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Send Self-Destructing Emails: Securely Share Sensitive Information

February 28, 2012
Send Self-Destructing Emails: Securely Share Sensitive Information

The Concept of Self-Destructing Links

Have you ever found yourself wishing you could retract information shared digitally, perhaps after transmitting sensitive details like a credit card number to a family member? A self-destructing link offers a potential solution to this concern.

It allows for the sharing of data with a pre-defined expiration date, after which the link becomes inaccessible.

Important Disclaimer

It’s crucial to understand that we are not recommending the transmission of private information through email or suggesting this service as a completely secure method for data transfer.

Consider this functionality more as an interesting technological demonstration and a playful, albeit geeky, feature.

While offering a degree of control, it should not be relied upon as a primary security measure.

How Self-Destructing Links Function

These links operate by setting a timer upon creation and sharing.

Once the specified time elapses, the link is deactivated, preventing further access to the associated content.

This can be useful for temporary sharing of files or information where long-term accessibility isn't required.

Considerations for Use

  • The security of the underlying platform is paramount.
  • Do not substitute this feature for robust encryption and secure transfer protocols.
  • Always exercise caution when sharing any sensitive data online.

Generating a Self-Destructing Link

Begin by navigating to the designated website and selecting the "Create One Now" button to initiate the process.

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This action will direct you to a text input field where you can compose the message intended for transmission via email.

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Once you are prepared, proceed to click the "Create Link" button. Rest assured that your data remains secure, as it is transmitted over an SSL encrypted connection from your browser to their servers.

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A unique link will then be generated, which can be either copied manually to your clipboard or automatically copied by clicking on the link itself.

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Subsequently, you can compose your email as usual, incorporating the generated link within the message body. Whether or not to inform the recipient about the link's self-destructing nature is entirely at your discretion.

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Upon receiving the email, the intended recipient can click the link to view the message you previously created.

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However, any attempt to refresh the page or re-access the link will prevent further viewing of the information.

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The data is maintained in an encrypted format on their servers, and upon a user accessing the unique URL, the corresponding encrypted message is permanently removed from their system.

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