Jump to content

Sending encrypted one-off large (200MB) files to external agencies?


Recommended Posts

Posted

We occasionally need to send large (200MB+) encrypted files to external agencies/companies.

 

I would like a self-hosted option where we can upload a file and generate a one-time URL and password that can be communicated to an external recipient (url emailed, password phoned through).

 

Ideally no Flash, Java, Silverlight etc involved and the external recipient shouldn't need an account/have to create an account.

 

Bonus points if files are automatically deleted after X configurable limit.

 

I'm aware of things like Zend.to, but the "hasn't been updated since June 2015" element concerns me.

 

What're you using for this (that isn't Dropbox, OneDrive (needs MS login to download), Google Drive)?

Posted

Why self hosted if files are encrypted? I have used a similar method to Steve's before; a file with a long, randomly generated filename. I like the idea of scheduled task to delete though, good idea, you could have a daily schedule to purge files older than x days.

 

I have also used (I realise these are not self hosted but if the file has strong encryption - meh)

 

 

Posted

I don't mind whether it's commercial, open source or otherwise free. Just that it a) works b) an end-user can upload a file and convey the credentials to the correct third party.

 

We've done the "here's an encrypted zip on $webserver, get it within 2hrs or it'll be deleted" for less sensitive stuff, but it's a bit Heath Robinson and we're doing it often enough that something more robust would be useful.

 

Specific self-hosted (or UK/EU service) because I don't want to set a precedent of "it's OK to upload stuff to random web services if you password protect it with Bob123".

Posted
I don't mind whether it's commercial, open source or otherwise free. Just that it a) works b) an end-user can upload a file and convey the credentials to the correct third party.

 

We've done the "here's an encrypted zip on $webserver, get it within 2hrs or it'll be deleted" for less sensitive stuff, but it's a bit Heath Robinson and we're doing it often enough that something more robust would be useful.

 

Specific self-hosted (or UK/EU service) because I don't want to set a precedent of "it's OK to upload stuff to random web services if you password protect it with Bob123".

 

Just wondering whats up with Google Drive please?

Posted (edited)
Just wondering whats up with Google Drive please?

 

Or One Drive/One Drive for Business if you have it.

 

Edited to add: Strictly with the schools account and permission that is.

Edited by Dos_Box
Posted

We do have OneDrive for Business, but (IIRC and just tested to confirm) external sharing access it requires someone to have a Microsoft/Live/Hotmail login in order to get the file/folder.

 

We don't have Google Apps setup, though I know you can (well, Google Apps for Business at least) set a public link that doesn't require a login.

Posted
What're you using for this (that isn't Dropbox, OneDrive (needs MS login to download), Google Drive)?

Google Drive (via Google Apps for Education) would be perfect since it's really easy for users to upload files (just drag-and-drop them into the browser window), you get unlimited storage space and the person you are sending the files to doesn't need to sign in to download the files.

 

Although the unique part of the shareable URL is only 28 characters long it would still take at least. 76.43 million trillion trillion centuries to guess since there are 2.40 x 1055 different combinations. :)

 

Google considers long unguessable URLs secure...

 

www.theverge.com/2015/6/23/8830977/google-photos-security-public-url-privacy-protected

Posted (edited)

Easy.

 

Check out BitTorrnt Sync.

 

You set up the folder on your server from a local drive, this generates a 'key' Read or Read/Write key. You send this key to the third party who also install the bittorrent sync client and add the key into the add share part of the client this key then gives them access to the content in which you are hosting, it is all encrypted.

 

Guide attached.

 

BitTorrentSyncUserGuide.pdf

Edited by cpjitservices
Posted
Ideally no Flash, Java, Silverlight etc involved and the external recipient shouldn't need an account/have to create an account.

You set up the folder on your server from a local drive, this generates a 'key' Read or Read/Write key. You send this key to the third party who also install the bittorrent sync client and add the key into the add share part of the client this key then gives them access to the content in which you are hosting, it is all encrypted.

That might be too much hassle. :(

Posted
We do have OneDrive for Business, but (IIRC and just tested to confirm) external sharing access it requires someone to have a Microsoft/Live/Hotmail login in order to get the file/folder.

Nope, you can share outside your organisation with no sign in required. You can also put an expiration time on the link as well. I just tested this and it works :)

https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Video-Share-documents-in-Office-365-1438f676-ee5c-40cb-a1f3-f814e649d2ea

  • Thanks 1
Posted (edited)

Yup, the person on the other end of the Internet will have variable IT proficiency and won't have admin rights to install stuff. Anything more difficult than "click this, type this" is likely to involve me supporting them.

 

Nope, you can share outside your organisation with no sign in required. You can also put an expiration time on the link as well. I just tested this and it works :)

https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Video-Share-documents-in-Office-365-1438f676-ee5c-40cb-a1f3-f814e649d2ea

 

Yeah, you're right - I was testing OneDrive with a folder which doesn't allow the creation of a "View" or "Edit" link without logging in:

 

FolderLinks.png

 

Individual files are fine:

 

documentlink.png

 

That might just do the job.

Edited by pete
Posted
@mattstevenson2005 - We had owncloud and kept hitting limitations with it, file sizes and the overall Sync mass.... We have moved on to Resillio Sync instead.

 

What limits did you hit with Owncloud? We've been running it for a few years. Have no problems with sending out DVD images to the publishers. Used it the other day to send a 30GB virtual machine to another establishment.

Posted
What limits did you hit with Owncloud? We've been running it for a few years. Have no problems with sending out DVD images to the publishers. Used it the other day to send a 30GB virtual machine to another establishment.

 

We had some clients that where hosting folders of say 40Gb+ - Sync'ing would just stop or hang. This would be the initial sync say copy from Fileserver to the Owncloud server. Clients who used the system from new and added their own files on to it where fine but copying any large directories from a server to owncloud it would hang or stop. Also had problem with long path/file names which is one of the problems with sync. Resillio Sync has been spot on.. Its faster too.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now



×
×
  • Create New...