Encrypting a file changes its timestamp?

A couple of days ago I changed the \backup directory on my system to be
encrypted, so I can backup encrypted data without worrying.

I've just noticed that my backup process is resetting the timestamps on
all the previous backup files (to match their source file) because the
encryption process appears to have changed the timestamps on the backup
files.

Is this expected?

--
Steve Swift
http://www.swiftys.org.uk/swifty.html
http://www.ringers.org.uk

On Sun, 27 Jan 2008 08:08:26 +0000, Swifty <Steve.J.Swift.DeleteThis@gmail.com> wrote:

>A couple of days ago I changed the \backup directory on my system to be
>encrypted, so I can backup encrypted data without worrying.
>
>I've just noticed that my backup process is resetting the timestamps on
>all the previous backup files (to match their source file) because the
>encryption process appears to have changed the timestamps on the backup
>files.
>
>Is this expected?

I use PGP and find the same. Obviously they never thought to include the
datestamp in the encryption as they are creating a new file in the first place
and that has the date of the encryption and really it is the matter inside in
the file that is important. With some files it is of course possible to include
the date in the encrypted file by just writing it somewhere as part of the file.
Photos are easy as they already have exif in them provided they are from a
digital camera.

Borge in sunny Perth, Australia