Top 10 ways to share files securely

Techradar - All the latest technology news Top 10 ways to share files securely

The internet is made for sharing and it's perfectly understandable that the moment you snap a picture of a new addition to the family, or some other unmissable photo, you want to show it to your loved ones. Or you might want to share critical documents with work colleagues.

How can you make sure that whatever you share is seen only by the people you choose? Simply placing a password on files won't always do – as you'd need a way of sending the password to the recipient securely in the first place!

In this article, we're going to explore some quick and simple options for sharing your files safely over the net. These are not exclusive so don't be afraid to combine them if necessary, or look into other ways to share files safely, too.

• We've also looked at how best to share large files here

1. Dropbox

Most Dropbox users know that they can click 'Share' next to a file or folder to generate a link to allow other people to download that file or folder. 

This is especially useful when you want to share files that are too large to email. Only people who have the link will be able to access the data, and you can delete the link at any time.

If you have a paid Dropbox Pro account (or a business one) you can password protect individual files and folders, as well as set the link to expire automatically.

• You can sign up for Dropbox here

2. Password protection

Many applications such as the cross-platform word processor LibreOffice Writer contain an option to password protect documents. Usually you'll be asked to type in the password twice to make sure it's entered correctly. Note it down carefully.

The specific steps you need to follow plus the strength of the encryption used will vary depending on the piece of software in question. Check with the developer (look for the support section of the website) if you need help with anything. Ideally documents should be protected with at least 128-bit AES encryption. 

You will of course need a way to send the password to the recipient securely after sending the file.

3. PGP/GPG

 PGP and GPG are two programs which make use of public key cryptography to send files securely. 

They get around the problem of having to send someone the password of a file you've encrypted by using a 'public key' to encrypt documents and a 'private key' to decrypt them. Your private key never leaves your computer but anyone can use your public key to send you files.

Setting this up can be tricky for less tech-savvy types. The easiest way is probably to install the cross-platform email client Mozilla Thunderbird, then use the free add-on Enigmail which has a handy step-by-step wizard.

• You can download Mozilla Thunderbird here and Enigmail here

4. OTR

OTR (Off the Record) messaging is a feature that can be added to a number of messaging programs such as the cross-platform app Pidgin. 

Messages are encrypted before leaving your machine, so you can safely send files to your correspondent. You can also use security codes to make sure no one is sitting between you and them, intercepting your messages (known as a 'man-in-the-middle' attack). 

OTR messaging is available as a plug-in for Pidgin, as mentioned, but is also built into other messenger clients such as FrozenChat for Android.

• You can download FrozenChat here

5. One-Time Pad

To use a One-Time Pad, first you must create a list of random numbers by rolling dice or using a computer. Your correspondent does the same, then you both meet and give each other a copy of the pads.

When you want to send your correspondent a file, you can then combine the random data in the pad with it, and send. The recipient can then use their copy of your pad to take away the random data to reveal the file. 

This is tricky to get right, but theoretically it's perfectly secure. There are a few programs as listed here, such as the Paranoia plug-in for the Pidgin messaging app, which can automate the process for you.

• You can download Pidgin here and the Paranoia plug-in here

6. LastPass

LastPass is an excellent service which stores all of your usernames and passwords in one place. One of its niftiest features is that you can choose to share a login – say, for Google Photos – via email.

Part of the beauty of LastPass is that if you choose you can allow your correspondent to log in and access files without them seeing the password. Your connection is also protected by SSL so there's very little chance anyone could connect to your data in the same way. In short, this is one of the most respected password managers out there, and with good reason.

• You can download LastPass here

7. Snapchat

Snapchat users will be aware that photos sent over the app theoretically self-destruct after a certain length of time. The recipient can take a screenshot of important information, however, and you'll receive a notification that this has been done. 

Snapchat updated its terms and conditions in 2014 to say that the firm may store copies of images you send. Ideally, you should use this app in combination with another of the methods listed here – for instance, you could encrypt a spreadsheet and send via email, then transmit the password separately via Snapchat. Splitting the file and the key in this way means only your correspondent will be able to view the data. 

