Chapter 5: File Sharing and Collaboration
Chapter Overview
This chapter provides comprehensive guidance for implementing secure file sharing and collaboration systems that support resistance operations while maintaining strong security protections. Effective collaboration requires balancing accessibility and usability with security requirements, ensuring that sensitive documents and information remain protected throughout the collaboration lifecycle.
Sections in this chapter:
- 5-1: CryptPad Secure Document Collaboration
- 5-2: OnionShare Anonymous File Transfer
- 5-3: Encrypted Cloud Storage (Mega/Proton)
- 5-4: Digital Dead Drops
- 5-5: Version Control for Sensitive Documents
- 5-6: Collaborative Security Protocols
Section 5-1: CryptPad Secure Document Collaboration
Overview
CryptPad provides real-time collaborative document editing with client-side encryption, making it ideal for secure document collaboration in resistance operations. Unlike traditional cloud office suites, CryptPad encrypts all content in the browser before transmission, ensuring that even the server operators cannot access document contents.
CryptPad Architecture
Security Model
CryptPad Security Architecture:
1. Client-Side Encryption:
- All encryption/decryption occurs in browser
- Server never sees unencrypted content
- Zero-knowledge architecture
- User controls all cryptographic keys
2. Document Access Control:
- Cryptographic access control
- Share links contain encryption keys
- No server-side access management
- Perfect forward secrecy for documents
3. Anonymous Usage:
- No account required for basic usage
- Optional accounts for additional features
- No personal information collection
- IP address protection through Tor
Self-Hosted Deployment
Server Requirements
CryptPad Server Specifications:
- CPU: 2+ cores, 2.4 GHz minimum
- RAM: 4 GB minimum, 8 GB recommended
- Storage: 50 GB SSD minimum
- Network: Reliable internet with static IP
- OS: Ubuntu 20.04 LTS or Debian 11
Installation Process
# Install Node.js and dependencies
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_16.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt-get install -y nodejs git
# Clone CryptPad repository
git clone https://github.com/xwiki-labs/cryptpad.git
cd cryptpad
# Install dependencies
npm install --production
# Copy and configure settings
cp config/config.example.js config/config.js
Security Configuration
// config/config.js security settings
module.exports = {
httpUnsafeOrigin: 'https://your-domain.com',
httpSafeOrigin: 'https://your-sandbox-domain.com',
// Disable analytics and external connections
logToStdout: false,
logLevel: 'error',
logFeedback: false,
// Security headers
httpHeaders: {
"X-XSS-Protection": "1; mode=block",
"X-Content-Type-Options": "nosniff",
"Access-Control-Allow-Origin": "*"
},
// Disable registration for private instances
disableEmbedding: true,
restrictRegistration: true,
// File upload limits
maxUploadSize: 20 * 1024 * 1024, // 20 MB
// Disable external services
adminEmail: false,
supportMailbox: false
};
Operational Usage
Document Creation and Sharing
Secure Document Workflow:
1. Document Creation:
- Access CryptPad through Tor Browser
- Create document without account registration
- Use strong password for document protection
- Configure appropriate access permissions
2. Collaboration Setup:
- Generate secure sharing link
- Share link through secure communication channel
- Verify collaborator identity before sharing
- Establish collaboration protocols and guidelines
3. Access Management:
- Use view-only links for read-only access
- Implement edit permissions carefully
- Regular review of document access
- Revoke access when no longer needed
Document Security
CryptPad Security Practices:
1. Password Protection:
- Use strong, unique passwords for sensitive documents
- Share passwords through separate secure channels
- Regular password rotation for long-term documents
- Document password management procedures
2. Access Control:
- Limit sharing to necessary participants only
- Use appropriate permission levels (view/edit/own)
- Regular review and cleanup of shared documents
- Monitor document access and activity
3. Content Security:
- Avoid including identifying information
- Use coded language for sensitive topics
- Regular content review and sanitization
- Secure deletion of obsolete documents
Collaboration Protocols
Secure Collaboration Procedures:
1. Document Standards:
- Consistent naming conventions
- Clear version identification
- Standardized formatting and structure
- Security classification markings
