If you’re using a file sharing platform, security and anonymity should be at the top of your list of concerns. After all, you don’t want your sensitive files to end up in the wrong hands.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to ensure that your files are secure and that your anonymity is protected when using a secure file sharing platform.

Security

First, make sure to choose a reputable and trustworthy platform, such as a safedrop. Look for a platform that uses encryption to protect your files, and that has a good track record when it comes to security and anonymity – safedrop for example are both ISO27001 & CyberEssentials accredited.

Next, take control of your own security by using a strong, unique password for your account, and avoid sharing it with anyone else. If possible, enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of protection – again, safedrop has this as standard, and also authenticates users who access files you send them.

Safedrop in particular comes with some excellent security options you can use to boost your protection:

• View-only and download options: You decide who can view and/or download files from your safedrop. If you go for view-only, our secure viewer displays a watermark on documents with the recipients email address & IP address displayed, to deter any potential data leaks!
• Self-destruct option: You can set safedrops to automatically expire after a single view or download, meaning that you can keep confidential files safe from unauthorised, repeated downloads.
• eSignatures: Those that are after compliant digital signatures will also be pleased, as our eSignature platform is accessible from with a file, making it easy to obtain verifiable signatures from your recipients.

Anonymity

There are methods in which you can remain anonymous when using safedrop, with caveats. If you are the recipient of a safedrop, if the sender has switched off recipient verification (e.g. you are not prompted to enter your email or enter a token), then your activity will displayed as anonymous – although your IP address and activity will still be logged.

If want to send files, you can take advantage of our Inbox feature (if your intended recipient has provided you their Inbox link). Simply verify yourself using a hidden or temporary email service (think Apple’s ‘Hide My Email’) to obscure your email. You can then send files anonymously.

In summary, security are crucial when using a secure file sharing platform, such as safedrop. Make sure to choose a reputable platform, take control of your own security, be careful about what files you share. With these steps, you can help ensure that your files are secure.