File sharing is easier than ever before. The file-sharing capabilities will depend on the file size, cloud service, or the software utility you happen to use. No matter what type of file you have, it is now possible to share it with anyone across the globe.
But would you want someone else to access your file while you're sharing it? Obviously, you want it shared with the recipient only, transferred securely without any interruptions.
Here are some of the best secure file-sharing options that you should use to ensure safe transfers.
File-Sharing Services to Securely Transfer Files
Note that you can choose to share a file via cloud services or a peer-to-peer network using a software utility. Here's the best of both worlds to help you, whatever your requirements.
1. OnionShare
OnionShare is an open-source tool that lets you utilize peer-to-peer file sharing to securely transfer files directly to the recipient’s computer.
With the help of OnionShare, you do not have to rely on any third-party services. The transfer should work flawlessly if both the sender and recipient’s internet connections stay active.
To take things up a notch, OnionShare also uses the Tor network to ensure the file-sharing activity remains private and anonymous. Despite this, the transfer speed is satisfactory. You further get an anonymous chat feature along with the ability to share files.
OnionShare is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
2. Wormhole
If you are not a fan of peer-to-peer file-sharing solutions, you can opt for cloud-based tools. Wormhole is an interesting web-based file-sharing option that offers end-to-end encryption.
In other words, when you upload a file to their service, only you and the recipient can access the file. This also ensures that even the service provider (Wormhole here) cannot access the files that you share.
You do not need to create an account to upload a file, which gives you an anonymous experience. Unlike other tools, Wormhole lets you share a file instantly as soon as you start uploading it.
The recipient can start downloading the file even if the upload is in progress, which should make the transfer quick.
The shared links expire after 24 hours automatically, but you can tweak the expiry time and limit the downloads before the link expires. It also lets you share using a QR Code. However, it enforces a limit of 10GB—not bad, considering it is a free service (at the time of writing) with no paid options.
While this could be a solution for many, it may not be suitable for business users.
3. Bitwarden Send
Bitwarden Send is a feature of the Bitwarden password manager, which happens to be one of the best password managers. You can use Bitwarden Send on any web browser (irrespective of the platform) to share text information, passwords, important documents, or any other file type.
You might already be using the password manager itself, but, considering it is free to use, anyone can choose to start using it if they want to share an important note or document. While it supports limited file sizes for free, you can upload a file up to 500 MB if you have a premium subscription.
Bitwarden Send can be considered a specialized tool if you do not want to share big files, only important ones. You can choose to hide your identity for the file you transfer, choose an expiration time, deletion timer, password-protect it, and limit the number of accesses allowed. However, you will have to look at other options for a higher upload file size limit.
4. Dropbox
Dropbox is an ideal cloud storage option for businesses that want the convenience of easy collaboration with industry-leading security. While Dropbox does not offer end-to-end encryption, it still keeps your data private and is known for a hassle-free experience.
It does not offer any free pricing plans; you'll have to opt for a premium plan and explore its collaboration features to share a file securely.
5. Mega
Mega is one of the most secure cloud storage options. Considering it supports end-to-end encryption, you can easily upload any file to your account and then share it along. Not just limited to security, you also get some collaboration options like chat. It's a good fit to collaborate and share files simultaneously without worrying about the safety of file transfers.
You can choose to add any contact manually or share your contact via a QR code for others to send you requests. In this way, you get to share with specific people without a stranger getting the link to the file.
6. Tresorit
Tresorit is a Swiss-based secure cloud storage service that lets you share files and collaborate as securely as possible.
Similar to Mega, it offers end-to-end encryption. But it does not offer free plans for cloud storage. However, if you want to share files securely, they provide a free Tresorit Send service that lets you upload files up to 5GB in size with end-to-end encryption and additional options to manage your shared files and links.
If you want the convenience of cloud storage and the best security to share files, Tresorit is undoubtedly one of the most compelling options to use.
7. DocSend
DocSend is a premium service that lets you easily share attachments with real-time controls.
For instance, even if you have uploaded the file successfully, you can update it to a newer version. In addition to that exciting feature, it also lets you control access to the file and verify the receiver's identity using email authentication. It offers Gmail and Outlook integration.
You can get started for free, but you will have to opt for a paid plan to continue using the service.
Use Secure Mediums to Send Important Files
Unless you want everyone to access a file, you should favor a secure platform to share files. While most of the solutions support working through a web browser, you will need to check cross-platform support for peer-to-peer file transfer options.
Primarily, you need to choose a file-sharing service that lets you conveniently perform the task and control access to it. When it comes to additional features, you have to explore them yourself to see if you require them.