2. Editing Protocols:
- Coordinated editing schedules
- Change tracking and documentation
- Conflict resolution procedures
- Review and approval processes
3. Communication Integration:
- Coordinate document work through secure messaging
- Use separate channels for document discussion
- Verify changes through multiple channels
- Document decision-making processes
Advanced Features
Document Types and Capabilities
CryptPad Document Types:
1. Rich Text Documents:
- Collaborative word processing
- Real-time editing and comments
- Export to various formats
- Version history and restoration
2. Spreadsheets:
- Collaborative data analysis
- Formula and calculation support
- Chart and graph creation
- Data import and export
3. Presentations:
- Collaborative slide creation
- Real-time presentation mode
- Media embedding and formatting
- Export and sharing options
4. Code Editor:
- Collaborative code development
- Syntax highlighting and formatting
- Multiple programming language support
- Version control integration
5. Kanban Boards:
- Project management and task tracking
- Collaborative workflow management
- Progress monitoring and reporting
- Team coordination and communication
Integration and Workflow
CryptPad Integration:
1. Communication Integration:
- Link CryptPad with secure messaging
- Coordinate document work through Matrix/Element
- Use OnionShare for large file transfers
- Integrate with project management workflows
2. Backup and Export:
- Regular document backup procedures
- Export to encrypted archives
- Offline document storage
- Recovery and restoration procedures
3. Workflow Automation:
- Document templates and standards
- Automated backup and archiving
- Integration with other collaboration tools
- Workflow monitoring and optimization
While CryptPad provides excellent security for document collaboration, it has limitations: requires JavaScript enabled, limited offline functionality, and potential browser-based attacks. Use in combination with other security measures and maintain offline backups of critical documents.
Section 5-2: OnionShare Anonymous File Transfer
Overview
OnionShare provides anonymous file sharing over the Tor network without requiring central servers or user accounts. This makes it ideal for secure file transfers where sender anonymity is critical and traditional file sharing services pose security risks.
OnionShare Architecture
Security Model
OnionShare Security Features:
1. Tor Hidden Services:
- Anonymous file sharing over Tor network
- No central servers or intermediaries
- Sender location and identity protection
- Censorship resistance and availability
2. Ephemeral Sharing:
- Automatic shutdown after download
- Time-limited sharing windows
- One-time download capability
- No persistent file storage
3. Access Control:
- Password protection for shared files
- Custom URLs for additional security
- Download monitoring and logging
- Automatic security measures
Installation and Setup
# Install OnionShare on Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt update
sudo apt install onionshare
# Install from Flatpak (alternative)
flatpak install flathub org.onionshare.OnionShare
# Verify Tor installation and configuration
sudo apt install tor
sudo systemctl enable tor
sudo systemctl start tor
File Sharing Operations
Basic File Sharing
OnionShare File Sharing Process:
1. File Preparation:
- Create encrypted archive of files to share
- Remove metadata from files
- Verify file integrity and content
- Organize files for efficient sharing
2. OnionShare Configuration:
- Launch OnionShare application
- Add files or folders to share
- Configure security settings
- Generate sharing URL and password
3. Secure Distribution:
- Share URL through secure communication channel
- Share password through separate secure channel
- Provide download instructions and verification
- Monitor for successful download completion
4. Post-Sharing Security:
- Verify automatic shutdown after download
- Clear OnionShare logs and temporary files
- Confirm recipient received files successfully
- Document transfer for operational records
Advanced Sharing Options
OnionShare Advanced Features:
1. Website Hosting:
- Host static websites anonymously
- Share information without file downloads
- Temporary website deployment
- Anonymous content distribution
2. Receive Mode:
- Anonymous file upload capability
- Secure submission systems
- Whistleblower and leak platforms
- Anonymous feedback collection
3. Chat Mode:
- Anonymous chat rooms
- Temporary communication channels
- Group coordination without accounts
