safedrop Secure Store - User Guide

Learn how to use Secure Store for encrypted file storage and team collaboration.

Overview

Secure Store is safedrop's zero-knowledge encrypted file storage. All files are encrypted on your device before upload, meaning only you and authorised team members can access them.

Even safedrop cannot read your files.

Getting Started

Accessing Secure Store

1. Log in to safedrop
2. Click Secure Store in the main menu
3. If prompted, unlock your encryption keys

Screenshot: The Secure Store main interface showing folders and files

Unlocking Encryption

Before using Secure Store, you need to unlock your encryption keys:

1. When prompted, enter your password
2. Click Unlock
3. Your keys remain unlocked for the session

Screenshot: The encryption unlock prompt

Teams and Access

Selecting a Team

Secure Store organises files by team. Select your team from the dropdown at the top:

1. Click the team selector
2. Choose the team you want to access
3. The file browser updates to show that team's files

Screenshot: The team dropdown showing available teams

Team Encryption Keys (TEK)

Each team has its own encryption key. When you join a team:

1. Your membership is created
2. An administrator grants you access to the team's encryption key
3. Once granted, you can view and upload files

Note: If you see "Pending Access", wait for an administrator to approve your access.

Folder Management

Understanding Folders

Secure Store has three types of folders:

Screenshot: The folder tree showing different folder types

Creating Folders

1. In the folder tree ( click the + button)
2. Select New Folder
3. Enter a folder name
4. Press Enter to create

Note: Folder names are encrypted too - even folder names are private.

Renaming Folders

1. Click the 3 dots that appear when you hover over the folder name
2. Select Rename
3. Enter the new name
4. Press Enter to save

Deleting Folders

1. Click the 3 dots that appear when you hover over the folder name
2. Select Delete
3. Confirm the deletion

Warning: Deleting a folder also deletes all files inside it.

Uploading Files

Drag and Drop

The easiest way to upload:

1. Select a folder to upload to
2. Select files from your computer
3. Drop them onto the file upload area
4. Watch the upload progress

Screenshot: Dragging files into Secure Store

Upload Button

Alternatively:

1. Click the Upload button
2. Select files from your computer
3. Click Open to start uploading

Large File Support

Secure Store supports files up to 5TB with:

• Chunked uploads - Files are split into pieces for reliable transfer
• Streaming encryption - Files are encrypted as they upload, using minimal memory
• Progress tracking - See real-time progress including speed and time remaining
• Resume capability - Interrupted uploads can continue where they left off

Screenshot: Upload progress bar showing status and speed

What Happens During Upload

1. Preparing - File is analysed and chunked
2. Encrypting - Each chunk is encrypted on your device
3. Uploading - Encrypted chunks are sent to storage
4. Completed - File is safely stored

Downloading Files

Single File Download

1. Find the file in the browser
2. Click the download icon (or right-click and select Download)
3. Choose where to save the file
4. The file is downloaded and decrypted automatically

Screenshot: The download button on a file row

Download Progress

For large files, you'll see:

• Download progress percentage
• Current download speed
• Estimated time remaining

Streaming Downloads

For very large files, Secure Store uses streaming download:

• File is decrypted chunk-by-chunk
• Memory usage stays low regardless of file size
• File is written directly to your chosen location

Browsing Files

File List View

The main area shows your files with:

• File name - Decrypted file name
• Size - Original file size
• Upload date - When the file was added
• Actions - Download, move, delete options

Searching Files

Use the search bar to find files:

1. Click the search icon
2. Type your search term
3. Results filter in real-time

Note: Search works on decrypted file names within the current team.

Sorting and Filtering

Click column headers to sort by:

• Name (alphabetical)
• Size (smallest/largest)
• Date (newest/oldest)

Moving Files

Moving Between Folders

1. Select one or more files
2. Click the Move button (or drag to a folder)
3. Choose the destination folder
4. Click Move

Screenshot: The move dialog showing folder selection

Bulk Operations

Select multiple files using:

• Click + Shift for a range
• Click + Ctrl/Cmd for individual files
• Click the checkbox to select all

Deleting Files

Deleting Single Files

1. Click the menu on the file row
2. Select Delete
3. Confirm the deletion

Bulk Delete

1. Select multiple files
2. Click the Delete button in the toolbar
3. Confirm the deletion

Note: Deleted files cannot be recovered. Ensure you have backups if needed.

Security Features

Zero-Knowledge Encryption

• Files are encrypted on your device before upload
• Only you and team members with TEK access can decrypt
• SafeDrop servers never see unencrypted content
• Even file names are encrypted

File Integrity

Each file includes:

• SHA-256 hash of the original file
• Verification during download
• Alerts if any tampering is detected

Key Rotation

Administrators can rotate team encryption keys:

• All team members get new wrapped keys
• Existing files are re-encrypted
• No access interruption for team members

Troubleshooting

"Pending Access" Message

You've been added to the team but need TEK access:

• Wait for an administrator to grant access
• Contact your team admin for faster approval

Upload Failing

• Check your internet connection
• Ensure file isn't larger than 5TB
• Try refreshing the page and resuming
• Check if your storage quota is exceeded

Cannot Decrypt Files

• Ensure you've unlocked your encryption keys
• Try logging out and back in
• If keys are corrupted, use your recovery phrase

Slow Uploads

• Large files take time - this is normal
• Check your upload speed
• Close other bandwidth-heavy applications
• Use a wired connection if possible

Best Practices

1. Organise with folders - Keep files organised from the start
2. Use meaningful names - You'll find files faster later
3. Keep encryption unlocked - Unlock at session start for smoother workflow
4. Check storage quota - Monitor your team's storage usage
5. Coordinate large uploads - Let team members know about very large uploads

Need more help? Contact your organisation's SafeDrop administrator.

Updated on: 22/01/2026