• You can download Snapchat here

8. Resilio Sync

Resilio Sync (formerly BitTorrent Sync) synchronises files using the BitTorrent protocol. The advantage of this is that instead of having to share files via a cloud service like Dropbox, files can be synced directly between two devices.

Provided both your device and your correspondent's are online, files can be shared in real-time and the connection is secured by 128-bit AES. BitTorrent is particularly good for sharing large files and folders as it was originally designed for that purpose. More devices can be added to share files with others if you wish. 

For more details and to download clients for both desktop and mobile platforms visit the Resilio website as linked below. The client is not open source so there's no easy way for security experts to check the code used for any vulnerabilities.

• You can download Resilio Sync here

9. SSH

SSH (Secure Shell) is a network protocol which establishes an encrypted tunnel allowing people to log in to a computer remotely. It can be used to upload and download files as well as run commands on the target computer.

If you have a server, you can give your correspondent their own username to log in and access files you've uploaded. Alternatively you could create an account for them on your own machine so they can connect to you.

Mac and Linux users will be pleased to hear they can use SSH directly from the Terminal app. Windows users can download the free program Putty to do the same.

• You can download Putty here

10. SFTP

Continuing the trend of obscure acronyms, SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) is an extension of the SSH protocol used specifically for transferring files. In order to make use of it, you need to have access to a server, for instance by renting one from a provider like Hosted FTP.  

You'll be supplied with a username and password that you can use to connect and upload/download files. Most operating systems integrate FTP into the file explorer so you can move, edit and copy files onto the server just as you would with an ordinary folder. Although the connection is encrypted, documents stored on the server aren't, so consider protecting them with a password before uploading.

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Top 10 ways to share files securely

Techradar - All the latest technology news Top 10 ways to share files securely

The internet is made for sharing and it's perfectly understandable that the moment you snap a picture of a new addition to the family, or some other unmissable photo, you want to show it to your loved ones. Or you might want to share critical documents with work colleagues.

How can you make sure that whatever you share is seen only by the people you choose? Simply placing a password on files won't always do – as you'd need a way of sending the password to the recipient securely in the first place!

In this article, we're going to explore some quick and simple options for sharing your files safely over the net. These are not exclusive so don't be afraid to combine them if necessary, or look into other ways to share files safely, too.

• We've also looked at how best to share large files here

1. Dropbox

Most Dropbox users know that they can click 'Share' next to a file or folder to generate a link to allow other people to download that file or folder. 

This is especially useful when you want to share files that are too large to email. Only people who have the link will be able to access the data, and you can delete the link at any time.

If you have a paid Dropbox Pro account (or a business one) you can password protect individual files and folders, as well as set the link to expire automatically.

• You can sign up for Dropbox here

2. Password protection

Many applications such as the cross-platform word processor LibreOffice Writer contain an option to password protect documents. Usually you'll be asked to type in the password twice to make sure it's entered correctly. Note it down carefully.

The specific steps you need to follow plus the strength of the encryption used will vary depending on the piece of software in question. Check with the developer (look for the support section of the website) if you need help with anything. Ideally documents should be protected with at least 128-bit AES encryption. 

You will of course need a way to send the password to the recipient securely after sending the file.

3. PGP/GPG

 PGP and GPG are two programs which make use of public key cryptography to send files securely. 

They get around the problem of having to send someone the password of a file you've encrypted by using a 'public key' to encrypt documents and a 'private key' to decrypt them. Your private key never leaves your computer but anyone can use your public key to send you files.

Setting this up can be tricky for less tech-savvy types. The easiest way is probably to install the cross-platform email client Mozilla Thunderbird, then use the free add-on Enigmail which has a handy step-by-step wizard.

• You can download Mozilla Thunderbird here and Enigmail here

4. OTR

OTR (Off the Record) messaging is a feature that can be added to a number of messaging programs such as the cross-platform app Pidgin. 