- Emergency communication systems
Security Configuration
OnionShare Security Settings
Security Configuration Checklist:
□ Enable password protection for all shares
□ Set automatic shutdown after download
□ Configure short expiration times
□ Disable public mode for sensitive files
□ Enable stealth mode for additional security
□ Use custom titles and descriptions carefully
□ Monitor download activity and logs
□ Clear temporary files after sharing
Operational Security
OnionShare OpSec Procedures:
1. File Preparation:
- Encrypt files before adding to OnionShare
- Remove all metadata and identifying information
- Use generic filenames and folder structures
- Verify file content for security implications
2. Sharing Security:
- Generate strong passwords for file protection
- Use secure channels for URL and password distribution
- Verify recipient identity before sharing
- Monitor sharing activity for anomalies
3. Post-Sharing Cleanup:
- Verify automatic shutdown and file deletion
- Clear OnionShare application logs
- Remove temporary files and caches
- Document successful transfer completion
Integration with Other Systems
Workflow Integration
OnionShare Integration Strategies:
1. Communication Integration:
- Coordinate file sharing through secure messaging
- Use Matrix/Element for sharing coordination
- Integrate with CryptPad for document collaboration
- Link with project management workflows
2. Backup and Archiving:
- Use OnionShare for secure backup distribution
- Anonymous archival and storage systems
- Emergency document distribution
- Disaster recovery file sharing
3. Operational Integration:
- Intelligence sharing and distribution
- Resource and material distribution
- Training material and documentation sharing
- Emergency communication and coordination
Automation and Scripting
# OnionShare command-line automation
#!/bin/bash
# Prepare files for sharing
SHARE_DIR="/tmp/secure_share"
mkdir -p "$SHARE_DIR"
# Copy and encrypt files
cp sensitive_files/* "$SHARE_DIR/"
gpg --cipher-algo AES256 --compress-algo 1 --s2k-mode 3 \
--s2k-digest-algo SHA512 --s2k-count 65536 --symmetric \
--output "$SHARE_DIR/encrypted_files.gpg" "$SHARE_DIR/*"
# Remove unencrypted files
rm "$SHARE_DIR"/*.txt "$SHARE_DIR"/*.pdf
# Start OnionShare with security settings
onionshare-cli --receive --public --auto-stop-timer 3600 \
--password "$(openssl rand -base64 32)" "$SHARE_DIR"
OnionShare requires both sender and recipient to use Tor Browser for access. Ensure all participants understand Tor usage and have secure access to Tor network. Monitor for network analysis attacks and use additional encryption for highly sensitive files.
Section 5-3: Encrypted Cloud Storage (Mega/Proton)
Overview
Encrypted cloud storage services provide convenient file storage and sharing with client-side encryption, making them suitable for medium-security file storage and collaboration when properly configured and used with appropriate operational security measures.
Service Selection and Evaluation
Recommended Services
Encrypted Cloud Storage Options:
1. Mega:
- Client-side encryption with user-controlled keys
- 20 GB free storage, paid plans available
- File sharing with password protection
- Browser and mobile app access
2. Proton Drive:
- Zero-access encryption architecture
- Integration with ProtonMail ecosystem
- Swiss privacy laws and jurisdiction
- End-to-end encrypted file sharing
3. Tresorit:
- Business-focused encrypted storage
- Advanced access controls and permissions
- Compliance with privacy regulations
- Enterprise security features
4. SpiderOak:
- Zero-knowledge architecture
- Cross-platform synchronization
- Version history and backup features
- Business and enterprise plans
Security Evaluation Criteria
Cloud Storage Security Assessment:
1. Encryption Implementation:
- Client-side encryption with user-controlled keys
- Zero-knowledge architecture
- Strong encryption algorithms and key lengths
- Secure key management and storage
2. Privacy and Jurisdiction:
- Privacy-friendly legal jurisdiction
- No data retention or sharing requirements
- Transparent privacy policies
- Independent security audits
3. Access Controls:
- Strong authentication and access controls
- Two-factor authentication support
- Granular sharing permissions
- Activity monitoring and logging
4. Operational Security:
- Secure account creation and management
- Anonymous payment options
- Tor and VPN compatibility
- Data portability and export options
Secure Account Setup
Anonymous Account Creation
Anonymous Account Setup:
1. Network Security:
