---
title: Secure messages
slug: transfer/secure-messages
docTags: 
createdAt: 2024-01-12T09:50:17.218Z
---

:::hint{type="info"}
The sender will need a Premium or Enterprise account to send secure messages, find out more on the [pricing plans](https://hexiosec.com/transfer/pricing) page.
:::

Secure messages are just like sharing files, except the sender enters a message and subject instead of adding files.  Both the message subject and content are encrypted.  On receipt, the recipient can then view the message in the message viewer (instead of downloading a file).   We don't currently support message replies. 

As an example use case, we find it useful for sharing sensitive short messages like bank details or credentials to other systems.

## Setup the transfer

Add a short description for the message, the recipient won't see this but it will help the sender to find it in their outbox.

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ADIhj5CoSURbyJI1tP0pN/0oiVlr1IQ_rj7ZHTVVLhc_image.png" size="90" width="708" height="64" position="center" caption="Description for the transfer" alt="Description label and free text box" showCaption="true"}

The expiration date can be up to 7 days from the date of the transfer - for Enterprise customers this may differ, please check with your local Hexiosec Transfer administrator.

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ADIhj5CoSURbyJI1tP0pN/hhXP01c-aHO_nOVG_kvyY_image.png" size="90" width="475" height="60" position="center" caption="Expiry duration" alt="Expires box showing the number 3 and 'days'" showCaption="true"}

The maximum number for views is 50.  Find out more about [Download limits](docId\:PV2c6qXv085AsAx7J9Pie).

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ADIhj5CoSURbyJI1tP0pN/mqMrUgtI8syDI3jY9nWBe_image.png" size="90" width="475" height="54" position="center" caption="Maximum views allowed" alt="Maximum views box showing the number 5" showCaption="true"}

## Additional security (optional)

Add password provides an optional layer of security, see [Using a password](docId\:nJguHXh2N68lLINFLaQuO).  The password must be sent via a separate method to the link.  For example if the link/code are emailed then send a text message with the password.  

:::hint{type="danger"}
The password must be sent by a different method to the link else the additional security benefit is lost.
:::

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ADIhj5CoSURbyJI1tP0pN/DlUSsChbj7NLnvhUXn1Ou_image.png" size="90" width="588" height="85" position="center" showCaption="false"}

Another extra layer of security can be enabled by requiring the recipient (or recpients) to verify their email address before they can download the files; only the recipients specified in the address box will be able to open the file.  The recipients will be emailed a one-time access code that they will need to use to access the sent file, unless they are already logged into Hexiosec Transfer with an account.

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ADIhj5CoSURbyJI1tP0pN/Qjrgs1T0WZZEKQkV-HxpA_image.png" size="90" width="601" height="133" position="center" caption="Adding recipient verification" alt="Verify Recipient toggle is on, with a free text box underneath" showCaption="true"}

## Uploading the message

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ADIhj5CoSURbyJI1tP0pN/vwzI4Cxhz_UpwiPp_p2g5_image.png" size="90" width="724" height="451" position="center" caption="Create the message" alt="Subject and message labels with associated free text boxes, an upload confirm button is shown at the bottom." showCaption="true"}

If the password option was selected on the previous page, then a password will now need to be set.  The sender can create it or click on the pen option for a complex password to be automatically created. 

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ADIhj5CoSURbyJI1tP0pN/CkzVj2lGv6g6Rgx8oD1E-_image.png" size="90" width="705" height="76" position="center" caption="Password for the message" alt="Password box to enter a password, pen icon follows this, followed by a copy icon" showCaption="true"}

## Share by link, code, or QR code

The final page will show the link/code which can be copied and sent to the recipient.  If there are issues sending a link (for example, some email systems will amend or remove links) then a code/QR code can be copied and used instead.  Clicking on the 'share via email' button will launch the senders default email application and create a new email message with the download information.  They will need to add the recipient's names.