Problem with Encryption

  • AreaofNeed
    Asked on December 5, 2017 at 6:42 PM

    Didn't realise that when I created the form I had encryption on.  When I viewed the submissions on line I could see them fine.  

    It was only when I went to download them that I realised the data was encrypted. It wouldn't let me download a PDF and I got a pop up message telling me the data was encrpyed.  I turned off the encryption.

    Now when I can no longer view the submissions on-line, but can download a pdf (which is just gobblegook).

    Few questions.

    If I could see the data online before turning off the encryption, does that mean the jotform key is somewhere on my computer?

    Will submissions that were in process, but not submitted be encrypted or now that the encryption is off when they hit submit I will be able to view them?

    Is there a way to have the encryption field defaulted to off for new forms?

  • Marvih
    Replied on December 5, 2017 at 9:22 PM

    If I could see the data online before turning off the encryption, does that mean the jotform key is somewhere on my computer?

    Yes the encryption key must be already stored in your local browser.

    Will submissions that were in process, but not submitted be encrypted or now that the encryption is off when they hit submit I will be able to view them?

    Once you turn off the encryption and they hit the submit button. The data that will come in can be read normally. But it will not change the previous submissions which are submitted with encryption turned ON.

    Is there a way to have the encryption field defaulted to off for new forms?

    Go to your Account Settings > Data and Uncheck "Create new forms as encrypted forms"


    Problem with Encryption Image 10

    You may also click this link to get redirected. https://www.jotform.com/myaccount/data

    You can also check the additional FAQs regarding Form Encryption on the link below.
    https://www.jotform.com/help/344-Encrypted-Forms-and-How-to-Use-Them#How-Can-I-Decrypt-the-Data-from-the-Email-or-Through-the-Submissions-Page

  • AreaofNeed
    Replied on December 5, 2017 at 10:57 PM

    Thank you for the very quick response.  You will have to excuse my lack of computer skills, but when you say 'stored in local browser' what does that mean?


    I have searched the files on PC for a jotformkey and has come up with nothing and am concerned that I have lost the submitted data forever.

  • Marvih
    Replied on December 6, 2017 at 12:22 AM

    Thank you for the very quick response.  You will have to excuse my lack of computer skills, but when you say 'stored in local browser' what does that mean?

    It means that if you have already used the key before to decrypt your data, it might not ask for the key anymore the next time you do it since it might have already saved in your web browser thru cache and cookies.

    Below is a quick explanation of what is browser Cache and Cookies.

    Cookies, which are files created by websites you’ve visited, and your browser’s cache, which helps pages load faster, make it easier for you to browse the web.

    Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies means that website settings (like usernames and passwords) will be deleted and some sites might appear to be a little slower because all of the images have to be loaded again.

    Taken from https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/32050?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en

    I suggest that you do not clear your browser's cache first and transfer the encrypted submission data manually in a document file (pdf,word etc.) if it is really important.



    I have searched the files on PC for a jotformkey and has come up with nothing and am concerned that I have lost the submitted data forever.

    As explained on this guide https://www.jotform.com/help/344-Encrypted-Forms-and-How-to-Use-Them#What-Will-Happen-If-I-Lose-the-Private-Key

    Turn off the Encryption rightaway so that new data which are coming aren't encrypted anymore.

    Q13: What Will Happen If I Lose the Private Key? | TOP ↑

    If you have lost the private key, then there is not much that you can do. It means that your encrypted data is lost forever, there is no copy of the same on our servers and it is not possible to crack the one that you had.


    Our only recommendation is to turn off encryption right away so you can start receiving submissions normally again. Leave the encrypted submission data on your Submissions Page just in case you find the key at some later point in time.


    PS: can you please tell us which form you are referring so we can also take a look.

    Thanks.

  • AreaofNeed
    Replied on December 6, 2017 at 6:23 PM

    Jotform 73030728839865

    I have taken the advised steps, was just hoping that if the web browser had been able to view the submissions that the key would have been stored somewhere, it looks like this is not the case, and the information collected is lost.



  • Marvih
    Replied on December 6, 2017 at 7:42 PM

    I assume you have read Q5: Where Can I Find the Private Key After Downloading It?

    If it is still not there. The only way is to turnoff the encryption permanently and have the previous users submit again (if possible).