- Use Tor Browser for account creation
- Connect through VPN for additional protection
- Use public WiFi unconnected to identity
- Avoid home or work network connections
2. Account Information:
- Use temporary email address for registration
- Provide minimal or false personal information
- Use strong, unique passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication
3. Payment Security:
- Use anonymous payment methods when possible
- Cryptocurrency payments for anonymity
- Prepaid cards purchased with cash
- Avoid linking to personal financial accounts
Security Configuration
Cloud Storage Security Settings:
□ Enable two-factor authentication
□ Use strong, unique passwords
□ Configure secure recovery options
□ Enable login notifications and monitoring
□ Review and configure sharing permissions
□ Set up secure backup and recovery
□ Configure automatic logout and session timeouts
□ Review privacy and security settings regularly
File Management and Security
File Preparation
Secure File Preparation:
1. Encryption:
- Encrypt sensitive files before upload
- Use strong encryption algorithms (AES-256)
- Implement secure key management
- Regular key rotation for long-term storage
2. Metadata Removal:
- Strip metadata from all files
- Use generic filenames and folder structures
- Remove identifying information and traces
- Sanitize file content for security implications
3. Organization:
- Use consistent naming conventions
- Implement logical folder structures
- Apply security classifications
- Document file organization and access
Access Control and Sharing
Secure Sharing Procedures:
1. Permission Management:
- Use minimum necessary permissions
- Implement time-limited access when possible
- Regular review and cleanup of shared files
- Monitor file access and download activity
2. Sharing Security:
- Use password protection for shared files
- Share access credentials through secure channels
- Verify recipient identity before sharing
- Monitor sharing activity for anomalies
3. Collaboration Protocols:
- Establish clear collaboration guidelines
- Coordinate file access and editing
- Implement version control procedures
- Document collaboration activities
Operational Procedures
Backup and Synchronization
Cloud Storage Backup Strategy:
1. Local Backups:
- Maintain encrypted local copies of critical files
- Regular backup verification and testing
- Secure backup storage and access controls
- Offline backup for maximum security
2. Multi-Provider Strategy:
- Use multiple cloud storage providers
- Distribute files across different services
- Implement redundancy for critical files
- Regular synchronization and consistency checks
3. Recovery Procedures:
- Document recovery procedures and access
- Test recovery procedures regularly
- Maintain secure access to recovery credentials
- Plan for provider service disruption
Monitoring and Maintenance
Cloud Storage Monitoring:
1. Access Monitoring:
- Regular review of account activity logs
- Monitor for unauthorized access attempts
- Track file access and sharing activity
- Investigate anomalies and suspicious activity
2. Security Maintenance:
- Regular password and credential updates
- Security setting review and updates
- Software and application updates
- Provider security update monitoring
3. Compliance and Cleanup:
- Regular file review and cleanup
- Remove obsolete and unnecessary files
- Update access permissions and sharing
- Document retention and disposal procedures
Encrypted cloud storage provides convenient access and collaboration features while maintaining reasonable security for medium-sensitivity files. Use in combination with other security measures and maintain local encrypted backups of critical files.
Section 5-4: Digital Dead Drops
Overview
Digital dead drops provide asynchronous file sharing without direct contact between sender and recipient, using various online and offline methods to transfer files while minimizing metadata exposure and maintaining operational security.
Dead Drop Methodologies
Online Dead Drop Systems
Online Dead Drop Methods:
1. Temporary File Hosting:
- Anonymous file upload services
- Time-limited file availability
- Password protection and encryption
- No registration or account requirements
2. Public File Sharing:
- Anonymous uploads to public platforms
- Steganography in public images
- Hidden data in public documents
- Coded filenames and locations
3. Email Dead Drops:
- Shared email accounts with draft messages
- Temporary email services
- Encrypted email with delayed delivery
- Anonymous email forwarding services
4. Social Media Dead Drops:
