Solved How safe is file sharing from the cloud?


Haydon

Well-known member
Power User
VIP
Local time
4:24 AM
Posts
1,992
OS
Windows 10 Pro
What do you do to safely share a file from the cloud (OneDrive, Google Drive, DropBox, etc.) ?

Do you share the password in the same email that shares the link to the file? Hopefully not, but how do you share the password then? By another email? That's still the same medium. SMS by phone, perhaps? Other?

How do you safeguard your other files in the cloud? Do you blindly trust your cloud provider? Or do you only have that one file in your entire cloud that you only leave there for 24 hours? Or do you perhaps encrypt the file with its own password? So, 2 passwords to get at the content of the file, one to download the file and a second one to open the file?

Enquiring minds want to know :)
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro
Well, this anser really requires a very extensive answer. Too many factors nowadays. Best way to pass files is to either run through a VPN or through the Tor Browser for anonimity and security. Outside of that if you know the person you are sending something to, text them from your phone the password and make something like an encrypted RAR file, send the file boom all good. Just opinions and ideas for you.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro Version 22H2(OS Build 22621.963)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    AMD
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5800X 8 Core
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte X570 Aorus Pro WiFi
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    PCI Express 3.0 x16: PowerColor RX Vega 56 Red Dragon
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220 and AMD Greenland - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 - 27 inch Westinghouse
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    2 SSD - 2 TB each
    1 HDD - 2 TB
    Keyboard
    logitech
    Mouse
    logitech
    Internet Speed
    1 GB
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Avast Premium
I've only shared a picture folder with family. I told them over the phone what the password was. I do have a few files in my Personal Vault on OneDrive. When I want to open it, MS sends me a code to my email.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec B746
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-10700K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/ax
    Memory
    16GB (8GB PC4-19200 DDR4 SDRAM x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 TI
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SAM0A87 Samsung SAM0D32
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe WDC WDS100T2B0C-00PXH0 1TB
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 1TB
    PSU
    750 Watts (62.5A)
    Case
    PowerSpec/Lian Li ATX 205
    Keyboard
    Logitech K270
    Mouse
    Logitech M185
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge and Firefox
    Antivirus
    ESET Internet Security
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec G156
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8400 CPU @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    AsusTeK Prime B360M-S
    Memory
    16 MB DDR 4-2666
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Speptre HDMI 75Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 EVO 500GB NVMe
    Mouse
    Logitek M185
    Keyboard
    Logitek K270
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge and Edge Canary
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
That's all I ever use cloud for anyway - sharing, whether between devices and/or between people. NEVER as a backup destination.

I upload and remove contents directly through the website(s). I never have any cloud software installed (too many posts on multiple forums about indiscriminate random software changes that have resulted in users losing data)
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 22H2 (latest update ... forever anal)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Slim S01
    CPU
    Intel i5-9400
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GT730
    Sound Card
    OOBE
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 32"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    2 x 1TB SSDs
    PSU
    OOBE
    Case
    OOBE
    Cooling
    OOBE
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Classic Australian w.a.p.
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    KIS
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro (latest upadte ... anally always)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion 15
    CPU
    i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics
    Hard Drives
    Samsung NVMe 512GB
    + numerous/multiple SSD Type C USB enclosures
    Internet Speed
    NBN FTTN 50
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    KIS
I know there is highly encrypted and secure ways to share files through sites but I am not in the business field anymore as of 7 years ago so I couldnt even tell you what types of sites or services there are. I just know there are quite a few out there though.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro Version 22H2(OS Build 22621.963)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    AMD
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5800X 8 Core
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte X570 Aorus Pro WiFi
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    PCI Express 3.0 x16: PowerColor RX Vega 56 Red Dragon
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220 and AMD Greenland - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 - 27 inch Westinghouse
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    2 SSD - 2 TB each
    1 HDD - 2 TB
    Keyboard
    logitech
    Mouse
    logitech
    Internet Speed
    1 GB
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Avast Premium
for G-Drive, Create a separate folder for sharing and add the email address of the people you want to share it with. They will only have access to that folder. Just move everything you want to share in there.
I do the same on my personal cloud (Qnap NAS). I have a separate folder for sharing with access control.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
    Motherboard
    MSI MPG Gaming Edge Wifi (X570)
    Memory
    32GB Adata XPG DDR4
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS GTX 1070 8GB ROG
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG Ultrawide 34"
    Screen Resolution
    3440x1440
    Hard Drives
    Main Boot Drive : 512GB Adata XPG RGB Gen3x4 NVMe M.2 SSD
    PSU
    EVGA 600 Watts Gold
    Case
    Deepcool Genome II
    Cooling
    Deepcool Fryzen
    Internet Speed
    1Gbps
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    "Moderna"
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7-4790K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Xtreme6 Z97
    Memory
    16GB Corsair Vengeance Pro
    Graphics card(s)
    MSI R9 290
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG Ultrawide 34"
    Screen Resolution
    3440x1440
    Hard Drives
    Samsung M.2
    PSU
    Thermaltake 475 Watts 80 Bronze
    Case
    Thermaltake Commander I Snow Edition
    Cooling
    Deep Cool Archer Air Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech G402
    Keyboard
    Armageddon MKA-5R RGB-Hornet
    Internet Speed
    1Gbps
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Moderna :)
Please feel free to provide an as extensive answer as you like :cool:

