Private-Mail Blog

Earlier this year PrivateMail increased user file security by adding a standalone AES-256 encrypted folder, and now we are taking security a step further with Secure Share.  This new feature allows users to share sensitive files securely by encrypting the file with the user’s OpenPGP key and providing a secure download link. The recipient does not have to be a PrivateMail customer to access the link and can decrypt the file contents with a password or OpenPGP key.

Encrypted file sharing is now active for all Private-Mail customers and can be found in the Files area. To use Secure Share click the file you want to share, then click the “secure share” link icon.

First select the email user from your Contacts list or from your OpenPGP Keyring.

Select “Password based” if you want the recipient to simply enter a password to download and decrypt the file. This feature is ideal if the recipient is not experienced with OpenPGP email encryption or is using a non Private-Mail address that does not support OpenPGP. For best security you should deliver the decryption password in a separate email or text message from the download link.

Select the “Key Based” option if you want to send securely to a user that is already added to your OpenPGP keyring on Private-Mail. This is the most secure way to share the encrypted file as the recipient will be required to enter their OpenPGP key password for file decryption.

For the recipient they simply need to enter the Secure Share password, or their OpenPGP key password and click “Download and Decrypt”.

The decryption and encryption process are completed locally so Private-Mail servers do not have access to private encryption data during any step of the process.

Once your recipient has confirmed they downloaded the encrypted file you can return to the files menu and delete the Secure Share file.

Who can benefit from Secure Share?

Anyone who uses Private-Mail Files to store personal data or documents can make use of our new Secure Share feature. Leaving personal information floating around in un-encrypted email attachments is a huge security risk. It’s only a matter of time before one of your contact’s email inboxes becomes compromised and private attachments become public.

Secure Share makes it easy and secure for a business to share sensitive documents with clients through email. Any business that works with personal client information needs to take precautions and encrypt all private data during transit. Secure Share can also be used in conjunction with Private-Mail business plans to greatly improve the security of internal document sharing.

You don’t have to be a business user to take advantage of Private-Mail’s new Secure Share feature. Consider how many times per day or week the average person shares personal documents, private images, and more with friends and family members not thinking twice about protecting file privacy. Make data security a priority when sharing your files and encrypt them with Private-Mail Secure Share.