Quick summary: Send encrypted files with WeTransfer by uploading any file at wetransfer.com - all transfers are automatically encrypted using TLS encryption. You can also add password protection for an extra security layer on sensitive file transfers.
Understanding WeTransfer's Built-In Encryption
Every file you upload to WeTransfer is automatically encrypted during transfer. WeTransfer uses TLS (Transport Layer Security) encryption, the same technology many banks and secure websites use to protect data.
Step-by-Step: How to Send Files Securely
Here's how file encryption works with WeTransfer:
1. Go to WeTransfer.com
Open your browser and visit wetransfer.com. All transfers are encrypted by default — you don't need to enable anything special.
2. Choose Your Sharing Method
Select:
- Email: Send to specific recipients with encrypted transfer
- Link: Generate an encrypted transfer link to share however you choose
3. Upload Your Files
Click Add your files and select what you want to send. WeTransfer accepts any file type — documents, images, videos, zip files, or anything else.
4. Add Password Protection
Click the lock icon to add password protection. Set a password that you'll share with your recipient separately (not in the same email as the transfer link).
5. Send Your Secure Transfer
Click Transfer.
Two Layers of File Security
WeTransfer provides two types of security for sensitive file transfers:
Automatic TLS encryption (all plans): Every transfer is encrypted in transit. This protects against interception during upload and download. Your files travel through secure, encrypted connections.
Password protection: Add a password requirement to your transfer link. Recipients must enter the correct password before they can download your files. This adds a second layer of security for sensitive content.
When to Use Password Protection
Password protection is recommended for:
- Confidential business documents: Financial reports, strategic plans, or proprietary information
- Legal files: Contracts, agreements, or sensitive legal documents
- Client deliverables with NDA requirements: Creative work, product designs, or pre-launch materials
- Personal sensitive information: Tax documents, medical records, or identity documents
- Intellectual property: Unpublished research, patents, or trade secrets
Best Practices for Secure File Transfers
Use strong passwords. Create passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid obvious passwords like "123456" or "password."
Set appropriate expiry times. WeTransfer Ultimate lets you set custom expiry dates. For sensitive files, use shorter expiry periods (1 or 3 days) so the transfer link doesn't remain active longer than necessary.
Verify recipient identity. Before sending highly sensitive files, confirm you have the correct email address or are sharing the link with the intended person.
Track your transfers. With a WeTransfer account, you can see when recipients download your files. This helps you confirm secure delivery.
Understanding File Transfer Security
When evaluating security for file sharing:
TLS encryption: Protects files while moving across the internet. All WeTransfer transfers have this.
Password protection: Adds access control so only people with the password can download.
Compliance and data security: WeTransfer maintains security certifications and follows industry best practices for data protection.
Your content is always your content - we don’t use machine learning or any form of AI to process content shared via WeTransfer.
Troubleshooting Secure Transfers
Recipient can't access password-protected transfer? Verify you sent the correct password. Passwords are case-sensitive.
Need audit trails? WeTransfer provides transfer history showing when files were downloaded, helping with compliance and tracking.
Now you're ready to share your files quickly and securely with WeTransfer.