Secure Secret Sharing

End-to-end encrypted temporary secrets - share passwords, keys, and sensitive data safely (24-hour expiry)

E2E Encrypted 24-Hour Expiry

Create Encrypted Secret

How it works: Your secret is encrypted in your browser, then you get a URL and password. Share them via different channels (email + Slack, etc.) for maximum security.
Zero-trust: We email only the URL - you share the password separately
Encrypted with AES-256-GCM before upload 0 characters
Security Reminder: Only share secrets you're authorized to transmit. Never share your master passwords or 2FA recovery codes this way.
Result

Enter your secret and click
"Encrypt & Share Secret"
to generate a secure link

FAQs

Do links expire?
Yes, by default pastes expire after 24 hours to reduce exposure risk.
Are secrets stored on the server?
Encryption is client‑side (E2EE). The server never sees plaintext. Expired content is not retained.
Can I share the password in the same link?
Share the password separately from the link for safer transmission.
Zero-Knowledge Architecture - Your Secret Stays Secret

Your secret is encrypted with AES-256-GCM in your browser before upload. The server receives only encrypted data - it never sees your plaintext or password. True zero-knowledge design.


Client-Side Encryption: AES-256-GCM in browser

Separate Channels: URL + password sent separately

Multiple Access: View anytime within 24 hours

Auto-Expires: Deleted after 24 hours

How It Works - Technical Deep Dive

Process Flow
  1. Enter Secret: Paste your sensitive text (passwords, API keys, etc.). Optionally provide recipient email.
  2. Client-Side Encryption: JavaScript encrypts your text with AES-256-GCM before any network transmission.
  3. Secure Upload: Only encrypted ciphertext is uploaded to server - zero-knowledge architecture.
  4. Get Credentials: Receive a unique view URL and a randomly-generated 12-character password.
  5. Share Separately: Send URL and password via different channels (e.g., email + Slack).
  6. 24-Hour Access: Recipient can decrypt and view the secret multiple times within 24 hours. Auto-expires after 24 hours.
Security Features
  • AES-256-GCM Encryption: Military-grade authenticated encryption with 256-bit keys
  • Client-Side Only: Encryption/decryption happens in your browser using Web Crypto API
  • Zero-Knowledge Server: Server never sees plaintext or password - only encrypted data
  • Cryptographically Random IV: Each encryption uses unique 96-bit initialization vector
  • 24-Hour Expiry: Secrets automatically deleted after 24 hours for security
  • Multiple Views: Can be accessed multiple times within the 24-hour window
  • No Registration: Anonymous, no accounts, no tracking
Technical: Password is hashed with SHA-256, then used as AES-GCM key. IV is prepended to ciphertext for decryption.

Why Separate Channels Matter
Good Practice

Send URL via email, password via Slack/SMS. Attacker needs to compromise both channels.

Moderate Risk

Send both URL and password in same email. If email is intercepted, secret is exposed.

Bad Practice

Share secret unencrypted or via unsecured channel. Always encrypt sensitive data.

Real-World Use Cases

DevOps & IT Teams
  • Share SSH private keys with team members
  • Distribute API keys for cloud services
  • Send database credentials to contractors
  • Share Kubernetes secrets and service tokens
Remote Work
  • Share VPN credentials with remote employees
  • Send temporary passwords to new hires
  • Distribute Wi-Fi passwords for guest networks
  • Share 2FA backup codes securely
Client Communications
  • Share FTP/SFTP credentials with clients
  • Send CMS admin passwords to web clients
  • Distribute license keys and activation codes
  • Share account credentials for client portals
Security & Compliance
  • Share incident response credentials during breaches
  • Distribute encryption keys for secure communications
  • Send audit reports with sensitive findings
  • Share compliance documentation passwords

Security Best Practices

DO
  • Use Different Channels: Send URL and password via separate communication channels
  • Verify Recipient: Confirm recipient identity before sharing credentials
  • Time-Sensitive: Share secrets only when recipient is ready to access immediately
  • Test First: Do a test run with non-sensitive data if unsure
  • Delete Source: Remove original plaintext from clipboard after encryption
  • Use for Temporary Secrets: Perfect for one-time credentials that will be changed
DON'T
  • Don't Share Master Passwords: Never use this for your primary password manager passwords
  • Don't Share Long-Term Secrets: Not suitable for credentials that won't be rotated
  • Don't Use Same Channel: Never send both URL and password in same message
  • Don't Share Unauthorized Data: Only share secrets you're authorized to transmit
  • Don't Rely on Email Alone: Email can be intercepted - use separate channels
  • Don't Share 2FA Recovery Codes: These should be stored securely, not shared

Important Limitations
  • This tool is for temporary, one-time secret sharing only
  • Not a replacement for proper secret management systems (HashiCorp Vault, AWS Secrets Manager, etc.)
  • Always rotate/change shared credentials after recipient access
  • For highly sensitive data, consider additional encryption layers or in-person exchange

Author Credentials & Expertise

Anish Nath - Security Engineer & Cryptography Specialist

Creator of 8gwifi.org's suite of 100+ free security and cryptography tools used by over 500,000 professionals monthly.

