What Is File Sharing Encrypted in Your Browser? (Plain-English Guide)
End-to-end encryption, explained without the jargon: what it means for a file you send, how it differs from “encrypted in transit,” and how to spot the real thing.
“Encrypted in your browser” is on every privacy page now, but it’s rarely explained. Here’s what it actually means for a file you send, in plain English — and how to tell the real thing from the marketing version.
The simple version
Files are encrypted in your browser. The keys are exchanged through our server; see How encryption works. Key verification between participants is not yet in place. Anyone with the room code can join or close the room and may receive files sent in it, so only share the code with the person you're sending to.
Three kinds of “encrypted” — and why only one fully protects you
- Encrypted in transit. The file is protected as it travels across the network. Necessary, but the provider can still read it once it arrives.
- Encrypted at rest. The file is stored in scrambled form on a server — but the provider holds the key, so they (and anyone who compromises them) can unlock it.
- Encrypted in your browser. The file is encrypted before upload. Anyone with the room code can join or close the room and may receive files sent in it, so only share the code with the person you're sending to. Key verification is not yet in place.
Why it matters for ordinary files, not just secrets
You don’t need to be a journalist or a lawyer for this to matter. Tax documents, ID scans, medical results, photos of your kids, a signed lease — these are the everyday files that do real damage if they leak. With end-to-end encryption, the service stores encrypted data rather than readable files.
How JustDrop does it
Files are encrypted in your browser before upload. The key exchange does not verify who joins, and the JustDrop server relays the keys, so you are trusting it to relay them honestly. Anyone with the room code can join or close the room and may receive files sent in it, so only share the code with the person you're sending to. File names are not encrypted, and we can see file details including names, types, sizes and upload times.
When you drop a file into a JustDrop room, it’s scrambled in your browser before a single byte leaves your device. Files are encrypted in your browser. The keys are exchanged through our server; see How encryption works. Key verification between participants is not yet in place. When a room is closed, its files and room details are being removed from our storage. Our cloud provider may keep a recoverable copy for up to 7 days. If you want the practical playbook, read how to send files securely; for a sensitive real-world case, see sending confidential documents.