The landscape of secret sharing

When you need to share a password, API key, or other sensitive information, you face a dizzying array of options. Each method offers different trade-offs between security, convenience, and control. Let's compare the most common approaches to help you make informed decisions.

Method 1: Email and instant messaging

How it works

Simply type or paste the secret into an email message or chat application and send it to the recipient.

Security level: ⭐ (Poor)

Advantages:

• Universally available
• No additional tools required
• Immediate delivery
• Built into existing workflows

Disadvantages:

• Messages persist indefinitely in logs and backups
• Multiple copies created across servers
• Searchable by service providers
• Vulnerable to account compromise
• No built-in encryption
• Can be forwarded without your knowledge

Best for: Non-sensitive information where convenience trumps security (but never for actual secrets).

Method 2: Password managers with sharing features

How it works

Services like 1Password, LastPass, and Bitwarden allow you to share specific credentials with other users through encrypted vaults.

Security level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Good)

Advantages:

• End-to-end encryption
• Centralized management of shared credentials
• Audit logs track access
• Can revoke access at any time
• Passwords stay updated automatically
• Supports team and organizational structures

Disadvantages:

• Requires all parties to use the same password manager
• Shares persist until manually revoked
• Subscription costs for team features
• Setup and onboarding overhead
• Not suitable for one-time sharing scenarios

Best for: Ongoing credential sharing within teams using the same password management ecosystem.

Method 3: Encrypted messaging apps

How it works

Use Signal, WhatsApp, or Telegram's end-to-end encrypted messaging to share secrets.

Security level: ⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate)

Advantages:

• End-to-end encryption protects message content
• Widely adopted and user-friendly
• Some offer disappearing messages
• Free to use
• Cross-platform support

Disadvantages:

• Messages still saved on both devices
• Screenshots and backups defeat disappearing messages
• Requires recipient to have the specific app
• No audit trail or access confirmation
• Forwarding creates untracked copies

Best for: Quick sharing between individuals who already use the same encrypted messaging platform.

Method 4: One-time secret sharing services

How it works

Tools like CipherSend, OneTimeSecret, and PrivateBin create single-use links that self-destruct after viewing.

Security level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent)

Advantages:

• Automatic deletion after first access
• No long-term storage
• No accounts required
• Time-based expiration
• Optional client-side encryption
• Clear confirmation of access
• No persistent copies
• Works across any communication channel

Disadvantages:

• Recipient must use the link quickly before expiration
• Can't recover if link is lost
• Depends on third-party service availability
• Not suitable for long-term credential storage

Best for: One-time sharing of temporary credentials, API keys, or sensitive notes where automatic destruction is essential.

Method 5: PGP/GPG encryption

How it works

Encrypt the message with the recipient's public key; only they can decrypt it with their private key.

Security level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent)

Advantages:

• Military-grade encryption
• No third-party involvement
• Complete control over the process
• Widely trusted and audited
• Open-source implementations available

Disadvantages:

• Steep learning curve
• Complex key management
• Encrypted message persists until manually deleted
• Poor usability deters adoption
• Recipient must have PGP setup and your public key

Best for: Highly sensitive communications between technically sophisticated users with established key exchange.

Method 6: Secure file sharing services

How it works

Upload encrypted files to services like Tresorit, SpiderOak, or ProtonDrive and share access with specific users.

Security level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Good)

Advantages:

• Zero-knowledge encryption
• Works well for larger secrets (files, documents)
• Granular access controls
• Can set expiration dates
• Audit logs available

Disadvantages:

• Requires account creation
• Subscription costs for serious features
• Files persist until manually deleted
• Overkill for simple text secrets
• Upload/download adds friction

Best for: Sharing sensitive documents or files that need to persist for a defined period with specific individuals.

Method 7: Corporate secrets management platforms

How it works

Enterprise solutions like HashiCorp Vault, AWS Secrets Manager, or Azure Key Vault provide centralized, programmatic access to secrets.

Security level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent)

Advantages:

• Fine-grained access controls
• Comprehensive audit logging
• Automatic rotation
• API-based access for applications
• Compliance features
• Integration with existing infrastructure

Disadvantages:

• Significant setup and maintenance complexity
• Expensive licensing
• Requires technical expertise
• Overkill for simple, occasional sharing
• Not designed for human-to-human sharing

Best for: Organizations managing secrets programmatically across multiple applications and environments.

Comparison matrix

Choosing the right method

Ask yourself these questions:

1. How long should this secret exist? → One-time sharing for temporary needs; password managers for ongoing access.

2. How technical are the recipients? → Simple tools for broad audiences; PGP for technical users.

3. Is this a one-time share or ongoing access? → One-time links for single use; password managers for persistent sharing.

4. How sensitive is the information? → Higher sensitivity demands stronger controls and encryption.

5. What's your budget? → Free tools work well for individuals; enterprises need dedicated platforms.

6. Do you need audit trails? → Enterprise solutions and some password managers provide comprehensive logging.

Recommended approach: Defense in depth

The best security strategy often combines multiple methods:

• For temporary secrets: Use one-time links with client-side encryption
• For team credentials: Implement a team password manager
• For application secrets: Deploy an enterprise secrets management platform
• For extremely sensitive data: Combine PGP encryption with one-time links

Conclusion

No single method suits every scenario. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each approach enables you to choose the right tool for each situation. The goal isn't perfect security—it's risk management proportional to the sensitivity of what you're sharing.

Start by eliminating the worst practices (email and unencrypted chat), then gradually adopt more sophisticated methods as your needs and capabilities grow.