# Encrypt (share secrets)
During implementation, we might ask you to share secrets with us (for example, credentials), and we might share secrets with you.
We recommend using [Phocas Encrypt](https://encrypt.phocassoftware.com) to share secrets securely. Avoid sharing secrets via email or other third-party tools.
### About Phocas Encrypt
Phocas Encrypt is hosted within our cloud environment. It uses end-to-end encryption to create one-time links to the secrets you want to share with a *single person* (for example, your Phocas Adoptions or Activations consultant).
When you share a secret:
* It's encrypted in your browser.
* It's stored in a database until retrieved.
* It can't be decrypted without the key.
Learn more about how we protect your data on the [Security information](https://app.gitbook.com/s/qRvX8Eg8GftkyP0R8RVU/security-information) page.
### Send a secret
1. Open [https://encrypt.phocassoftware.com](https://encrypt.phocassoftware.com/). You usually receive this link during implementation.
2. Select the shortest deletion time that matches your current interaction with Phocas. For example:
* **One Hour**: If you're on the phone with a consultant.
* **One Day**: If you're working over email and it’s not Friday.
* **One Week**: Other cases.
3. Leave **One-time download** and **Generate decryption key** selected.
4. Add your secret using your preferred method:
* **Use the form**: In the **Secret message** box, type or paste your secret, then click **Encrypt Message**.
* **Upload a file**: In the top-right corner, click **UPLOAD**, then locate the file on your computer and drag it into the upload area.
5. Choose which link type to use:
* **One-click link** (easiest): Includes **both the secret ID and decryption key**. There is a small risk of exposing it if someone else clicks the link first. Only use if interception risk is low.
* **Short link** (most secure): Includes **only the secret ID**. You must **send the decryption key separately** using another communication method.
6. Choose how to share the link:
* **Copy**: Copies the link to your clipboard. Paste it into your preferred communication channel and send it to the recipient.
* **Email**: Opens your default email application with a draft email containing the link. Complete the email and send it to the recipient.
7. If you share a **short link** (step 5 above), copy the **Decryption key** and send it to the recipient using a different communication method (for example, phone call or SMS).
8. Close the browser window.
### Receive a secret
You’ll receive an email or message containing the link.
1. Click the link.
2. View the decrypted message or download the file. In the case of a message, **Show** displays decrypted text and **Copy** copies it to your clipboard.
3. Use the secret before closing the page - the link only works once.
### Troubleshooting
**Link doesn’t work?** It might have:
* Already been clicked.
* Expired based on the deletion time.
If you are the **sender**, repeat the steps to resend.\
If you are the **receiver**, ask the sender to resend.
