Backups & Cloud Sync

Since StreetLoans stores your business information directly on your mobile device to enable offline operations, keeping secure backups is vital. If your phone gets damaged, lost, or stolen, having a backup ensures you can recover your credit balance sheet and customer portfolio in a few seconds.

StreetLoans features a built-in Local Backup Vault combined with a Premium Cloud Sync service (Google Drive on Android and iCloud on iOS) to protect your records effortlessly.

1. How Backups Work

Every time a backup is created, the system packages your data into a secure file with the .slbackup.json extension and applies end-to-end military-grade encryption.

AES-256-CBC Encryption (SLB1 Envelope)

Backup packages are encrypted using the industry-standard AES-256 algorithm in CBC (Cipher Block Chaining) mode, structured under a self-describing data header called SLB1: SLB1:{version}:{base64_salt}:{base64_iv}:{base64_ciphertext}

This mechanism guarantees top-tier security through:

  • Dynamic Initialization Vector (IV): A cryptographically random 16-byte IV is generated for each backup file. Two backups of the exact same content will result in completely different encrypted files.
  • Robust Key Derivation (PBKDF2): The 32-byte encryption key is never stored in the code; instead, it is derived dynamically using PBKDF2-HMAC-SHA256 applying 210,000 iterations (fully aligned with OWASP international standards for maximum protection against brute-force attacks), based on your company's administrator credentials and a unique 16-byte random salt.

This package securely contains:

  • Your complete Customer Directory (names, addresses, photos, and Cédula IDs).
  • All active and closed Loan Plans.
  • The complete history of daily payments (Abonos and accumulated late fees).

2. Local Vault & Critical Restore Points

  • Isolated Local Vault: The application stores backups securely within its private, system-protected directory, completely inaccessible to other apps on the device.
  • Safety Restore Point: To prevent accidental data loss due to device failures or corrupt file imports, the local database engine automatically generates a restore point (restorepoint_*.slbackup.json) before overwriting the local database during any restoration process. If anything goes wrong, your prior data remains intact.

3. Premium Cloud Sync (Google Drive / iCloud)

If your organization has enabled Premium Cloud Sync capabilities:

  • Automatic Safety: StreetLoans automatically synchronizes your local vault backups directly to your personal cloud storage account (Google Drive on Android or iCloud on iOS) as soon as an internet connection is detected.
  • Protected Directory: On Android, backups are stored in Google Drive's hidden app folder (appDataFolder), completely isolated from your personal files and shielded from accidental deletion or app uninstalls.
  • Zero Manual Effort: You do not have to copy, share, or email files. If your phone breaks, simply install the app on a new device, log in, and tap restore to sync directly from your cloud drive in seconds.

4. Creating & Exporting a Backup (Standard Plan)

If you are on the standard plan or wish to keep a manual contingency copy on a separate drive:

  1. Tap the Settings gear icon in the app.
  2. Scroll down to the Database & Backups section.
  3. Tap Create Backup. The app will process your records and display: "Backup Created Successfully".
  4. The backup is stored in the app's secure local vault. To save it off the device:
    • Tap Export Backup in settings.
    • Select a location on your phone's storage, or share the backup package directly to your personal email, computer, or a secure supervisor chat via WhatsApp.

5. How to Restore Your Data

If you have upgraded to a new mobile phone, or need to recover your active route:

  1. If you use Premium Cloud Sync:
    • Open the app on the new phone, log in, go to Settings > Database & Backups.
    • Tap Restore from Cloud. The app will fetch your latest cloud backup (Google Drive/iCloud) and rebuild your ledger in seconds.
  2. If you are using a Manual Backup File:
    • Copy the exported .slbackup.json file onto the new phone.
    • In Settings, tap Restore Backup.
    • Locate the backup file in the explorer, enter your administrator security password, and tap Confirm Restore.
    • All active balances, clients, and printer setups will instantly reload!
App Installation