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Password-Protected File Sharing with GoodSend
Overview
GoodSend offers enhanced security for your sensitive file transfers with optional password protection. This feature adds an extra layer of security beyond our standard encryption, ensuring only authorized recipients can access your files.
How Password Protection Works
When you enable password protection for your file transfers, recipients must enter the correct password before they can download the files. This provides an additional security layer beyond the secure download link sent to their email.
Setting Up a Password-Protected File Transfer
Follow these steps to send files with password protection:
-
Upload your files
- Drag and drop files into the upload area or click to select files
- You can send up to 20 files (10GB total maximum size)
-
Enter recipient information
- Add the recipient's name and email address
- You can add multiple recipients if needed
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Enable password protection
- Toggle the "Password Protect" option to ON
- Create a strong password (we recommend at least 8 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols)
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Complete the send process
- Review your files and recipient information
- Click "Send Files" to complete the process (uses 1 credit = $1.50)
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Share the password securely
- Important: The password is NOT automatically included in the email
- Contact your recipient through a different communication channel (phone call, text message, etc.) to share the password
For Recipients: Accessing Password-Protected Files
If you've received password-protected files via GoodSend, follow these steps:
- Click the download link in your email
- When prompted, enter the password provided by the sender
- Once verified, you'll gain access to download the files
- Files will be available for 7 days before they automatically expire
Best Practices for Password Security
- Use strong, unique passwords - Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters
- Send passwords separately - Never include the password in the same email as the download link
- Consider time sensitivity - For highly sensitive content, consider using time-limited passwords
- Track downloads - Monitor if and when files are accessed through GoodSend's tracking features
Troubleshooting Password Issues
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Recipient can't find download link | Check spam/junk folders or resend the files |
| Password not working | Verify the password is correct (passwords are case-sensitive) |
| Link expired | Files expire after 7 days; you'll need to send the files again |
| Password forgotten | The sender must create a new password-protected transfer |
Password Protection vs. Standard Transfer
| Feature | Standard Transfer | Password-Protected Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 1 credit ($1.50) | 1 credit ($1.50) |
| Security | Link-based access + encryption | Link-based access + encryption + password |
| Ease of access | One-click download | Requires password entry |
| Best for | General file sharing | Sensitive or confidential files |
Quick Tips
- Password protection costs the same as a standard transfer (1 credit = $1.50)
- Remember to communicate the password through a different channel than the email
- Files will still expire after 7 days, even with password protection
- GoodSend tracks delivery, email opens, and file downloads for all transfers
- For maximum security, use complex passwords and change them frequently
- Purchase credits in advance (minimum 10 credits) to have them ready when needed
- Consider password protection for files containing sensitive business information, personal data, or confidential documents