I want to share sensitive files with family I will encrypt and they can decrypt. I’ve had dropbox for a while, but they made a HUGE mistake…! [long story that cost me hours to fix] I have axcrypt but using them for file sharing is a nightmare.
Any others you recommend?
Did a search and found OneDrive can send files directly or via link. Seems to be safe. [I’ve read] so I sent some files to my other computers. Worked great.
Opinions?
Is your primary object to have a central file share with security controls?? Or are you really just looking for software that encrypts files for you to send to other people ?
Despite what is written below (by Microsoft), I create encrypted ZIP files of certain critical files, using 7-Zip File Manager. There is a place for you to specify a password.
Examples of data at rest include files that you uploaded to a SharePoint library, Project Online data, documents that you uploaded in a Skype for Business meeting, email messages and attachments that you stored in folders in your mailbox, and files you uploaded to OneDrive for Business.
Examples of data in transit include mail messages that are in the process of being delivered, or conversations that are taking place in an online meeting. In Microsoft 365, data is in transit whenever a user’s device is communicating with a Microsoft server, or when a Microsoft server is communicating with another server.
With Microsoft 365, multiple layers and kinds of encryption work together to secure your data. The following table includes some examples, with links to additional information.
There is a program called SYNCTHING which will allow you to sync/copy files between computers in your house or anywhere. I use it to sync my cellphone camera folder to my home computer so if I lose my cellphone I still have the images. I also have a folder that is common to all my devices for a non-profit of which I am a Director.
It handles many common operating systems. Because you are using your own computers you do not have limitations enforced by some company as to how much data you can store/more or how fast you do it.
If you have an encrypted file in the folder, it will be duplicated on all other synced devices. Otherwise It is possible to set a password on a folder when it’s shared with another device. Data sent will be encrypted by this password, and data received will be decrypted by the same password. The data is encrypted using both the password and the folder ID.
The sync can be one way or both ways. Also the system periodically looks to see if it needs to send any more files.
So it is very similar to Dropbox type programs. This is free and you control things.
You could also use Veracrypt which is free to create an encrypted file (like a large folder) which you can send to them. Understand that encrypted file will be like a ZIP file and that by adding a file in it and closing it, that whole file would be transmitted. I guess that is obvious but could be an issue if that encrypted file is gigantic.
I’ve had VC for many years and it did not occur to me until last night. Yes, this is the simple and obvious solution.
Yes, I have MS365 but did not think of using that. Thanls
Yes. Other threads here [how to pay bills after I die] highlight what heirs need to access accounts, financials, tax returns, etc. I want to send this info encrypted to my family.
Thanks again. My MS365 can send links to family to access my files. So this is secure? It’s somehow encrypted?
I tried to send a PDF file via MS365 and got this option. See pic. I can send a link or inside email. These are secure?
The problem is… Once your family member unencrypts it to read it … it’s unencrypted. What’s your expectation for how long and under what circumstances the files are to remain encrypted after your passing?
I created a paper information document for my family and I gave them my password manager credentials. Data on the password manager is always encrypted, unless they do something dumb like downloading it unencrypted.
That is what I want. They can have all the info.
But…does MS365 send them encrypted? I have not found a way in mine. It just sends a link or lets me send it.
I tried sending to my other computers, and the link opens to my file instantly. No password.
I have tried to encrypt files inside file properties > Advanced, but the encrypt option is disabled.
You could simply use the password feature in MS Word, Excel, etc. Make it a phrase and share it separately with family members.
I do that now, but they don’t work for PDF files and tax returns.
I have MS365 and found a way to send a link to my son that gives him access to my selected file. I tried this on my other computer and it worked.
But I can’t find anything that says it’s safe. Seems safe to me, but other opinions?
Should be safe but you can also password protect .pdf files (google it). What format are your tax returns? I use TurboTax and it spits out a single .pdf with both my state and federal.
Scroll up a few posts to my pic. The password option is not available for my PDF tax returns. No idea why.
Personally, I would use gpg (open source version of pgp) to encrypt files and then transfer them using Dropbox, GDrive, OneDrive, or whatever you want.
gpg is a command-line tool but there are various GUI interfaces that have been made for it (though I don’t use any so can’t recommend one).
VeraCrypt can be used for individual file encryption or whole disc encryption.
I have used it for years.
One issue that I have noticed is that when I use it to open a file the open file often ends up in MS File History back up enencrypted.
Watch out for that if you use FH for back up.
Me too. I have it on all my computers. I toyed with the idea of having heirs install it, then send them my VC file along with the VC password. Would that work?
VC can be intimidating to some, and I don’t want to waste their time if it won’t work.
Yes.
Use separate channels for transmition of the pass word.
After they recieve it change your pss word on your PC.
