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Now easier and safer to use: Meet the 5 new HushApp features

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Every day we work to make your experience with our solution simple and at the same time provide the highest security and privacy for your confidential information. Therefore, we want you to know the new HushApp features, each one designed to streamline the communication processes between users without losing the ease of use and with total security.

Each step count, for example, to enter an email and password implies a time that usually we do not want to invest, although it seems little, we simply do not want to repeat it again and again. Therefore, from HushApp you can log in with your email accounts (such as Gmail or Microsoft) and you can also reset your passphrase securely, which will make your experience with our solution much more pleasant.

We introduce you the 5 new HushApp features

1) Integration with Microsoft tools: From now on, you can use your Microsoft account to sign in and access HushApp. In addition, you can manage your Microsoft contacts within HushApp by clicking on a new button available in the contacts section. Once you accept the appropriate permissions, we will show you which of your contacts are already HushApp users so that you can import them and which ones you can invite to join our community. 

If you have an Outlook, Office 365, Skype, or OneDrive account, … you can use it to access HushApp!

In addition, we are working on additional integrations with Microsoft. 

2) Now you can reset your Passphrase: If you have forgotten it, or if you are entering a wrong password, a message will appear where you can click and send an email to HushApp Team to reset it.

Please note that from HushApp we will initiate an identity verification process for the privacy and security of our clients because that’s our number one priority.

3) You can send much longer messages: Now you can send longer messages to unregistered users who can then view them without problems on the download page after decrypting it.

4) Customize your profile picture: Now you can customize your profile picture in the settings section of your account. Change your photo whenever you want and identify your account as well as those other users.

5) Sending messages without needing to attach files: Another HushApp feature to highlight is that it’s now possible to send encrypted messages to your contacts without needing to attach files. This allows you a fluid and secure communication with other users from the application.

We also improved the transfer flow to adapt it to this new functionality, giving priority to the recipients and the message.

We will continue working on many other new HushApp features and we will soon tell you …

What do you think about our news? Take a look at our web version and feel free to leave comments on what you think about these new features!

8 reasons why you should use HushApp in your day to day

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We have talked a lot about Hushapp and how it can help you in different aspects of your work. Now we want to show you that our application not only serves for labor issues, it can also be present in your day to day activities to add more protection and security to your digital life in a very simple way. Therefore, here are 8 very simple examples of how you can use HushApp in your everyday.

Basic uses: easy and safe

  1. Every day we accumulate more and more information, and need to find a safe place to store it. With HushApp this problem is easily solved because you can store data on your mobile device, keeping it handy and protected. HushApp easily secures all your files with important information, such as bank data, passwords, personal documents, etc. If you need to send a file to someone, you can do it from the app and they will be protected from the time you send them until your recipients receive it.  
  2. It is not only about protecting what we commonly consider confidential information, in HushApp you can store and send any type of file including photographs, videos, audio, etc. Remember that cyber attacks are becoming increasingly popular and anyone can be a victim. Suppose you lose your phone, if someone unwanted manages to access your device, they can not see anything within your HushBox, so your personal memories will be safe.

HushApp to protect your family:

  1. If we talk about photographs and privacy, surely the first thing that comes to mind are your precious family pictures. It is very common for parents to share those special moments with their little ones in social media for their birthdays, their first steps, when they said their first words and many more things. The issue lies in who can access the image of your kids, and what could they do with those files. When children have access to the internet, the danger is greater, since criminals take advantage of their innocence, they could contact them. Do not neglect yourself! Take charge and keep your minors safe by using safer alternatives like Hushapp to share these special moments.
  2. Children are getting smarter every day and frequently learning new ways to accessing your device. To prevent your children from accessing important files (for example your work documents and deleting them by mistake), keep them safe in your Hushbox and this will not cause you a unneeded headache with your boss 🙂
  3. As you take care of your children, you also can take care of your friends and aditional family, by capturing those special moments. Your Christmas photos, photographs, memories, etc. everything you can store and share with them (even if they do not have the application) is easily secured.

We do not want to know about your private life, we just want to protect it:

  1. Let’s be honest, everyone has secrets that they desire to be kept hidden. We are not all saints and we have a dark side, whatever it is, nobody can force you to expose your privacy. At HushApp we want to protect your private life, regardless what you do, because we have no way of knowing. We use zero knowledge technology therefore we can not access your files or your passwords.

Facilitate your work from home: 

  1. As mentioned previously, HushApp is clearly not just a business tool, however for the many times work does accompany us home, 
    you might be asked to send documents to customers or suppliers. Or maybe you forgot something and decided to finish it out of the office. Or even you might be self-employed and work from home. HushApp is there to accompany you at all times. 
  2. If you are a fan of technology, and want to be at the forefront of everything that is the digital world, do not get stuck in the past. It is no longer necessary to have complex programs that only computers know how to use. Hushapp uses military grade encryption and even with such a complex system it remains super easy to use!