Messages are encrypted before leaving your machine, so you can safely send files to your correspondent. You can also use security codes to make sure no one is sitting between you and them, intercepting your messages (known as a 'man-in-the-middle' attack). 

OTR messaging is available as a plug-in for Pidgin, as mentioned, but is also built into other messenger clients such as FrozenChat for Android.

• You can download FrozenChat here

5. One-Time Pad

To use a One-Time Pad, first you must create a list of random numbers by rolling dice or using a computer. Your correspondent does the same, then you both meet and give each other a copy of the pads.

When you want to send your correspondent a file, you can then combine the random data in the pad with it, and send. The recipient can then use their copy of your pad to take away the random data to reveal the file. 

This is tricky to get right, but theoretically it's perfectly secure. There are a few programs as listed here, such as the Paranoia plug-in for the Pidgin messaging app, which can automate the process for you.

• You can download Pidgin here and the Paranoia plug-in here

6. LastPass

LastPass is an excellent service which stores all of your usernames and passwords in one place. One of its niftiest features is that you can choose to share a login – say, for Google Photos – via email.

Part of the beauty of LastPass is that if you choose you can allow your correspondent to log in and access files without them seeing the password. Your connection is also protected by SSL so there's very little chance anyone could connect to your data in the same way. In short, this is one of the most respected password managers out there, and with good reason.

• You can download LastPass here

7. Snapchat

Snapchat users will be aware that photos sent over the app theoretically self-destruct after a certain length of time. The recipient can take a screenshot of important information, however, and you'll receive a notification that this has been done. 

Snapchat updated its terms and conditions in 2014 to say that the firm may store copies of images you send. Ideally, you should use this app in combination with another of the methods listed here – for instance, you could encrypt a spreadsheet and send via email, then transmit the password separately via Snapchat. Splitting the file and the key in this way means only your correspondent will be able to view the data. 

• You can download Snapchat here

8. Resilio Sync

Resilio Sync (formerly BitTorrent Sync) synchronises files using the BitTorrent protocol. The advantage of this is that instead of having to share files via a cloud service like Dropbox, files can be synced directly between two devices.

Provided both your device and your correspondent's are online, files can be shared in real-time and the connection is secured by 128-bit AES. BitTorrent is particularly good for sharing large files and folders as it was originally designed for that purpose. More devices can be added to share files with others if you wish. 

For more details and to download clients for both desktop and mobile platforms visit the Resilio website as linked below. The client is not open source so there's no easy way for security experts to check the code used for any vulnerabilities.

• You can download Resilio Sync here

9. SSH

SSH (Secure Shell) is a network protocol which establishes an encrypted tunnel allowing people to log in to a computer remotely. It can be used to upload and download files as well as run commands on the target computer.

If you have a server, you can give your correspondent their own username to log in and access files you've uploaded. Alternatively you could create an account for them on your own machine so they can connect to you.

Mac and Linux users will be pleased to hear they can use SSH directly from the Terminal app. Windows users can download the free program Putty to do the same.

• You can download Putty here

10. SFTP

Continuing the trend of obscure acronyms, SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) is an extension of the SSH protocol used specifically for transferring files. In order to make use of it, you need to have access to a server, for instance by renting one from a provider like Hosted FTP.  

You'll be supplied with a username and password that you can use to connect and upload/download files. Most operating systems integrate FTP into the file explorer so you can move, edit and copy files onto the server just as you would with an ordinary folder. Although the connection is encrypted, documents stored on the server aren't, so consider protecting them with a password before uploading.

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The best free website builder 2017

Techradar - All the latest technology news The best free website builder 2017

The best free website builder

Creating a website used to be the domain (geddit?) of professional designers and coders, but these days it is something anyone can tackle. The problem is that there are so many website creation applications and services vying for attention that it can be difficult to know which one to opt for -- this is where we can help.

