In the current digital environment, protecting private communications is essential. I've included a step-by-step instructions, technology recommendations, and best practices below to assist you securely share sensitive data.
Best Practices for Secure Communication
- Encryption: Always use end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for both emails and messaging apps. E2EE ensures only the sender and the intended recipient can read the messages.
- Authentication: Verify the identity of the recipient before sending sensitive information. This can be done through a separate, trusted communication channel.
- Access Control: Limit who has access to the information. Use permissions and access controls for shared files or documents.
- Temporary Sharing: For one-time shares, use temporary file-sharing links with expiration dates or view limits.
- Device Security: Ensure both the sender's and recipient's devices are secure, updated, and protected with strong passwords and antivirus software.
- Physical Security: Be mindful of the physical environment when accessing or discussing sensitive information to prevent eavesdropping or shoulder surfing.
Tool Suggestions
1. Secure Email
- ProtonMail: Offers E2EE and is highly secure.
- Tutanota: Provides automatic encryption for emails and calendars.
2. Secure Messaging Apps
- Signal: The gold standard for E2EE messaging, suitable for text, voice, and video.
- Wire: Offers E2EE for messaging, voice, and video, with a strong focus on enterprise security.
3. Temporary File Sharing
- WeTransfer: Allows for encrypted file transfers with optional password protection and transfer expiration.
- pCloud Transfer: Offers large file transfers with encryption, password protection, and expiration dates.
Step-by-Step Guide for Secure Communication
1. Via Encrypted Email (e.g., ProtonMail)
- Setup: If you haven’t already, create an account with a secure email provider.
- Compose: Write your email as you normally would.
- Encryption: Look for the encryption option within the compose window. For ProtonMail, click the lock icon to ensure E2EE.
- Password Protect (Optional): If the recipient isn’t using the same secure email service, you might need to password-protect the message. The service will guide you through this.
- Send: Once everything is set, send the email.
2. Via Secure Messaging App (e.g., Signal)
- Download & Setup: Ensure both you and the recipient have Signal installed and set up.
- Start a Conversation: Find the recipient in your contacts and start a new conversation.
- Verify Identity (Optional): If you’re concerned about impersonation, verify the recipient’s identity through another trusted channel.
- Send Message: Type and send your message. Signal automatically encrypts it.
- File Sharing: If you need to share files, use Signal’s file-sharing feature, which also benefits from E2EE.
