How It Works
VaultDrop uses zero-knowledge encryption so we never see your content.
For the Sender
01
Paste Your Secret
Enter any sensitive data — passwords, API keys, SSH keys, bank details, or private messages.
02
Configure Protection
Set expiry (5 min to 30 days), view limit (1–50), optional passphrase, and notification email.
03
Get Encrypted Link
We encrypt with AES-256-GCM and give you a unique link. We cannot decrypt your data.
04
Share the Link
Send the link via chat, email, or SMS. Share the passphrase (if set) via a different channel.
For the Recipient
01
Open the Link
The recipient opens the VaultDrop link. They see basic info without revealing the content yet.
02
Enter Passphrase (if set)
If passphrase-protected, they enter it to decrypt. Wrong guesses are logged and blocked.
03
View the Secret
The decrypted content appears in their browser. They can copy or download it.
04
Secret Auto-Destructs
After the configured views, the secret is permanently destroyed. No recovery possible.
Features
🔑
// AUTO_DETECT
AI-powered detection identifies your secret type — API keys, passwords, SSH keys, env vars, and more.
⏱
// TIME_EXPIRY
Set secrets to expire in as little as 5 minutes or up to 30 days. Auto-deleted from servers.
👁
// VIEW_LIMIT
Control exactly how many times a secret can be viewed before automatic destruction.
🔐
// PASSPHRASE
Add an extra layer with a passphrase. We verify it server-side but cannot decrypt without it.
📧
// NOTIFY_ME
Get an email alert the moment your secret is viewed. Know immediately if it's been accessed.
🌐
// IP_FILTER
Restrict secret access to specific IP addresses. Unauthorized IPs see an access denied message.
📊
// AUDIT_LOG
Every access attempt is logged with timestamp, IP, and result. Full transparency for creators.
🔥
// BURN_AFTER
Once viewed, encrypted data is overwritten with random bytes before deletion. True destruction.
🛡
// RATE_LIMIT
Failed passphrase attempts are rate-limited and logged to prevent brute-force attacks.
Security Architecture
We built VaultDrop to be trustworthy by design, not by promise.
// ENCRYPTION_SPEC
Algorithm: AES-256-GCM (authenticated encryption)
Key Size: 256 bits
Auth Tag: 128 bits (prevents tampering)
IV Size: 128 bits (random per secret)
Salt: 256 bits (random per secret)
KDF: PBKDF2-SHA512
KDF Iters: 310,000 (NIST 2023 recommended)
Master Key: Combined with user passphrase via KDF
Storage: Ciphertext only — never plaintext
Zero-Knowledge: Server cannot decrypt without passphrase
// THREAT_MODEL
Database breach — encrypted data only, unusable without master key
Network interception — HTTPS/TLS in transit, AES-256-GCM at rest
Brute force passphrase — rate limiting + PBKDF2 makes this computationally infeasible
Replay attacks — each secret has unique salt + IV, auth tag prevents reuse
Data tampering — GCM auth tag rejects any modified ciphertext
Side-channel timing — timing-safe comparison for passphrase verification
Malicious insider (us) — we cannot see plaintext, but we control the server
Phishing attacks — always verify you're on the correct domain
Compromised endpoint device — we cannot protect against keyloggers on your machine
// DATA_STORED
| Data |
Stored |
Notes |
| Secret content | Encrypted only | AES-256-GCM ciphertext |
| Your passphrase | Never stored | Only scrypt hash for verification |
| Creator IP address | Stored temporarily | Deleted with secret |
| Viewer IP address | In access log | Logged for security, deleted with secret |
| Notification email | Only if provided | Optional, deleted with secret |
| User accounts | None | No registration required |
// BEST_PRACTICES
DO ✓
→ Use a strong passphrase for sensitive data
→ Share passphrase via different channel (call, Signal)
→ Set short expiry for highly sensitive data
→ Enable notifications to know when viewed
→ Destroy the secret if sent to wrong person
DON'T ✕
→ Share secret link in public channels
→ Screenshot the secret content on shared devices
→ Use same passphrase as the secret itself
→ Set high view count for one-time credentials
→ Rely on VaultDrop alone for critical access
VaultDrop — Free Encrypted Secret Sharing Tool
VaultDrop is the most secure way to share passwords, API keys, SSH keys, database credentials, and sensitive information online. Using military-grade AES-256-GCM zero-knowledge encryption, your secrets are protected before they ever leave your browser.
Why Choose VaultDrop?
- AES-256-GCM authenticated encryption — same standard used by banks and governments
- Zero-knowledge architecture — we literally cannot read your secrets
- Self-destructing links — secrets auto-delete after viewing or expiry
- No account required — completely anonymous usage
- Free forever — no hidden costs, no premium tiers for core features
- PBKDF2-SHA512 key derivation with 310,000 iterations
- IP address allowlisting for restricted access
- Email notifications when your secret is accessed
- AI-powered secret type detection for API keys, passwords, SSH keys
- Configurable expiry from 5 minutes to 30 days
Best OneTimeSecret Alternative
VaultDrop offers everything OneTimeSecret does, plus stronger encryption, passphrase protection, IP filtering, email alerts, security scoring, and multi-view control — completely free.
Use Cases
- Share WiFi passwords with guests securely
- Send database credentials to new team members
- Share SSH private keys and certificates
- Send API keys to contractors without email exposure
- Share 2FA backup codes securely
- Send environment variables and .env files
- Share private notes that self-destruct after reading