- Hidden data in social media posts
- Steganography in public images
- Coded messages in public forums
- Anonymous file sharing through platforms
Offline Dead Drop Systems
Offline Dead Drop Methods:
1. Physical Media:
- USB drives in predetermined locations
- SD cards hidden in public spaces
- Encrypted data on physical media
- QR codes with encrypted data
2. Network Dead Drops:
- WiFi networks with shared files
- Bluetooth file sharing in public spaces
- Local network file sharing
- Mesh network file distribution
3. Hybrid Systems:
- Combination of online and offline methods
- Multiple redundant channels
- Backup and verification systems
- Emergency fallback procedures
Implementation Procedures
Dead Drop Setup
Dead Drop Establishment:
1. Location Selection:
- Choose publicly accessible locations
- Avoid surveillance and monitoring
- Ensure reliable access for all parties
- Plan for multiple backup locations
2. Security Configuration:
- Implement strong encryption for all data
- Use secure authentication and verification
- Establish access protocols and timing
- Plan for compromise detection and response
3. Communication Protocols:
- Establish signaling systems for availability
- Coordinate access timing and procedures
- Implement verification and confirmation
- Plan for emergency communication
Operational Security
Dead Drop OpSec Procedures:
1. Access Security:
- Use different identities for different drops
- Vary access timing and patterns
- Monitor for surveillance and compromise
- Implement counter-surveillance measures
2. Data Security:
- Encrypt all data before placement
- Use strong authentication and verification
- Implement data integrity checking
- Plan for secure data destruction
3. Communication Security:
- Use coded language for coordination
- Separate channels for different purposes
- Verify all communications and instructions
- Monitor for interception and compromise
Technical Implementation
Steganography Techniques
Data Hiding Methods:
1. Image Steganography:
- Hide data in image files
- Use steganography tools (steghide, outguess)
- Embed in publicly posted images
- Maintain image quality and appearance
2. Document Steganography:
- Hide data in document metadata
- Use invisible text and formatting
- Embed in publicly available documents
- Maintain document functionality
3. Audio/Video Steganography:
- Hide data in multimedia files
- Use least significant bit encoding
- Embed in publicly shared media
- Maintain media quality and playback
Automation and Tools
# Steganography automation script
#!/bin/bash
# Hide encrypted file in image
steghide embed -cf cover_image.jpg -ef secret_file.gpg -sf output_image.jpg -p "password"
# Extract hidden file from image
steghide extract -sf output_image.jpg -xf extracted_file.gpg -p "password"
# Verify file integrity
sha256sum secret_file.gpg extracted_file.gpg
Dead Drop Management
Monitoring and Maintenance
Dead Drop Management:
1. Regular Monitoring:
- Check dead drop status and availability
- Monitor for compromise or interference
- Verify data integrity and accessibility
- Update security measures as needed
2. Maintenance Procedures:
- Regular cleanup and sanitization
- Update encryption and security measures
- Refresh locations and access methods
- Test backup and recovery procedures
3. Incident Response:
- Detect and respond to compromise
- Implement emergency procedures
- Activate backup systems and locations
- Investigate and document incidents
Lifecycle Management
Dead Drop Lifecycle:
1. Establishment:
- Plan and configure dead drop systems
- Test functionality and security
- Train participants in procedures
- Document access and protocols
2. Operation:
- Regular use and monitoring
- Maintenance and security updates
- Incident response and recovery
- Performance optimization
3. Retirement:
- Secure decommissioning procedures
- Data sanitization and destruction
- Location cleanup and restoration
- Documentation and lessons learned
Digital dead drops require careful planning and execution to maintain security. Physical dead drops pose additional risks including discovery, surveillance, and physical compromise. Use multiple redundant systems and maintain strict operational security.
Section 5-5: Version Control for Sensitive Documents
Overview
Version control systems track changes to documents over time, enabling collaboration while maintaining security and accountability. For resistance operations, version control must balance collaboration needs with security requirements, ensuring that document history and changes remain protected.