We are all looking forward to it :cool::cool:
Well extensive is only as extensive as one would be able to understand in this case. So first, how tech savvy are you?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro Version 22H2(OS Build 22621.963)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    AMD
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5800X 8 Core
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte X570 Aorus Pro WiFi
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    PCI Express 3.0 x16: PowerColor RX Vega 56 Red Dragon
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220 and AMD Greenland - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 - 27 inch Westinghouse
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    2 SSD - 2 TB each
    1 HDD - 2 TB
    Keyboard
    logitech
    Mouse
    logitech
    Internet Speed
    1 GB
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Avast Premium
Well extensive is only as extensive as one would be able to understand in this case. So first, how tech savvy are you?
Well, I would say that most of the regulars here are above average, and some of us here are at the esoteric level.

Try us (y)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro
That's all I ever use cloud for anyway - sharing, whether between devices and/or between people. NEVER as a backup destination.

I upload and remove contents directly through the website(s). I never have any cloud software installed (too many posts on multiple forums about indiscriminate random software changes that have resulted in users losing data)
Vast majority of user loss of data on reputable cloud services is PEBCAK!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro + others in VHDs
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS Vivobook 14
    CPU
    I7
    Motherboard
    Yep, Laptop has one.
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Intel Iris XE
    Sound Card
    Realtek built in
    Monitor(s) Displays
    N/A
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Optane NVME SSD, 1 TB NVME SSD
    PSU
    Yep, got one
    Case
    Yep, got one
    Cooling
    Stella Artois
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Bluetooth , wired
    Internet Speed
    72 Mb/s :-(
    Browser
    Edge mostly
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    TPM 2.0
I use Microsoft OneDrive from my Office 365 subscription. When I want to share something with somebody I usually just put it into it's own folder and then you simply right click on the folder and you get a link and you can give them read-only or edit capabilties Easy Peasy. They only have access to that folder.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink SEI8
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8279u
    Motherboard
    AZW SEI
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 2666Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Iris Plus 655
    Sound Card
    Intel SST
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus ProArt PA278QV
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    512GB NVMe
    PSU
    NA
    Case
    NA
    Cooling
    NA
    Keyboard
    NA
    Mouse
    NA
    Internet Speed
    500/50
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Mini PC used for testing Windows 11.
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 5900x
    Motherboard
    Asus Rog Strix X570-E Gaming
    Memory
    64GB DDR4-3600
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA GeForce 3080 FT3 Ultra
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ. ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27” WQHD
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2TB WD SN850 PCI-E Gen 4 NVMe
    2TB Sandisk Ultra 2.5" SATA SSD
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus 850
    Case
    Fractal Meshify S2 in White
    Cooling
    Dark Rock Pro CPU cooler, 3 x 140mm case fans
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Keyboard
    Corsiar K65 RGB Lux
    Internet Speed
    500/50
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Defender.
Hm ... no follow up from our friend @imanlien2020

Or was it an individual invitation to me? Well, no, I would not go it alone. But I am eager to go it with a (smallish) herd of knowledgeable and equally eager people to explore the subject matter in the OP.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro Version 22H2(OS Build 22621.963)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    AMD
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5800X 8 Core
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte X570 Aorus Pro WiFi
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    PCI Express 3.0 x16: PowerColor RX Vega 56 Red Dragon
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220 and AMD Greenland - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 - 27 inch Westinghouse
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    2 SSD - 2 TB each
    1 HDD - 2 TB
    Keyboard
    logitech
    Mouse
    logitech
    Internet Speed
    1 GB
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Avast Premium
Hm ... I feared worse with the required 'tech savvy' :) The links aren't that bad :)

About the file sharing sites in second link being more secure than the ones in the first link, in what way are the former sites more secure than OneDrive and Google Drive, for example?

And yes, I have dabbled with Tor, I have a free VPN, and I very, very occasionally run Tor over VPN, just to see if it still works. It is not so much privacy that is my concern, it is security, i.e. I don't want a file/info to fall in the wrong hands, but I also don't want the security overhead to become so big that the tool(s) becomes impractical to use. A good example is Adobe technology that is very secure, but also very complex, and nobody uses it (the sender may have studied the technology, but the average recipient throws up his hands and says, send me a fax)

I have dabbled with the things that I mentioned in the OP, I wonder if there are better things out there.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro
Vast majority of user loss of data on reputable cloud services is PEBCAK!
Absolutely. You know how to use and control it. I know how to control and use it (but don't ... simply because I can't be bothered jumping through all the settings hoops).

