Have you ever sent a sensitive document and immediately wished you could add an extra layer of security or set a time limit on its access? We've all been there. Sharing files should be simple, but it also needs to be safe. That's why listening to your feedback is a core part of our development process.
We received hundreds of requests for more robust controls over shared files. You told us you needed more than just a simple link; you needed peace of mind. This product feedback response is our answer to those requests, directly addressing the need for better security and control.
Table of Contents
Listening to Our Users: The 'Why' Behind the Changes
As an engineer, it's easy to get lost in the code and focus on technical complexities. However, the most impactful work comes from solving real-world problems for the people using our software. Our support channels, community forums, and user interviews consistently highlighted a gap in our document sharing capabilities. The core theme was a lack of control after a file link was sent.
Users from legal, finance, and creative industries all shared similar stories: needing to share a contract for a limited time, sending a financial report that shouldn't be forwarded, or providing a design proof that expires after client review. These user feedback features became our top priority. We mapped out the most critical needs to ensure our solution was both powerful and intuitive.
Unveiling the New File Security Features
After several development sprints and rigorous testing, we're excited to roll out a suite of customer requested updates designed to put you back in control. These aren't just minor tweaks; they represent a fundamental upgrade to how you can protect your information.
Granular Access Controls and Permissions
Previously, a share link was an all-or-nothing affair. Now, you can define exactly what a recipient can do with your file. When you share a document, you can choose from three permission levels: 'View Only' (prevents downloading and printing), 'Can Comment' (allows feedback without altering the original), and 'Can Edit' (grants full collaborative access). This ensures you only give the level of access that is absolutely necessary for the task at hand.
Link Expiration and Password Protection
One of the most requested features is now a reality. You can set an expiration date for any share link. After this date, the link will automatically become invalid, preventing future access. This is perfect for time-sensitive materials like proposals or limited-time offers. For an added layer of security, you can also require a password to open the link. We generate a strong, random password by default, or you can set your own, which you can then share with the recipient through a separate, secure channel.
How to Use the New Sharing Controls
We designed the new interface to be as straightforward as possible. Integrating these powerful controls into your existing workflow was a key goal. You shouldn't have to hunt through menus to secure your files; the options are right where you need them.
Setting Up a Secure Share Link
The process is simple. When you click the 'Share' button on any document, a new modal window appears. Here, you'll see the standard option to copy the link, but you'll also find a new 'Advanced Security' section. Clicking this expands the panel to reveal the new options. You can toggle on 'Password Protection' and 'Set Expiration Date' with just a click. The permission level is a simple dropdown menu. Once you've configured your settings, the generated link will have all these security rules embedded.
We also added a 'Shared Files' dashboard where you can manage all your active links in one place. From here, you can see who has viewed a file, change permissions, update the expiration date, or revoke access entirely with a single click. This central hub for managing shared content was another direct result of your valuable feedback.
The Engineering Behind the Security
Building these features required more than just a new UI. On the backend, we strengthened our entire sharing architecture. Every file shared with these new controls is protected with end-to-end AES-256 encryption, both in transit and at rest. When you set a password, it's used to derive an encryption key that is never stored on our servers in plain text, ensuring that only someone with the password can decrypt and view the file.
The access control logic is enforced at the server level, meaning even if someone has a direct link, our systems will check their permissions before ever serving the file content. This multi-layered approach ensures that the secure document sharing updates are not just a superficial addition but a deeply integrated part of our platform's security foundation.
Feature Comparison: New vs. Old Sharing Methods
| Feature | Old Method | New Secure Sharing | Benefit to User |
|---|---|---|---|
| Password Protection | Not Available | Optional, system-generated or custom | Prevents unauthorized access from link forwarding. |
| Link Expiration | Links were permanent | Set custom expiration dates | Automatically revokes access after a set time. |
| Access Levels | Everyone could view/download | View-only, Comment, or Edit permissions | Grants precise control over recipient actions. |
| Access Management | No central management | Dashboard to view, edit, or revoke links | Centralized control over all shared files. |
| Download Control | Always allowed | Can be disabled with 'View Only' | Protects intellectual property from being copied. |