Securely send sensitive files with Dropbox
It’s tax season and many of us are gathering all of our tax documents and supporting files. Without even a second thought, most of us send some pretty sensitive information over the Web via email this time of year. Although, I’m not the most paranoid computer security freak, I do look for extra security during tax time to send my information. No matter how secure you think your files are, the kink in the armor can come from other parties and their predilection for weak passwords. Luckily, there is a better way to send these files rather than using email, it’s a little known secret called Dropbox.
Dropbox is the holy grail of online backup services that will leave you tickled pink and literally laughing out loud. It’s a totally painless backup solution that even my brother-in-law can use.
If you have to send these super sensitive files, try the following and rest a bit easier that your files will be safe:
1. Zip your files and rename them something like “8xuT4CfkqHhMaeKy”
2. Place the files in your Dropbox “Public” folder.
3. Email the file link, not the actual file. The important step is start with a clean message with no references to any previous emails or links.
SUBJECT: The stuff you needed
Hey,
Here is the thing you needed
http://bit.ly/eRwOCi
call me if you have questions./me
4. For added security, send them a TEXT with the link rather than an email.
5. After you confirm receipt of the files, delete them or move them to a more secure folder.
This is a simple, yet duct-taped method, but it is much more secure. Remember when you send these files as an attachment, the other person and/or their servers have these files stored on their systems. Email is one of the prime entry points for security hacks, and many people do still have weak passwords. By sending a link to a file and soon after killing the file, you are sure the links aren’t stored in perpetuity on a machine out of your control.
If you have and questions, comments or feedback please drop us a line.