Encryption is easy …

We invite you to try Hushapp …

3 things you can do in the new version of the HushApp web application

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We have news in HushApp! We have mentioned the advantages of  the zero knowledge technology in HushApp and how incorporating a passphrase provides for additional security. The HushBox makes it easy to manage contacts by giving the option to send to HushApp users or non-users. Now we have made some improvements and we come to introduce to you the latest updates to the HushApp web application.

We have implemented high-level encryption methods, seeking a simple and transparent process for the user, without affecting the efficiency of your mobile or computer. Therefore, security, usability, and a good user experience are our priorities.

The new presentation in our web application simplifies and unifies the processes to send and share files in an easy and safe way, while still managing to follow our principles.

This is the news that we bring from the HushApp web application

After logging into the web, either with your email and passphrase or with one of the available social accounts, you will enter the main screen to make your submissions. You then will be able to attach files to send to others via email. You will also notice that you can see in the middle of the screen, the tabs of your contacts that you have previously added, and that if you wish to add an additional one in the “recipients” section, it will appear automatically. 

When you have several contacts, you will notice a bar that you can slide to the right to see all the people added. Since they will be easily accessible, it will be painless for you to find the contacts to whom you want to send.

In addition, there is a new functionality to add contacts that are non-users of HushApp. If you would like to send documents to non-users you simply need to select the “recipients” section and create a password or passphrase. Then inform that contact of the password so that they can access your file.

Below the contacts, we have another new feature, a space to add a note, which is also sent encrypted. This new functionality is optional, but allows you to customize the message. Any details about transfer or additional information about the contents is recommended, however, HushApp users seeking to send to a non-user should not include the password or passphrase needed to access their files.

As a last step, just click on the send button and go! Your files have been sent securely, and no one other than you and the recipients you chose will be able to access the information.

People who seek to use applications prefer the process to be easy and efficient. At HushApp, we work every day so that when you need to send a secured document you can do so pleasantly and above all conveniently.

We invite you to try the new version of the HushApp web application …

What is zero knowledge technology and why do we use it in HushApp?

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It is difficult to choose the appropriate ways to protect our information, each application may have stronger features than another. If you want to keep an intruder as far as possible away from your files, then there are options available in the market that can help you. This level of protection is known as zero knowledge technology, but, what is it? How does it work?

It is important to begin recognizing the protection type we want for our files. We have the ability to choose who does or does not access them, but our security sense depends on the trust we have in others. For example, how could we ensure that a hotel does not use the master key of your room to enter and rummage through your belongings and even steal them? There should be a method to ensure that the hotel will not use this key.

The same happens in the digital world, when entering a service, you need to enter a password. Traditionally the server already has a coded version of the password, if it matches, you can access the system. The problem is that the server also knows your password. This is where zero knowledge technology could help you …

How does it work?

Zero knowledge, or ZKP (Zero Knowledge Proof), is a protocol used in encryption systems. It is a method established for one of the parties to prove to another that a statement (usually mathematical) is true, without revealing anything other than the truth of the statement.

To put it in simpler words, zero-knowledge technology uses encryption schemes that show if someone knows something without revealing what it is. For example, this is similar to when someone knows the answer to a riddle but does not reveal the solution. How can you prove that they really know the solution?  

There are two fundamental parts involved in this process, the “tester” who knows the information and the other, in this case the “verifier” who is convinced that the tester knows the information in question. To verify this, the ZKP protocol follows three basic properties:

Totality: the tester can provide the correct information and the verifier will be convinced of the truth of what he receives. Taking it to the digital world, a tester could be a user who places his password in an application, the application (verifier in this case) will receive the password of the tester (the user), without needing to know it.

Solidity: The only way to convince the verifier, is entering the correct information (or the correct password).

Zero Knowledge: The verifier knows that it is the correct information, but can not know the password.

A unique feature of this system is that it not only shows that it knows something to its interlocutor without revealing it, but if someone simply observes, they cannot verify or know anything about this procedure.

The interesting thing about ZKP is that it is a form of authentication where passwords are not exchanged, which means that service providers do not know anything about the data they store on their servers. It is also included in our HushApp!

HushApp and Zero Knowledge Technology

One of the most interesting HushApp features is that we use this technology to give greater protection to your confidential information. With this, you are certain that we do not have access to your information, passwords, or the files you store or send.

