Technical Specifications How CloudChute secures and stores backups on macOS
CloudChute is a native macOS backup app built in Swift and SwiftUI. It encrypts files locally on your Mac, stores backups in your own Google Drive, Dropbox, or Box account, and keeps backup logic separate from sync so deleted files remain recoverable.
System Compatibility
CloudChute runs on macOS Sonoma 14.4 and later.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Operating System | macOS Sonoma (14.4) and later CloudChute requires macOS Sonoma 14.4 or later for full compatibility with the current app experience. |
| Storage Providers | Google Drive, Dropbox and Box |
| Processor | Apple Silicon (M-Series) & Intel |
| Architecture | Native Swift / SwiftUI Universal Binary |
| Dependencies | None (No Java, No Electron) |
Security Model
Files are encrypted locally with AES-256 before upload, and encryption keys stay in your local macOS Keychain. When encryption is enabled, providers store unreadable backup data rather than plain files, and CloudChute never has access to your content or keys.
| Security Layer | Protocol |
|---|---|
| Encryption Standard | AES-256, performed locally on your Mac. |
| Key Management | Stored in the local macOS Keychain; keys never leave your Mac. |
| Provider authentication | CloudChute uses official OAuth-based authentication flows for Google Drive, Dropbox, and Box. |
Isolation & Scoping
CloudChute uses provider-specific scopes so it only accesses the folder or area it needs.
| Provider | Security Impact |
|---|---|
| Google Drive | appDataFolder scope, hidden from your normal Drive files. |
| Dropbox | App Folder scope, limited to /Apps/CloudChute. |
| Box | Scoped token restricted to a dedicated root folder, so the app cannot cross that boundary. |
Backup Logic
CloudChute is a one-way backup engine, not a sync client. Deleting or changing a file on your Mac does not remove earlier protected copies from your vault, which is why CloudChute is designed for recovery rather than collaboration.
| Logic Type | CloudChute Performance |
|---|---|
| Data Location and Visibility | Backups are stored in your own connected provider account. The exact visibility depends on the provider and whether encryption is enabled; with encryption enabled, files are stored as unreadable encrypted data and are restored through CloudChute. |
| Data Retention | Non-destructive (Deletions on Mac do not affect the vault) |
| Data Sovereignty | Even if you cancel your subscription, CloudChute remains usable for restoring and downloading backups from your existing storage account. |
| Environment Scope | Multi-Machine Support (Up to 3). Each installation requires a unique storage provider to maintain independent backup integrity. |
| File Integrity | Version history to protect against corruption |
| System Impact | Intelligent background scanning with low Disk I/O |
| Connectivity | API-optimised throughput for large-scale libraries |
The "Silent" Design
As musicians and engineers, we designed CloudChute to be silent. It is engineered to run in the background without causing audio dropouts or system lag during high-intensity tasks like mixing, mastering, or rendering. It respects macOS power management to preserve your battery life while you are working on the move.