Version Control Principles
Security-First Version Control
Secure Version Control Requirements:
1. Encryption:
- All document versions encrypted at rest
- Secure transmission of changes and updates
- Client-side encryption when possible
- Strong key management and protection
2. Access Control:
- Role-based access to documents and versions
- Granular permissions for different operations
- Authentication and authorization controls
- Audit logging and monitoring
3. Anonymity and Privacy:
- Anonymous or pseudonymous contributions
- Metadata protection and minimization
- Location and timing privacy
- Identity separation and compartmentalization
4. Integrity and Authenticity:
- Cryptographic verification of changes
- Digital signatures for accountability
- Tamper detection and prevention
- Change attribution and verification
Version Control Models
Version Control Approaches:
1. Centralized Model:
- Single authoritative repository
- Centralized access control and management
- Simplified coordination and synchronization
- Single point of failure and control
2. Distributed Model:
- Multiple repository copies
- Decentralized collaboration and synchronization
- Resilience and redundancy
- Complex coordination and conflict resolution
3. Hybrid Model:
- Combination of centralized and distributed features
- Flexible access and collaboration options
- Balanced security and usability
- Adaptable to different operational requirements
Technical Implementation
Git-Based Version Control
# Initialize secure Git repository
git init --bare secure-docs.git
cd secure-docs.git
# Configure security settings
git config core.sharedRepository group
git config receive.denyNonFastForwards true
git config receive.denyDeletes true
# Set up encryption with git-crypt
git-crypt init
git-crypt add-gpg-user user@example.com
# Configure .gitattributes for encryption
echo "*.txt filter=git-crypt diff=git-crypt" >> .gitattributes
echo "*.md filter=git-crypt diff=git-crypt" >> .gitattributes
Document Workflow
Secure Document Workflow:
1. Document Creation:
- Create documents in secure environment
- Apply appropriate security classifications
- Remove metadata and identifying information
- Initialize version control tracking
2. Collaboration:
- Clone repository to secure local environment
- Make changes using secure editing tools
- Commit changes with descriptive messages
- Push changes through secure channels
3. Review and Approval:
- Review changes through secure communication
- Approve changes through established procedures
- Merge approved changes to main branch
- Document approval and decision-making
4. Distribution:
- Export approved versions for distribution
- Apply final security measures and encryption
- Distribute through secure channels
- Monitor access and usage
Collaboration Protocols
Change Management
Document Change Management:
1. Change Proposal:
- Identify need for document changes
- Propose changes through secure channels
- Review and approve change proposals
- Assign responsibility for implementation
2. Change Implementation:
- Create feature branch for changes
- Implement changes following security guidelines
- Test and verify changes
- Submit changes for review and approval
3. Change Review:
- Review changes for content and security
- Verify compliance with guidelines and standards
- Approve or request modifications
- Merge approved changes to main branch
4. Change Documentation:
- Document changes and rationale
- Update version numbers and metadata
- Communicate changes to stakeholders
- Archive change documentation
Conflict Resolution
Document Conflict Resolution:
1. Conflict Detection:
- Identify conflicting changes and versions
- Assess impact and implications
- Notify affected parties and stakeholders
- Initiate resolution procedures
2. Conflict Analysis:
- Analyze conflicting changes and requirements
- Identify root causes and contributing factors
- Assess options and alternatives
- Develop resolution strategy
3. Conflict Resolution:
- Implement agreed-upon resolution
- Update documents and version control
- Communicate resolution to stakeholders
- Document lessons learned and improvements
4. Prevention:
- Improve coordination and communication
- Update procedures and guidelines
- Provide additional training and support
- Monitor for recurring issues
Security Considerations
Repository Security
Version Control Security:
1. Repository Protection:
- Encrypt repository data at rest
- Secure transmission and access protocols
- Strong authentication and access controls
- Regular security audits and monitoring
2. Access Management:
- Role-based access controls
- Principle of least privilege
- Regular access review and cleanup
- Secure credential management
3. Backup and Recovery:
- Regular encrypted backups
- Secure backup storage and access
- Tested recovery procedures
- Disaster recovery planning
4. Monitoring and Auditing:
- Access logging and monitoring
- Change tracking and attribution
- Security incident detection and response
- Compliance monitoring and reporting
Operational Security
Version Control OpSec:
1. Identity Management:
- Use pseudonyms for version control
- Separate identities for different projects
- Avoid linking to real identities
- Regular identity rotation and cleanup
2. Communication Security:
- Coordinate version control through secure channels
- Separate communication for different purposes
- Verify all communications and instructions
- Monitor for interception and compromise
3. Device Security:
- Use dedicated devices for version control
- Secure device configuration and management
- Regular security updates and maintenance
- Secure disposal and sanitization
Secure version control provides accountability, collaboration, and change tracking while maintaining security. Implement appropriate security measures and operational procedures to protect sensitive documents throughout the collaboration lifecycle.
Section 5-6: Collaborative Security Protocols
Overview
Collaborative security protocols provide the operational framework for secure file sharing and collaboration, defining roles, responsibilities, procedures, and security measures that ensure effective collaboration while maintaining security and operational security requirements.