But because it's offered to the users, "in your face", so many people just click and/or don't bother to check the settings. That's when the trouble starts.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 22H2 (latest update ... forever anal)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Slim S01
    CPU
    Intel i5-9400
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GT730
    Sound Card
    OOBE
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 32"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    2 x 1TB SSDs
    PSU
    OOBE
    Case
    OOBE
    Cooling
    OOBE
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Classic Australian w.a.p.
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    KIS
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro (latest upadte ... anally always)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion 15
    CPU
    i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics
    Hard Drives
    Samsung NVMe 512GB
    + numerous/multiple SSD Type C USB enclosures
    Internet Speed
    NBN FTTN 50
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    KIS
As per info posted to this thread, the simplest file sharing from the cloud is via OneDrive > put the file in folder > right-click the folder > share the URL of the folder (contains a 39 long string of random characters) via email.

If you need more security, slap on a password that you can share via the phone with a voice message or SMS.

I will mark this thread 'Solved', thanks to all who responded (y)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro
I use Microsoft OneDrive from my Office 365 subscription. When I want to share something with somebody I usually just put it into it's own folder and then you simply right click on the folder and you get a link and you can give them read-only or edit capabilties Easy Peasy. They only have access to that folder.

I just share simple files from my OneDrive. The user with a link can ONLY download the shared file, nothing else, nor do they have access to any other files on my OneDrive.

Of course, the user wanting to download the shared file needs a Microsoft account, to sign in to OneDrive to be able to start download. But that's it; I really do not need set any passwords.

An example: anyone wanting the latest Dev and Beta build Insider ISO, build 22581.1 (23-MAR-2022) in UK or US English, can download it from my OneDrive. No password required:

EN-GB:

Download

EN-US:

Download

These ISO images contain following editions:

22581.1.jpg

Any user clicking the links will only see this:

Dev Build 22581.1 ISO.jpg

They have no way to see / download anything else from my OneDrive.

Safe & secure. OneDrive to win!

Kari
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 PRO x64 Dev
    Manufacturer/Model
    Hyper-V Virtual Machine (host in System 2 specs)
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-8550U
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Microsoft Hyper-V Video
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop display (17.1") & Samsung U28E590 (27.7")
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 PRO x64 Dev Channel
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP HP ProBook 470 G5
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-8550U
    Motherboard
    HP 837F KBC Version 02.3D.00
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel(R) UHD Graphics 620 & NVIDIA GeForce 930MX
    Sound Card
    Conexant ISST Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop display (17.1") & Samsung U28E590 (27.7")
    Hard Drives
    128 GB SSD & 1 TB HDD
    Mouse
    Wireless Logitech MSX mouse
    Keyboard
    Wireless Logitech MK710 keyboard
    Internet Speed
    100 Mbps down, 20 Mbps up
    Browser
    Edge Chromium Dev Channel
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    2 * 3 TB USB HDD
    6 TB WD Mirror NAS
Well, the access control provides for setting an optional password for good reason, e.g. to restrict access to only the person with the password.

It is an additional security measure available on OneDrive (and other cloud services)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro
Well, the access control provides for setting an optional password for good reason, e.g. to restrict access to only the person with the password.
My point was, that when sharing something that I do not care if it will be reshared further by the person getting my link, no password is required. Yet, me sharing the link is completely safe from my point of view: anyone with the link cannot see / download / edit anything else on my OneDrive.

Kari
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 PRO x64 Dev
    Manufacturer/Model
    Hyper-V Virtual Machine (host in System 2 specs)
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-8550U
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Microsoft Hyper-V Video
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop display (17.1") & Samsung U28E590 (27.7")
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 PRO x64 Dev Channel
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP HP ProBook 470 G5
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-8550U
    Motherboard
    HP 837F KBC Version 02.3D.00
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel(R) UHD Graphics 620 & NVIDIA GeForce 930MX
    Sound Card
    Conexant ISST Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop display (17.1") & Samsung U28E590 (27.7")
    Hard Drives
    128 GB SSD & 1 TB HDD
    Mouse
    Wireless Logitech MSX mouse
    Keyboard
    Wireless Logitech MK710 keyboard
    Internet Speed
    100 Mbps down, 20 Mbps up
    Browser
    Edge Chromium Dev Channel
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    2 * 3 TB USB HDD
    6 TB WD Mirror NAS
Well, you care only about one aspect of info security, you might as well put the link up on a website instead of on OneDrive.

Others may care about who can access their info, e.g. photos of a family vacation with teenage daughters at the beach, for family eyes only.

That's a different aspect of info security, and that's where passwords come in handy on OneDrive (and even that is not really secure, depending on how recipients handle the password)

It is for this and other reasons that I put in the word 'safe' in the thread title, it is a very BIG topic as one poster said, but the thread ran its course without really doing justice to the word.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro

Latest Support Threads

Back
Top Bottom