What is encrypted file sharing? (2025 guide)

Imagine you need to send a confidential contract to a client, but you're worried about email security. You attach the file and hit send, knowing that if the email is intercepted or the recipient's account is compromised, your sensitive information could be exposed. This scenario plays out daily for professionals handling sensitive documents—until they discover encrypted file sharing.

Encrypted file sharing transforms this vulnerability into security. It's a method where your files are scrambled into unreadable code before transmission, ensuring that even if intercepted, the content remains protected. This guide covers everything you need to know about encrypted file sharing—from understanding how encryption works to choosing the right platform for your security needs. For detailed instructions on how to encrypt files using various methods, check out our step-by-step guide.

What is encrypted file sharing?

Encrypted file sharing is a secure method of transmitting files where data is encrypted before transmission and can only be decrypted by authorized recipients with the correct keys. Unlike standard file sharing that sends data in readable form, encrypted file sharing protects information from interception, unauthorized access, and data breaches during transfer and storage.

Encryption transforms your files into unreadable code that appears as random characters to anyone without the decryption key. This ensures that even if files are intercepted during transmission or accessed by unauthorized parties, the content remains protected. Modern encrypted file sharing solutions combine encryption with access controls, audit trails, and secure authentication to provide comprehensive protection for sensitive documents.

How encrypted file sharing works

Encrypted file sharing uses cryptographic algorithms to secure files at multiple stages of the sharing process. Understanding how it works helps you choose the right solution for your security needs.

Encryption in transit

When you upload a file, it's encrypted before leaving your device using protocols like TLS (Transport Layer Security) or HTTPS. This ensures that data traveling over the internet cannot be read by network interceptors, ISPs, or malicious actors monitoring network traffic. The encryption happens automatically in the background, so you don't need to manually encrypt files before uploading.

Encryption at rest

Once files reach the server, they remain encrypted even when stored. This means that even if someone gains unauthorized access to the storage servers, they cannot read the file contents without the decryption keys. Different services use various encryption standards, with AES-256 being the industry standard for strong encryption.

Key management

Encryption keys are what unlock your encrypted files. In end-to-end encryption systems, keys are generated on your device and never shared with the service provider, meaning even the platform cannot access your files. Other systems use server-side encryption where the service manages keys, providing convenience but requiring trust in the provider's security practices.

Access controls

Encrypted file sharing platforms combine encryption with granular access controls. You can set passwords, require email verification, set link expiration dates, limit the number of downloads, and control who can view specific files or folders. These controls work alongside encryption to provide multiple layers of security.

Tools for encrypted file sharing

Several platforms specialize in encrypted file sharing, each offering different approaches to security and usability. Here are two leading options:

1. ProtonDrive

Website: proton.me/drive

ProtonDrive is a privacy-focused encrypted file sharing service from the makers of ProtonMail. The platform uses end-to-end encryption, meaning files are encrypted on your device before upload and can only be decrypted by you and authorized recipients. ProtonDrive cannot access your files even if requested by authorities.

Key features:

• End-to-end encryption with zero-knowledge architecture
• Secure file storage with automatic sync across devices
• Password-protected sharing links
• Based in Switzerland with strong privacy laws
• Free tier available with 1GB storage

Limitations:

• Limited storage on free tier
• Less focus on business collaboration features
• No advanced analytics or engagement tracking
• Smaller ecosystem compared to mainstream cloud storage

Pricing:

• Free: 1GB storage
• Plus: €9.99/month for 200GB
• Unlimited: €19.99/month for unlimited storage

2. Tresorit

Website: tresorit.com

Tresorit is an enterprise-focused encrypted file sharing platform designed for businesses that need strong security with collaboration features. The service uses client-side encryption and offers advanced administrative controls for teams.

Key features:

• Zero-knowledge encryption architecture
• Advanced admin controls and user management
• Compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2
• File versioning and recovery
• Team collaboration with encrypted sharing

Limitations:

• Higher pricing compared to consumer solutions
• Steeper learning curve for advanced features
• Limited free tier
• Less intuitive for non-technical users

Pricing:

• Solo: €10.42/month for 500GB
• Business: €14.50/user/month for team features
• Enterprise: Custom pricing with advanced security

Comparison: Encrypted file sharing tools

Papermark: Secure encrypted file sharing alternative

Papermark offers encrypted file sharing with a focus on document analytics, access controls, and professional presentation. While providing strong encryption and security, Papermark differentiates itself through engagement tracking and business-focused features.

Papermark encryption and security features

Papermark uses industry-standard encryption to protect your files during transmission and storage. The platform combines encryption with comprehensive access controls including password protection, email verification, link expiration, download limits, and granular permissions. Files are protected with watermarking and screenshot prevention to prevent unauthorized copying even after access is granted.

The platform provides detailed analytics showing who accessed your files, when they viewed them, and how long they spent on each page. This engagement tracking helps you understand recipient interest and prioritize follow-ups, making it ideal for business use cases like sharing pitch decks, proposals, or confidential documents.

When to choose Papermark

Papermark excels when you need encrypted file sharing combined with business intelligence. Use it for sharing sensitive documents where you want to track engagement, such as investor pitch decks, client proposals, legal documents, or confidential reports. The platform's analytics help you understand which recipients are most engaged, enabling data-driven follow-up strategies.

The service is particularly valuable for professionals who share documents regularly and need insights into how recipients interact with their materials. Unlike pure storage solutions, Papermark focuses on secure sharing with visibility into document access patterns.

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Best practices for encrypted file sharing

When using encrypted file sharing services, follow these practices to maximize security and protect sensitive information.

Choose the right encryption level: For highly sensitive data, prefer end-to-end encryption where keys never leave your device. For business collaboration, server-side encryption with strong access controls may provide better usability while maintaining security.

Use strong access controls: Always enable password protection, set link expiration dates, and limit download counts. Require email verification for sensitive documents to ensure you know who accessed your files.

Monitor access regularly: Review access logs and analytics to identify unusual activity. Many encrypted file sharing platforms provide audit trails showing who accessed files and when.

Keep encryption keys secure: If you're using a service that provides encryption keys, store backups securely. Never share keys through insecure channels like email or unencrypted messaging. For more on how to encrypt files and manage encryption keys, see our detailed guide.

Update software regularly: Keep your file sharing applications updated to ensure you have the latest security patches and encryption improvements.

FAQ

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