15+ Years Experience Cryptography Expert
Professional Experience
  • 15+ Years in Cybersecurity: Enterprise security architecture, secure development, cryptographic implementations
  • Cryptography Specialist: Deep expertise in AES, RSA, ECC, TLS/SSL, PGP/GPG encryption systems
  • Security Tool Development: Built production-grade encryption tools for organizations worldwide
  • Web Crypto API Expert: Extensive experience with browser-based cryptography and zero-knowledge architectures
Technical Expertise
  • Symmetric encryption (AES-GCM, ChaCha20-Poly1305)
  • Public key cryptography (RSA, ECC, PGP)
  • Hash functions and key derivation (SHA-256, PBKDF2, Argon2)
  • TLS/SSL certificate management and PKI
  • Secure coding practices and OWASP Top 10
Published Work & Contributions
  • 8gwifi.org: Created 100+ free online security tools including PGP encryption, certificate generation, hash calculators, and password tools
  • User Trust: Tools trusted by 500,000+ monthly users including security professionals, developers, and IT administrators
  • Educational Content: Comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and best practices for each tool
  • Open Standards: All tools follow industry standards (NIST, RFC, W3C) for maximum compatibility
Commitment to Security
  • Privacy-First Design: All sensitive operations run client-side in your browser
  • Zero Data Collection: No tracking, no analytics on sensitive operations, no user accounts
  • Regular Updates: Tools updated to follow latest security best practices
  • Community Feedback: Actively incorporating user feedback and security recommendations

Why Trust This Tool?

This secure secret sharing tool implements industry-standard AES-256-GCM encryption using the browser's native Web Crypto API. The code follows OWASP secure coding guidelines, uses cryptographically secure random number generation (crypto.getRandomValues), and implements a true zero-knowledge architecture where the server never has access to your plaintext or encryption password. All cryptographic operations are performed client-side, ensuring your secrets remain private.

Secure Secret Sharing FAQ

How does the one‑time secret sharing work?

Your text is encrypted locally in your browser using AES-256-GCM encryption. You receive a unique view URL and a randomly-generated password. Share them via different channels (e.g., URL via email, password via Slack). The secret expires after it's viewed once or after a limited time, whichever comes first.

Is it truly end‑to‑end encrypted?

Yes. Encryption and decryption happen client‑side in your browser using the Web Crypto API and AES‑256-GCM algorithm. The server receives only encrypted ciphertext - it never has access to your plaintext or your encryption password. This is a true zero-knowledge architecture.

What encryption algorithm is used?

We use AES-256-GCM (Advanced Encryption Standard with 256-bit keys in Galois/Counter Mode). This is military-grade authenticated encryption that provides both confidentiality and integrity. The password you receive is SHA-256 hashed to derive the encryption key, and each encryption uses a cryptographically random 96-bit initialization vector (IV).

What kind of data can I share?

Suitable: Passwords, API keys, SSH private keys, database credentials, credit card info, license keys, temporary access tokens, VPN credentials, or any one-time sensitive text.

Not Suitable: Master passwords for password managers, 2FA recovery codes, long-term credentials that won't be rotated, or secrets you're not authorized to transmit.

How long is the secret stored?

Secrets are time-limited and designed for one-time access only. After the first viewing, the secret is immediately deleted from the server. If the secret is never accessed, it automatically expires after a limited time period for security. This ensures secrets don't remain accessible indefinitely.

Why should I share URL and password separately?

Sharing via separate channels (URL via email, password via Slack/SMS) provides defense in depth. An attacker would need to compromise both communication channels to access your secret. If you send both in the same email, a single email interception exposes the secret. This is security best practice known as "two-factor communication".

Can the server or administrators see my secret?

No. Your secret is encrypted in your browser before any network transmission. The server only stores encrypted ciphertext. Neither server administrators nor anyone with database access can decrypt your secret without the password, which never leaves your browser and is never transmitted to the server. This is the core principle of zero-knowledge architecture.

Is this tool suitable for GDPR/HIPAA compliance?

This tool provides strong encryption and zero-knowledge architecture, which are important security controls. However, compliance depends on your specific use case, organization policies, and regulatory requirements. For highly regulated data (PHI, PII), consult your compliance team and consider dedicated secret management systems designed for regulatory compliance (e.g., HashiCorp Vault, AWS Secrets Manager with audit logging).

What browsers are supported?

This tool requires the Web Crypto API, which is supported by all modern browsers: Chrome 37+, Firefox 34+, Safari 11+, Edge 12+, and Opera 24+. Internet Explorer is not supported. The tool will not work if JavaScript is disabled.

Can I recover a secret after it's been viewed?

No. Once a secret is viewed, it is immediately and permanently deleted from the server. There is no backup or recovery mechanism - this is by design for security. If you need the secret again, you must create a new encrypted share.

Is there a size limit for secrets?

Yes, there are practical size limits for text-based secrets (typically several KB). This tool is designed for short-form sensitive text like passwords and API keys, not for large files or documents. For encrypting files, use our PGP File Encryption tool.

Do I need to create an account?

No. This tool requires no registration, no login, no account creation. It's completely anonymous. We don't track who creates secrets or who views them (beyond basic server logs for operational purposes). This ensures maximum privacy.


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Privacy Guarantee: Private keys you enter or generate are never stored on our servers. All tools are served over HTTPS.