Hacker 10 – Security Hacker

Tag: DropBox alternative

  • Sync multiple devices with open source tool Syncthing

    Sync multiple devices with open source tool Syncthing

    Syncthing is a decentralized open source tool to synchronize files across multiple devices without using third party cloud servers like Dropbox, what should be an objective for people who care about privacy.

    Data in Syncthing is transmitted peer to peer via TLS encryption with perfect forward secrecy directly to your other devices, it never touches the Internet where it could be intercepted, only nodes you have previously authenticated are able to connect.

    Other advantages or running your own cluster are that there is no storage space restriction other than your own drive, you will not be reliant on a cloud service that could not be available when you need it and data transfer is speedy.

    Dropbox alternative Syncthing
    Dropbox alternative Syncthing

    Syncthing is cross platform, it works in Windows, Mac, Linux, BSD, Solaris, Android, iPhone, it can be installed on any computer, server or mobile device you own. This tool is similar to Bittorrent Sync with the difference that everything is open source, including the protocol used to synchronize files, called Block Exchange Protocol.

    Machines are identified with an ID, when you add a node ID to the network, any folder listed in the repository starts to synchronise downstream, files are split into blocks for easier transmission, the more devices are connected, the quicker everything will sync as more download sources are available.

    There is one downside to running your own cloud, if you wish to publicly share files over the Internet, it can be done but you have to be tech knowledgeable, you will have to combine it with something like Cloudup or Freehold, it is not supported by the developers. If you often share files over the Internet, it is best to download to Owncloud, which needs a server, whereas Syncthing can be run on any desktop computer.

    I liked the open source nature of this tool as well as the support it has for all operating systems, it is more complex to use than BT Sync but it gives you more control over how you share files on a network.

    Visit Syncthing homepage

  • Send large files securely with Binfer

    Send large files securely with Binfer

    Binfer is a program to share large files without having to upload and download them like in FTP or a cloud online storage space. Binfer uses P2P technology, it only requires you to drag and drop the desired file on Binfer’s window and you will not have to encrypt or password protect the data, everything is automatically encrypted with AES128-bit, encryption keys are changed for each file transfer and there is no central server that could be compromised.

    The software is written in Java, it works in any operating system, Windows, Mac or Linux, with an Android and Internet browser app to share files with others on your mobile device without having to install anything. But you will speed up the process if you have Binfer in your computer.

    Sharing big files with Binfer
    Sharing big files with Binfer

    When you first install Binfer you will be prompted to create an account using a valid email address, if the welcome email they send you bounces, your account will be automatically deleted.

    The interface various tabs look like the P2P program utorrent. In them you can monitor in and out file transfers, reports, see contacts and access a built in email client attaching files of any size to send to your friends for them to download clicking on the received link, but they will need to be using the same program to download it.

    Binfer is a good solution for those who often share big files, similar Peerio to but with more functions.The only thing is that the free mode has a file size limit, you should look into Bittorrent Sync before parting with your money for Binfer.

    Visit Binfer homepage

    Update: I have had a spammer in this blog linking to Binfer. I can’t prove who is behind this, other than to say all fake comments (now deleted) were made by IP 71.194.2.92 using different nicks.

  • Encrypted cloud storage with TeamDrive

    Encrypted cloud storage with TeamDrive

    TeamDrive is a cross platform (Windows, Mac, Linux) cloud storage service with uncrackable encryption, using AES256bit and RSA-2048 public/private key, data is encrypted in your computer before it reaches their cloud servers, Teamdrive has no way to access the files, limiting their legal liabilities since you can’t be compelled to decrypt something that you don’t have the key for, the encryption key remains in the user computer at all times.

    To set up a Teamdrive account you are only required a valid email address, I liked that they have a portable version that can be carried in a USB thumbdrive or kept inside an encrypted virtual container (e.g. Truecrypt), but you will need to configure the default settings to make sure that there is no data leakage in the host computer, luckily Teamdrive software settings display the file path for data back ups and cache, a quick look will tell you where in the drive it is kept.

    Encrypted cloud storage TeamDrive
    Encrypted cloud storage TeamDrive

    The program is divided intro three tabs, “Spaces“, where you can create folders, organise your files and set access permissions for other members and with a right click send an invitation via email revealing the URL for the data you would like to share with others, optionally, spaces can be password protected. Another tab called “Members” lets you see who has access to a particular space and a third tab called “Activity” contains a very detailed log of file movements, like uploads and downloads with timestamps. To add files, manually select them or drag and drop inside the window, everything is quickly sync when there are changes, a trash can will save erased files that can be restored if you change your mind.

    Inside settings you can configure a proxy if you are using it to access Teamdrive cloud storage space, the paid for version allows you to assign roles to other people, setting up administration rights, like being able to publish and delete files or remove other members from a shared space. There is support for smartphones, you can run the application in  Android or iPhone  The free version has limited storage space and bandwidth, indicated inside the application with a graph bar, enough for light file sharing.

    Teamdrive is a decent alternative to SpiderOak and definitely better than Dropbox, where the company can decrypt your data, if you care about privacy drop Dropbox now.

    Visit TeamDrive homepage

  • Encrypted data backup with Powerfolder

    Encrypted data backup with Powerfolder

    Powerfolder is a free program for Windows, Mac and Linux to securely share, sync and backup your computer files, locally or in the cloud, if you choose to backup your data online you will be offered a free account with 1GB of free space, this is not necessary as the program can be used to do offline backups, if you decide to use the cloud option all data transfers will be encrypted using SSL (transfer) and AES (storage), to open an online account only requires entering an email address, which does not need to be verified, and the password of your choice.

    Powerfolder interface is easy to use, skinnable and with lots of configuration options, the software can be used to synchronize data in between computers on a LAN (Local Area Network) with real time data sync status showed on the screen, you can choose what to backup with a simple tick on a checkbox next to each folder.

    PowerFolder encrypted data backup
    PowerFolder encrypted data backup

    To share files online you just need to go to the Folders tab and follow the wizard where you will be offered what files to share and where to send an invitation key, in order for someone to access your data they will need to enter that secret key first. PowerFolder cloud storage can be accessed through the iPhone or Android through a specially made mobile portal (m.powerfolder.com), browser file downloads are made using an encrypted SSL connection, you can view and play audio files online too. Powerfolder software scans local folders for changes and uploads/erases the data as necessary, bandwidth taken by PowerFolder can be limited, a proxy and specific ports chosen, the plugins tab lets you configure advanced settings, like adopting UDT connections instead of TCP, encryption security level and setting up a dynamic DNS.

    I would have preferred it if the help manual wasn’t only available online, and the free 1GB online space is not enough to hold all of my important data, I could not find any other flaw to this very fine secure data backup software.

    Visit Powerfolder homepage