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Architecture & Security

Nest is built on a Zero-Knowledge (ZK) security model. This means that the server is "blind" to your data. It facilitates storage and authentication without ever having the technical capability to decrypt your files.

The Zero-Knowledge Model

In traditional cloud storage, the server manages your keys. In Nest, you are the only one who holds the keys.

Client-Side Primacy

Encryption and decryption happen strictly in your browser.

Untrusted Backend

The server is treated as a compromised entity.

No Cleartext Metadata

Filenames and folder structures are always encrypted.

Key Hierarchy

Root Derivation (Argon2id)

When you log in, your password is processed locally using the Argon2id memory-hard hashing function.

AuthHash = Argon2id(Password, Salt, { iterations: 3, memory: 64MB })
RootKey = Argon2id(Password, Salt, { iterations: 3, memory: 64MB, keyLength: 32 })

Cryptographic Suite

LayerAlgorithm
Password HashingArgon2id
Key WrappingXChaCha20-Poly1305
File EncryptionAES-256-GCM / Sodium SecretStream
IntegritySHA-256 / Blake3