgot password: delete data → re-import from backups

10. Summary & Encryption Checklist

TimeTrack Pro's AES-256 encryption adds unbreakable protection for sensitive location data — fully optional, user-controlled, no backdoor. Enable for tax/legal proof, family data, or peace of mind. Strong password + biometric = best balance.

Encryption Checklist (copy & save)

  • Settings → Encryption
  • Choose Password + Biometric
  • Create strong 16+ char password
  • Enable → wait for re-encrypt
  • Test close/reopen (biometric works?)
  • Backup unencrypted exports separately
  • Write password in secure manager
  • Use for sensitive imports only

Questions about setup, password strength, or forgotten recovery? Email [email protected] with device & details — direct support available.