With this you get a more secure communication because only the user knows what he is communicating or what files they are sharing. When not storing your password, it is very important that you memorize it or keep it in a safe place, since if you lose or forget it, you will not have a way to recover it.

We invite you to protect your files easily and safely.

Try HushApp …

6 tips to protect intellectual property on the internet

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It is not an easy task to protect intellectual property, and as an artist, the internet can be a double-edged sword. On one hand it is a way of diffusion assured to announce your work, but on the other hand, you also run the risk of coming face to face with one of the greatest fears of any creator: the violation of your copyright.

Surely you have heard this debate between content access and copyright protection. On one side many people are in favor of diffusion and against intellectual property. This camp argues that art should be shared with society otherwise it would not be art, but what about the rights of an artist? How can you protect your creativity and effort?

It is important to know the rights you have regarding the intellectual property of your work and how you can protect it.

What is intellectual property?

The intellectual property right affects unique creations, but not industrially or in a series produced, it reflects the personality and spirit of the author. These are personal and/or patrimonial rights that protect your creation, guaranteeing its disposition.

It can be applied to everything involving creative works such as: literary works, theater plays, films, artworks, drawings, paintings, photographs, sculptures, architectural designs, softwares, and video games among other thing.

Certain topics like ideas, procedures and operation methods are excluded from this right. In addition, the protection begins during the work’s inception, and lasts throughout the life of the author up until 70 years after he/she’s death.

Each country has its copyright laws, and although they are similar, it is important to know what they are and how they register your work. In Spain, for example, one of the most important is the SGAE.

On the internet, the artwork has more reach and it is more difficult to control, so what can you do to protect intellectual property on the internet?

Tips to protect intellectual property on Internet

If your artwork is digital (graphic design, illustrations or digital photos) or physical (paintings or sculptures) it is advisable to have a digital photographic record. In both cases, you can follow these simple tips.

1) Use Creative Commons for non-commercial use
It is essential for published images on a web page to maintain a Creative Commons license for non-commercial use. This means that while everybody will be allowed to download or make changes to the image they cannot legally publish or take credit for the image or changes made to it.

This is the most restrictive option of Creative Commons. In addition to Creative Commons, there are other licenses where you can define handling and modifications of images by another user while continuing to protect your authorship.

2) Convert images to Flash
This option does not allow you to download or copy photos from the web before uploading the images and converting them into flash slides. This is done through a special converter or by hiring a web designer.

3) Watermark your images
Use a watermark with your logo or name on the image, you can also add the symbol © or the abbreviation “Copr”, with the year it was made. Try to make it visible, so that it can not be edited or cut easily. Although some artists do not like to add it for aesthetic reasons, it will make it clear who the author is.

Showing your work to clients:

If you want to send your works directly to a client, you are also running the risk that they may plagiarize your work or get it into the wrong hands, in this case, you could take other measures to reinforce your security:

4) Sample images and low resolution:
In addition to applying watermark or grant Creative Commons licenses, you could send some samples in low resolution, you may lose quality, but at least you keep the work’s essence. Another suggestion is to select some images and give them other licenses less restrictive to share with customers.

5) Send your works with secure applications:
Another danger of sharing artwork online is that they could be intercepted by a hacker and reach unwanted hands. One way to send your digital creations to specific customers is by using tools that allow you to send files in a secure way, using encryption systems that guarantee your files reach the recipient you choose.

With The HushApp, you can select your artworks with the original quality, send them to your client, even if they are not a user of the application, you only need to add their email address. Due to its end-to-end encryption technology, there is no way for anyone to access the files, except you and the recipient.

It is difficult to protect intellectual property in a globalized world where laws change constantly, but at least you can take measures to clarify your authorship and control their diffusion.

22 frequently asked questions about how to share and send files in a safe way

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Every day new applications are sent to the market that allow us to send files to our contacts in a complete and timely manner, this means that sharing information in digital is part of our day to day. The problem is that we do not always do it the right way.

With the rise of cybercrime, many questions arise about whether we are taking the necessary precautions when sharing information, especially when it comes to confidential data. That is why we decided to answer the most frequent questions that are asked about this topic.

What you need to know about share and send files safely

1. Why is security so important to sending a file?

It is common to hear about large and serious leaks in high confidentiality data companies in the news. Today hackers have more powerful tools than ever that allow them to intercept valuable information. If you do not take the necessary preventative measures, the consequences could not only revolve around reputation but finances as well.

2. Is it wrong to send files by email?

Not bad as long as the information you send is not confidential. Take into account that emails with attachment are a bait used to infect with malwares the computers of the recipient.

