What is offline secure storage?

Offline secure storage (OSS) is a data protection method where data is physically disconnected from the internet when not in use. Unlike cloud storage, data stored offline has zero remote attack surface — it cannot be hacked, ransomed or accessed remotely because it is not connected to any network. Firevault provides this through hardware-encrypted vaults that are physically isolated.

How does Firevault protect against ransomware?

Firevault protects against ransomware by physically disconnecting your data from the internet. Ransomware can only encrypt data it can reach over a network. When your data is stored offline in a Firevault, ransomware attacks cannot reach it. Even if your entire network is compromised, your offline vault remains untouched and intact.

How much does Firevault cost?

Firevault Vault starts from £75 per month (inc VAT) for individuals. Business Storage starts from £360 per month (inc VAT). Enterprise Platform pricing is available on request. All plans include hardware encryption, identity verification, and physical disconnection by default.

Who is Firevault designed for?

Firevault is designed for individuals protecting passports, wills and crypto keys; professionals such as solicitors, accountants and consultants protecting client data; SMEs and businesses protecting crown jewel data; and regulated industries including healthcare, financial services and legal sectors requiring offline backup for compliance with GDPR, NIS2, DORA and FCA regulations.

Is Firevault GDPR compliant?

Yes. Firevault is designed to support GDPR compliance by keeping sensitive personal data physically isolated and offline. Physical disconnection ensures data is not exposed to network-based attacks, supports data minimisation principles, and provides an audit trail of access. Firevault is also designed to support NIS2, DORA, FCA and SRA compliance requirements.

What is a physical air gap?

A physical air gap is a security measure where a computer or storage device is completely isolated from the internet and all unsecured networks. Unlike a logical or software air gap, a physical air gap cannot be bridged remotely. Firevault uses a Layer 1 physical air gap — your data is stored on hardware that is physically disconnected from any network when not in active use.

Back to Knowledge Vault

News31 March 20251 min read

Cloud Is More Like Fog: What You Cannot See

We’ve grown comfortable with the idea of “the cloud”—a magical, invisible place where our photos, documents, and sensitive files live safely. But behind the…

Mark Fermor

Director & Co-Founder, Firevault

A foggy harbour at twilight with industrial buildings barely visible through dense fog, teal water reflections

We’ve grown comfortable with the idea of “the cloud”—a magical, invisible place where our photos, documents, and sensitive files live safely. But behind the marketing, the cloud is murky. It’s shared. It’s complicated. It’s foggy. And most of all, it’s not really yours.

When you upload to the cloud, your data enters a vast, interconnected system where visibility and control are diluted. You rely on third parties to keep your most important files safe, while they often mine metadata, log access, and expose your information to potential breaches.

FireVault rejects this model entirely. It doesn’t live in the cloud. It doesn’t connect to the internet. It gives you one thing the cloud never can—total, personal control. Your files aren’t just stored; they’re locked away, physically unreachable, until you say otherwise.

In a world of fog, FireVault is clarity. No third-party access. No shared infrastructure. Just your data—yours alone.

About the author