# 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](/other-information/security-information.md) 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**.

     <div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/K2bgKCVohS9tCUMDv6Zx" alt="" width="395"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
   * **Upload a file**: In the top-right corner, click **UPLOAD**, then locate the file on your computer and drag it into the upload area.

     <div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/2fbiRUCViUeD54m4Xsu4" alt="" width="605"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
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.&#x20;

     <div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/BRMxghO55szXpOdIt0Kj" alt="" width="395"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
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.

     <div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/SWTmekSrCddiSjcXDNo1" alt="" width="489"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
   * **Email**: Opens your default email application with a draft email containing the link. Complete the email and send it to the recipient.

     <div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/53IVVcqb4qlHgZfeYrmG" alt="" width="777"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
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.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/tFsBeINJhkAi5btceey7" alt="" width="550"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

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.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/0bxzIDdUoa4vLTJfOVVv" alt="" width="550"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### 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.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/czhmpCSEdK0RHau0ZcMX" alt="" width="472"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>


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