How to Protect Your Files When Using Online Tools
Online tools offer convenience, but security should always be a priority. Here's how to protect your files when using web-based services.
Understanding the Risks
When you upload files to any online service, consider:
- Data transmission: Files travel over the internet
- Server storage: Files exist on third-party servers temporarily
- Privacy policies: Services may have different data practices
- Security measures: Not all services encrypt your data
Essential Security Practices
1. Check for HTTPS
Always ensure the website uses HTTPS (look for the padlock icon):
- HTTPS encrypts data during transmission
- Without it, your files could be intercepted
- Never upload sensitive files to HTTP-only sites
2. Read Privacy Policies
Before uploading, check:
- How long files are stored
- Whether files are accessed by staff
- If data is shared with third parties
- What happens to your files after processing
3. Consider File Sensitivity
Categorize your files:
- Low sensitivity: Public documents, general images
- Medium sensitivity: Personal photos, general correspondence
- High sensitivity: Financial documents, medical records, legal files
For high-sensitivity files, consider using local software instead of online tools.
4. Remove Metadata Before Uploading
Files often contain hidden information:
- Photos: Location data, camera settings, timestamps
- Documents: Author name, revision history, comments
- PDFs: Creation software, modification dates
Remove metadata from sensitive files before uploading.
What Shiftara Does to Protect You
Our security measures include:
Encryption
- All file transfers use HTTPS encryption
- Your files are protected in transit
Automatic Deletion
- Files are deleted within 30 minutes
- No permanent storage of user content
- No backups of user files
No Account Required
- We don't store personal information
- No tracking of individual usage
- Minimal data collection
Privacy by Design
- We never access file contents
- Files are processed automatically
- No human review of uploads
Best Practices Summary
| Practice | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Use HTTPS sites | Encrypts your data in transit |
| Check deletion policies | Ensures files don't persist |
| Remove sensitive metadata | Protects hidden information |
| Avoid highly sensitive files online | Minimizes risk exposure |
| Use reputable services | Better security practices |
When to Use Local Software Instead
Consider desktop software for:
- Highly confidential business documents
- Medical or legal records
- Financial statements
- Documents with sensitive personal information
Online tools like Shiftara are great for:
- General document conversions
- Non-sensitive images
- Public or semi-public content
- Convenience when security allows
Conclusion
Online file tools can be safe when you choose reputable services and follow good security practices. At Shiftara, we've built security into our core design because we believe you shouldn't have to choose between convenience and privacy.
Try our secure converters: PDF to Word | PNG to JPG