# Privacy & security

Encryption, passwords and who can see your files.

- [Is storage.to encrypted?](https://storage.to/help/encryption): Yes, with two layers: TLS 1.3 on every connection, and AES-256 for stored files. It isn't end-to-end encryption, so for very sensitive files, encrypt them before uploading.
- [How do I password-protect a file?](https://storage.to/help/password-protect): Open the settings on any file or collection and set a password of 4 to 100 characters. Recipients must enter it before downloading. You can change or remove it any time before the file expires.
- [Can a file delete itself after it's downloaded?](https://storage.to/help/burn-after-reading): Yes. Set a download limit (burn after reading) and the file deletes itself once it has been downloaded that many times, anywhere from 1 to 1,000. Set it to 1 for a one-time share.
- [Can storage.to see my files?](https://storage.to/help/can-you-see): We don't look at your files. Uploads are checked against known malware and illegal content, and files reported for abuse are reviewed. For full privacy, encrypt files before uploading.
- [Where are my files stored?](https://storage.to/help/where-stored): Files are stored on a global cloud network and delivered from locations in 300+ cities worldwide, so downloads are fast wherever your recipients are.