We've collated the very best free website builders available, including a mixture of offline software and online tools. It's usually quicker, easier and more efficient to create and edit a site entirely online with a WYSIWYG editor, but if you want complete control over every aspect of your site's design and hosting, you'll need a desktop-based free website builder.

So whether you're looking to create a site for your business, or you just fancy creating an online presence for yourself, here are the best tools to help you out.

Have we missed your favorite free website builder? Let us know in the comments below

Wix makes great use of images, and is ideal is you want to build an online store or portfolio

1. Wix

The easiest way to build your own website, with both a quick wizard and a smart WYSIWYG editor

Wix offers you two ways to build your website. Both involve creating it online, and both are as quick and painless as possible.

The simplest option is to use the Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) website builder which will guide you through a series of questions before automatically creating a site for you. There is scope for customization, but the focus here is really on fast results for anyone who is terrified of designing websites.

A more hands-on approach is available if you decide to use the standard Wix Editor. There are literally hundreds of stylish templates to choose from -- and, yes, they are genuinely impressive – which you can tweak and tailor to your needs using a beautiful WYSIWYG editor.

Despite being a cloud-based website builder, Wix gives you a great degree of control over the look of your site and placement of page elements. You can also liven it up using the App Market to add features such as a newsletter and live chat. This power and flexibility make Wix the best free website builder around for creating your own site.

Try it online: Wix

There are two versions of WordPress: a web app for creating a site online and having it hosted on WordPress's servers, and a desktop program for advanced users who want to host their own site

2. WordPress

As simple or complex as you like, Wordpress is ideal for static sites, portfolios, online stores and blogs

Causing a slight degree of confusion, there are actually two different versions of WordPress. The more complex version can be downloaded from wordpress.org, and you will need to upload it to your own web space and install it using the automated online installer. You can then customize the templates and use add-ons to make the site your own. This is the route many bloggers go down, but there is a simpler option for people who don't want the hassle of fiddling about with scripts and getting dirty with hardcore editing.

The hosted version of WordPress lets you create your own site on wordpress.com. You can create everything from a blog or photo site, to a fully fledged online store, and there are a number of templates to choose from.

Whether you're creating a static site, or a blog-style site with regularly updated content, the online editor is a joy to use and allows just about anyone to create an impressive, professional-looking site. With the only downside is the limited range of plugins and templates compared with the desktop website builder.

Try it online: WordPress

Download here: WordPress

CoffeeCup Free HTML Editor isn't a WYSIWYG website builder, but it provides a live preview of your site as you write it

3. CoffeeCup Free HTML Editor

Ideal for hand-coding a website, Free HTML Editor is packed with time-saving extras

CoffeeCup Free HTML Editor is one of a dying breed of web building programs that don't use a CMS (content management system). While not in the same league as the likes of Adobe Dreamweaver, Free HTML Editor packs quite a professional punch. With split screen code/preview views, it's possible to see the effect the changes you make have straight away.

To help you get started quickly, there are a number of templates built into the program, and there are some very nice features such as tag and code suggestions as you type. For absolute beginners the program might seem a little overwhelming to start with, but it's worth sticking with it – assuming you have some HTML knowledge. There is one slight issue; a number of features, such as spell-checking and code optimisation, are only included in the paid-for version of the program.

Download here: CoffeeCup Free HTML Editor

Joomla offers a fantastic range of downloadable plugins and templates to customize the way your site looks and works

4. Joomla

Another free website builder with online and offline versions, but not as slick as WordPress

Joomla is a well-known name in the CMS world. It may not be as popular as WordPress, but it offers the same two options: build a site using the web app at joomla.com and having it hosted on the company's servers, or download the software from joomla.org and host it yourself.

If you choose the latter option, you'll notice that the interface is much less approachable than WordPress. It's not completely impenetrable, but there are lots of menus and options to work through and it doesn't feel quite as polished as WordPress.

Joomla's online website builder is nearly as complex, but doesn't involve the same setup process, making it a bette option for beginners. Its key selling point is its huge collection of themes and extensions, which provide endless ways to customize the way your site looks and works.

