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Backblaze is rolling out default encryption at rest for B2 Cloud Storage: since September 14, 2026, newly uploaded and copied object data is encrypted with AES-256 using Backblaze-managed keys (SSE-B2) in buckets where the default is enabled. New buckets get the default immediately; existing buckets are being enabled gradually, so check your own bucket rather than assuming it has changed. In the ordinary case, applications do not need an encryption header or code change.
What changed in Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage
Backblaze announced the change on August 27, 2026, with rollout beginning September 14. B2 encrypts eligible newly uploaded and copied object data at rest using Server-Side Encryption with Backblaze-managed keys, or SSE-B2, and AES-256. The default is enabled immediately for new buckets and is being applied gradually to existing buckets. The technical documentation describes automatic encryption in buckets where the default is enabled, so existing customers should verify their bucket’s encryption setting.
When an application does not specify an encryption method, the default handles encryption without requiring an encryption header or application change. An application that explicitly selects an encryption method may behave differently; confirm its configuration and the bucket’s setting before relying on the default.
How B2 server-side encryption works
Server-side encryption (SSE) encrypts object data before it is stored on disk. It protects stored data, not every part of a storage workflow: Backblaze separately says TLS protects files in transit. The documentation also encourages customers to encrypt data themselves before transmission where appropriate. Backblaze’s materials do not establish that B2 SSE is end-to-end or zero-knowledge encryption.
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SSE-B2: Backblaze-managed keys
With SSE-B2, Backblaze manages the encryption keys. It is the default option for eligible uploads and copies in buckets where the default is enabled. This reduces the need for a customer to provide an encryption key for each object, but it also means the key-management role is not held solely by the customer.
SSE-C: customer-managed keys
SSE-C lets a customer provide and manage the encryption key for an individual object. Choose this model when your workflow requires customer management of object-level keys, and make sure your application can supply and retain the required key material. SSE-C is a different key-management choice, not a synonym for the default SSE-B2 behavior.
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What to check before relying on the default
- Check whether the bucket is new or existing. New buckets receive the announced default immediately; existing buckets are part of a gradual rollout.
- Verify the bucket’s encryption setting. Backblaze’s documentation ties automatic encryption to buckets where the default is enabled. Do not infer the setting from the rollout announcement alone.
- Review application behavior. If the application does not specify an encryption method, no encryption header or application update is required for the default. If it explicitly specifies SSE-C or another method, review that configuration and test the intended workflow.
- Decide who should manage object keys. Use SSE-B2 for Backblaze-managed keys or SSE-C when you need to provide and manage keys for individual objects.
Encryption is only one layer of B2 security
Encryption at rest addresses confidentiality of stored object data; it does not provide all the controls needed for access governance, retention, recovery, or availability. Backblaze describes B2 objects as private by default and requiring account authentication. It also offers separate controls for different operational needs:
- Object Lock uses a write-once, read-many (WORM) model to prevent deletion during a customer-determined retention period. Backblaze also offers Legal Hold when the retention horizon is uncertain or needs flexibility. Backblaze describes Object Lock as ransomware protection; that is a description of the feature’s purpose, not proof that it prevents every ransomware scenario.
- Cloud Replication copies data between buckets according to customer-defined rules, including across regions. Replication is for additional copies, not encryption.
- API key controls and account authentication support access governance.
- Bucket access logs support monitoring, while CORS governs cross-origin requests; neither is an encryption feature.
Backblaze’s security page also describes SOC 2 Type 2 certification and physical data-center safeguards. Those are Backblaze statements about its controls. The same page describes the architecture as designed for 11 nines durability; that is a vendor durability claim, not a measured result of encryption or a promise that customers will never lose data.
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Does encryption cost extra?
Backblaze’s server-side encryption documentation says encryption itself has no extra charge. Normal storage charges still apply, and certain API operations used to enable, disable, or read bucket encryption can incur nominal Class C API charges. The absence of an encryption fee should not be read as a claim that every related operation is free.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Keep B2 encryption separate from Computer Backup
Backblaze Computer Backup has a separate Personal Encryption Key (PEK) feature. That endpoint-backup feature is not the B2 bucket-level SSE-B2 or SSE-C system; the products have different encryption controls and key workflows.
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Official sources and further details
- Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage security features describes Object Lock, access controls, and other security features.
- Backblaze server-side encryption documentation explains SSE-B2, SSE-C, and encryption behavior.
- Backblaze’s August 27, 2026 announcement describes the default-encryption rollout beginning September 14, 2026.
- Backblaze Computer Backup describes the separate backup product and its Personal Encryption Key.
- Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage documentation covers B2 configuration and operations.
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