Share Client Files Securely

Protect the design source file without hiding ownership

File encryption and recipient authorization are different controls. Before handing off a client design source file, verify the named recipient, business purpose, approved version and delivery route. Use provider permissions where collaboration is needed and a separate channel for secrets where an offline archive is justified.

Run the control sequence

1. 01

   Confirm recipient identity, role, purpose and approval.

2. 02

   Select the smallest design source file delivery release needed for the decision.

3. 03

   Choose an approved provider permission or controlled archive route.

4. 04

   Send access instructions through a separate verified channel.

5. 05

   Capture receipt, review window, revision request and withdrawal owner.

Preserve decision evidence

Record package ID, delivery release, sender, recipient, authority, provider permission or archive route, instruction channel, receipt, review deadline, replacement and withdrawal status.

Stop when

• The recipient is an unverified shared address.
• A broad archive is sent when one delivery release is sufficient.
• The password travels in the same message or package.

The record should show the approved delivery release, tested environment, responsible people and known limitations without storing passwords or unnecessary design source file content.

Separate the surrounding controls

Does not replace provider permissions, guaranteed backup, password recovery or enterprise identity management. Encryption does not assign provider permissions, verify a recipient, preserve every backup or remove plaintext working copies automatically.

Design Source File archive questions

Primary references

• NIST SP 800-53: Access control and contingency planning
• NIST SP 800-111: Storage encryption

References support specific boundaries and do not imply endorsement.