Try it online: Joomla

Download it now: Joomla

SITE123 is incredibly easy to use, and all its templates are optimized for viewing on mobile devices

5. SITE123

Build a website and get it online in minutes, but bear in mind the size and traffic restrictions

As its name suggests, the idea behind SITE123 is that creating a website should be a simple as possible. As with other online-only free website builders, you start by choosing a general format – whether it's a simple blog or something more complicated like a store. Having filled in a few pieces of basic information, you're set loose to start customizing it.

Everything is either incredibly obvious or wizard-led, so you're never left floundering or wondering what to do. In a matter of minutes you can create a site with an unlimited number of pages, complete with free hosting, and there's even a library of free images and icons for you to work with.

If you choose you're restricted to 500GB of web space and 1GB of traffic, but should you start to exceed this, you can easily upgrade to one of the paid options.

Try it online: SITE123

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The best free alternative to Microsoft Word 2017

Techradar - All the latest technology news The best free alternative to Microsoft Word 2017

The best free alternative to Microsoft Word

Everyone needs a great word processor, and Microsoft Word is one of the best thanks to its wide format support, integration with other Office apps, and huge range of high-quality templates.

However, that power and convenience doesn't come cheap – even with Microsoft's Office 365 subscription model, which spreads the cost throughout the year. Free software has come a long way in recent years, and there are now superb alternatives to Microsoft Word that don't cost a penny.

Lightweight distraction-free writing software has its place, but here we're looking for fully-featured word processors with support for templates, advanced formatting, and compatibility with Microsoft file formats. You could switch to any of these programs today and begin working immediately. 

WPS Office Writer is a joy to use – thoughtfully designed and packed with convenient features to make everyday tasks quicker and easier

1. WPS Office Writer

The best free alternative to Microsoft Word, with a smart interface, full Word compatibility, cloud backup, and free mobile apps

WPS Office Writer's slick design is very similar to the current version of Microsoft Word, with a ribbon interface and almost identical icons. If you like using Office 2007 or later, the move to WPS Writer will be pretty much seamless.

There's tabbed browsing for multiple documents (a feature not found in Word, but one we love), and WPS Office Writer can open pretty much any text document format you can throw at it. It has its own proprietary file format (WPS), but new documents default to Microsoft's DOCX format for convenient sharing with Word users.

WPS Writer includes built-in cloud support with 1GB free storage (comparable to Microsoft OneDrive) for easy backup and syncing. There are also free mobile apps for Android and iOS that are fully compatible with Microsoft file formats, and let you edit and sync documents on the move.

WPS Office Writer comes with a good range of templates pre-installed, with more available to download. 

Unlike LibreOffice and OpenOffice, WPS Office isn't open source. Instead, it's supported by ads, but these are unintrusive and won't stop you getting on with some serious work. There's a premium version of WPS Office that removes the ads and throws in bonus PDF tools, but the free edition is superb. Give it a try – we think you'll be impressed.

Download here: WPS Office Free

LibreOffice Writer is a great open source World alternative that benefits from regular updates to add new features and squish bugs

2. LibreOffice Writer

The best open source Microsoft Word alternative, with a buzzing developer community and regular updates to add features and squish bugs

If you feel most comfortable using the older, pre-ribbon versions of Microsoft Word, you'll love LibreOffice Writer. Its interface is very similar to Word prior to the controversial introduction of the Ribbon in 2007, so if you're familiar with the older interface, you'll be up and running in seconds.

It'll take a little longer if you're only used to newer versions of Microsoft Office, but the menus and icons are simple and intuitive, so don't be put off.

LibreOffice Writer is fully compatible with Microsoft Word documents (including DOC and DOCX) as well as other common text file formats, so you'll have no trouble sharing files with friends or colleagues using different software, or opening your old files.

Writer also integrates seamlessly with the other tools in the LibreOffice suite, so you can easily import a spreadsheet from Calc, or a graph from Charts – just like you could in Word.