3. How safe is it to send files with cloud services?

Cloud services currently have many options that streamline the file-sharing processes. However, we must bear in mind that they are also vulnerable to being intercepted by someone unwanted. It would be advisable to establish strong passwords and, if possible, configure double factor authentication.

4. Is it secure to send files by chats like Facebook Messenger, Telegram or Whatsapp?

Facebook Messenger, Telegram and Whatsapp are some of the most globally used messaging services, but they do not all share the same level of security. The Facebook chat is considered one of the least secure considering that it does not have an encryption system, not to mention that all conversations are stored. Telegram and WhatsApp, although having a strong encryption system, still put information at risk due to ease of use and virality.

5. Are files shared through services like Wetransfer or Mega protected?

These services are useful for fast heavy file transfers, but they do not involve maintain a high security level. Like other cloud services, files are exposed to being intercepted.

6. What applications should I use to send files securely?

We advise that you an application that allows you to encrypt files, while also guaranteeing you that their technology completely protects your files from the moment they arrive up to the point that they reach the chosen recipient.

7. How do I make sure I’m sending files in the right way?

Although there is no infallible system, it is crucial to find one the one that best suits your needs. You must spend time choosing the application that offers the highest security level and ensures protection in all transfer phases.

8. What is file encryption?

An encryption software takes data and creates a shell that makes it inaccessible and illegible for those who want to access without authorization. Encrypted information can only be unlocked with a predetermined password.

9. What is end to end encryption?

It is an encryption system that keeps the content protected in all phases of the process, only the sender and its recipient will have the access code.

10. How does encryption work when sending files?

The file is encrypted with certain encryption protocols in the device that it sends based on unique passwords and transfers it to the addressee. This makes addressee the only person who will be able to decrypt it.

11. What should I consider when choosing a program that protects my files?

The more encryption systems the application integrates, the more effective it will be. End-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge technology are great examples of programming that ensures that developers/hackers can not access your files or passwords.

 

send files safely
The HushApp is an application that is safe and easy to use, while also including end-to-end encryption.

 

12. How do I know that the files will be safe when they reach their recipient?

Ideally, the receiver should use the same security software so that received files will remain encrypted. Even if the receiver does not have a specific software, the file will remain secure until it is decrypted and downloaded by the receiver.

13. Is the server of the program I am using safe?

Depending on what you want to protect, you must increase or not the security level of the server you select. If the one you use works with military level encryption, with multilayer encryption or backup services, you can be sure that your information has the ideal level of security.

14. Is the server located in a secure geographic location (with respect to local information regulation / GDPR)?

If you are sharing documents with your clients, it is necessary to have total transparency of a file’s storage location. The new General Regulation Data Protection (GDPR) this information should be even clearer.

For this reason it is essential to seek local legal advice. This means that when selecting a file exchange provider, ask where those files will be located and which legal regulations they should operate.

15. What applications are recommended to be used in companies?

Adequate encryption systems for the transfer of secure files and servers with the highest level of security. It is important that they allow the participation of several users and that they also comply with local data protection regulations.

16. Is the application to send my files compatible with the workflow of a company?

It is essential that a company manages the information that moves inside carefully. In addition, the program must have multidisciplinary team management systems that can be easily adapted to the constant flow of information that exists in a company.

17. How can I control what is sent and shared within my company?

There are tools adapted to the business environment that allow you to manage the flow of information in the company easily and safely.

The HushApp has a version adapted to companies, with which you can exchange and send files in multidisciplinary teams in a secure way while controlling the access and management of other users’ permissions. In addition to this you are able to access a history of file transfers sent and received, all while complying with the current European legislation.

18. Are they easy to use applications?

It depends. It is important to choose an application that monitors security levels and offers a good user experience and usability. This allows for a simpler implementation and easy learning for employees.

19. Is it safe to work with FTP?

FTP file transfer is a system that many companies still use that allows the uploading of files to a server. This means that whoever needs to access these files can view them from another computer with a username and password. The problem with this is that a password is not as effective as the encryption, since it is only protecting the access and not the file itself. It is ideal to upload already encrypted files, even if it is a little more time consuming.

20. Is there another safer method than encryption?

So far, no, but there are different types of encryption that can vary the level of security and adapt according to what you need.

21. Is a premium account better than a free account?

Everything will depend on what each one offers. It is not necessarily true that a premium account is better than a free one, it must adapt to the needs of the shipment. The important thing to review is the actual security offered by each.

22. Are the documents that are worked on collaboratively safe?

Currently, there are online tools that allow more than one person to edit a document in real time. This type of functionality is very useful for work teams trying to manage time.

However, this type of service does not offer optimal security measures since there is no way to protect them while they are being edited. It is not advisable to work on sensitive information for the company in these type of settings.