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February 16, 2010

WatchDox – Protect Your Shared Documents

WatchDox makes it easier to share sensitive documents online, by providing custom watermarks and encryption tools that make it harder for cyber sleuths to copy, print, or forward those documents without your knowledge. With the help of tracking tools that show who viewed your files, when they viewed them, and where they were, WatchDox increases the security of document shared online—all without the need for any software downloads or complicated password systems.

To start sending documents securely, choose the file you’d like to send and enter the email addresses for everyone you’d like to receive it. Choose which recipients should be able to view, copy, print, or forward the document, and set a project expiration date that disables access after a preset term. Next, your document will be uploaded in the WatchDox format—which guarantees security thanks to SSL encryption. Your recipients will receive an email with a link to the document on the WatchDox site, where they can read it within a viewer that prevents any unauthorized copying, printing or forwarding.

More advanced users can sign up to receive a notification email instantly if their document is viewed, printed or forwarded by a recipient. Not only that, but they can see who accessed the document in the WatchDox site, as well. If you are an individual or company who regularly sends private documents online, then WatchDox is a secure tracking tool that will protect your documents and keep you up-to-date if anyone else is trying to peek in.

Practical Uses:

  • Securely send a financial document to your accountant
  • Email your customer list to a potential client without fear of it being copied
  • Send programming documents containing sensitive data
  • Forward your unpublished design portfolio for review by a prospective client

Insider Tips:

  • Use the WatchDox plug-in to send private documents from inside Microsoft Outlook
  • Change the privacy settings even after the document has been sent
  • Set up email notifications to receive notice whenever someone views your file
  • More than 10 file types are supported

What we liked:

  • Ability to change privacy settings even once the document has been sent out
  • No need for passwords to memorize
  • Tracking system lets you know when and where someone opened your file
  • Add your own note to any document or file

What we didn’t like:

  • New recipients must complete an authentication process before they’re able to view a document, which might take more time that some people are willing to spend

Alternatives:

  • We haven’t found anything quite like WatchDox

Company Info:

  • Launched: June 2009
  • Privately Held
  • Headquarters: Mountain View, California
  • Founded by: Confidela
  • Web site: https://www.watchdox.com

Costs:

  • Plans start at $49.95/month for single users

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