Password-Protected Links: Why and How to Use Them
When privacy matters, add a password to your short links. Protect documents, text notes, or private files with an extra security layer.
Why Password-Protected Links?
Short links are convenient but can be shared beyond your intended audience. Adding a password ensures only people with the passcode can access the content. This is especially useful when sharing sensitive files or confidential text notes.
Benefits
Extra security
Stops unwanted viewers even if they have the link.
Stops unwanted viewers even if they have the link.
Compliance
Meets stricter privacy requirements for businesses.
Meets stricter privacy requirements for businesses.
Simple UX
Recipients just enter a password — no new accounts needed.
Recipients just enter a password — no new accounts needed.
Flexible
Combine with expiry and view-limits for maximum control.
Combine with expiry and view-limits for maximum control.
How BlinkURL Implements It
- User creates a short link with a password option.
- Password is hashed and stored securely (bcrypt/argon2).
- When someone opens the link, a password prompt is shown.
- If the password matches, content is revealed; else access is denied.
Tip: Always share the password separately — use a secure channel (like Signal, phone call, or different email) from the link itself.
Best Practices
- Use strong, non-obvious passwords (avoid "1234" or "password").
- For business use, rotate passwords often and enforce expiry.
- Combine password with short expiry for higher protection.
- Log access attempts to detect brute-force behavior.
Reminder: Password protection helps, but for highly sensitive files, encrypt the file before uploading.
Use Cases
- HR: Share candidate resumes with a limited team.
- Finance: Send invoices or bank details securely.
- Legal: Provide contract drafts with controlled access.
- Personal: Protect private notes, journal entries, or links.