What sets LibreOffice Writer apart from other free Microsoft Word alternatives is its lively community of users and developers, who have created hundreds of free plugins and templates for you to download and use.  LibreOffice itself receives regular updates too, adding features and security that help it keep pace with Microsoft Word.

The only thing lacking is integrated cloud support, but you can easily sync your files using Dropbox or OneDrive, so this is a minor drawback.

Download here: LibreOffice

There's very little to choose between LibreOffice and OpenOffice. The main difference is the frequency of updates, where LibreOffice has the advantage

3. Apache OpenOffice Writer

Another open source Word alternative. Not quite as fresh as LibreOffice, but still an excellent option

LibreOffice is a fork of Apache OpenOffice and the two share the same code base, so it's no surprise that there's little to choose between the two. Both offer excellent compatibility with Microsoft Word documents, and work seamlessly with their linked spreadsheet, database, and presentation applications.

There's almost no difference between the programs' features or interfaces, either – both use a classic Microsoft Office style system, with a handy sidebar for formatting options.

OpenOffice provides fewer templates than LibreOffice by default, but there are thousands available to download, so this isn't a concern.

The main difference is that OpenOffice only receives one or two updates a year, whereas LibreOffice is updated every couple of months thanks to its larger team of volunteer developers. This means that reported bugs and vulnerabilities are likely to be fixed sooner in LibreOffice, and new features are added sooner.

Download here: Apache OpenOffice

SoftMaker FreeOffice TextMaker is let down by its limited support for the latest Microsoft file formats

4. SoftMaker FreeOffice TextMaker

TextMaker is very good, but would be superb if it could save documents in DOCX format

SoftMaker FreeOffice TextMaker's interface is less cluttered than most free Microsoft Word alternatives, but it doesn't skimp on tools and settings. Some features are tucked away in sub-menus, but you can customize the toolbars by adding, removing and rearranging the icons (you can find more by clicking the small arrow buttons on the right).

All the essentials are there, and FreeOffice TextMaker makes it particularly easy to create interactive documents with fields and bookmarks, which you can then save as PDFs. The selection of templates isn't huge, but they look good and will satisfy most of your needs.

The drawback of TextMaker is its inability to save your work in Microsoft's DOCX format. This is a shame, because this newer format has several advantages over DOC, including more consistent appearance in different word processing programs and superior file compression.

You can open files in DOCX format using FreeOffice TextMaker, so you won't be locked out of your existing documents, but if your friends and family use Word, you might prefer one of the alternatives listed above.

The premium edition of SoftMaker Office adds DOCX support for a one-off fee of £48.20 (about US$60, AU$75).

Download here: SoftMaker FreeOffice

We like AbiWord's old-school approach, but updates for the Windows version are few and far between. For a long-term Microsoft Word replacement, WPS Office Writer or LibreOffice would be a better choice

5. AbiWord

AbiWord replaces Microsoft Word's key features, but its developers have chosen to focus on Linux rather than Windows

AbiWord is the most pared-back of the options here, but could easily replace Microsoft Word for your everyday writing and editing if you don't rely on Word's advanced features. 

It's an open source project, and is much less demanding than the other Microsoft Word alternatives here, making it great for low-powered notebooks. 

AbiWord has excellent format support, including DOC and DOCX, making it a good choice for document-sharing. There's a basic selection of templates (or you can create your own from a document), and a collection of plugins to extend its file compatibility.

It's an excellent text editor, but sadly AbiWord has a shortage of volunteer Windows developers. This means that although the Linux version is in active development, the Windows edition hasn't been updated for quite some time, and lags behind by several versions.

At the time of its original release, AbiWord's standout features was AbiCollab, which lets multiple users work on the same document simultaneously, with automatic syncing – a feature that has been superseded by Google Docs. 

The basics of word processing haven't changed much, but if you're looking for a future-proof alternative to Microsoft Word, we think you'd be better off with WPS Writer or LibreOffice.

Download here: AbiWord

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