> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://encryptum.gitbook.io/encryptum/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://encryptum.gitbook.io/encryptum/storage-and-retrieval-process/data-retrieval.md).

# Data Retrieval

To retrieve data, a user needs to provide the **CID** associated with the file they want to access. The retrieval process is as follows:

1. **CID Query**: The user queries the network using the CID.
2. **Data Availability Check**: The network verifies that the file is available on the IPFS network.
3. **Decryption**: Once the file is retrieved, the user must decrypt it using their **private key**. Only the holder of the private key can decrypt the data, ensuring that it remains secure during the retrieval process.


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