Protocol Framework
Collaboration Security Model
Collaborative Security Framework:
1. Roles and Responsibilities:
- Document owners and administrators
- Content contributors and editors
- Reviewers and approvers
- Security officers and monitors
2. Access Controls:
- Role-based access permissions
- Document classification and handling
- Time-limited and conditional access
- Regular access review and cleanup
3. Security Procedures:
- Document creation and classification
- Secure sharing and distribution
- Change management and approval
- Incident response and recovery
4. Monitoring and Compliance:
- Activity monitoring and logging
- Compliance verification and auditing
- Security incident detection and response
- Continuous improvement and optimization
Protocol Development
Protocol Development Process:
1. Requirements Analysis:
- Identify collaboration needs and objectives
- Assess security requirements and constraints
- Analyze stakeholder roles and responsibilities
- Define success criteria and metrics
2. Protocol Design:
- Develop security architecture and controls
- Design operational procedures and workflows
- Create training and documentation materials
- Plan implementation and deployment
3. Testing and Validation:
- Test protocols in safe environments
- Validate security and operational effectiveness
- Identify and address issues and gaps
- Refine protocols based on testing results
4. Implementation and Monitoring:
- Deploy protocols in operational environment
- Monitor effectiveness and compliance
- Provide ongoing training and support
- Continuously improve and optimize
Document Classification and Handling
Classification System
Document Classification Framework:
1. Classification Levels:
- Public: No restrictions on distribution
- Internal: Organization members only
- Restricted: Specific roles and need-to-know
- Classified: Highest security, minimal access
2. Handling Requirements:
- Storage and transmission security
- Access controls and permissions
- Sharing and distribution procedures
- Retention and disposal requirements
3. Marking and Labeling:
- Clear classification markings
- Handling instruction labels
- Distribution and access restrictions
- Review and declassification dates
Document Lifecycle Management
Document Lifecycle Security:
1. Creation:
- Security classification assignment
- Initial access control configuration
- Metadata and content security review
- Version control initialization
2. Collaboration:
- Secure sharing and access procedures
- Change management and approval
- Version control and tracking
- Security monitoring and compliance
3. Review and Approval:
- Content review and verification
- Security assessment and clearance
- Approval and authorization procedures
- Final version preparation and distribution
4. Archival and Disposal:
- Long-term storage and preservation
- Access control maintenance
- Secure disposal and destruction
- Documentation and record keeping
Collaboration Workflows
Secure Collaboration Process
Collaboration Workflow:
1. Project Initiation:
- Define collaboration objectives and scope
- Identify participants and roles
- Establish security requirements and procedures
- Set up collaboration infrastructure and tools
2. Document Development:
- Create initial documents and structure
- Assign roles and responsibilities
- Implement security controls and procedures
- Begin collaborative development process
3. Review and Revision:
- Regular review and feedback cycles
- Change management and approval
- Version control and tracking
- Quality assurance and verification
4. Finalization and Distribution:
- Final review and approval
- Security clearance and classification
- Distribution and access management
- Monitoring and maintenance
Quality Assurance
Collaboration Quality Assurance:
1. Content Quality:
- Accuracy and completeness verification
- Consistency and standardization
- Clarity and readability assessment
- Technical and factual review
2. Security Quality:
- Security classification verification
- Access control validation
- Operational security compliance
- Risk assessment and mitigation
3. Process Quality:
- Procedure compliance verification
- Workflow efficiency assessment
- Participant satisfaction evaluation
- Continuous improvement identification
Training and Support
Collaboration Training
Training Program Components:
1. Security Awareness:
- Document classification and handling
- Operational security procedures
- Threat awareness and mitigation
- Incident reporting and response
2. Technical Training:
- Collaboration tool usage and configuration
- Security feature implementation
- Troubleshooting and support
- Best practices and optimization
3. Procedural Training:
- Workflow and process procedures
- Role responsibilities and expectations
- Quality assurance and compliance
- Communication and coordination
4. Ongoing Support:
- Regular training updates and refreshers
- Technical support and assistance
- Procedure clarification and guidance
- Performance feedback and improvement
Support Infrastructure
Collaboration Support System:
1. Technical Support:
- Help desk and troubleshooting
- System administration and maintenance
- Security monitoring and response
- Performance optimization and tuning
2. Procedural Support:
- Process guidance and clarification
- Workflow optimization and improvement
- Compliance monitoring and enforcement
- Training and development support
3. Security Support:
- Security incident response and investigation
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Security awareness and education
- Compliance auditing and verification
Effective collaborative security protocols require clear roles, comprehensive procedures, ongoing training, and continuous improvement. Success depends on consistent implementation and participant commitment to security and operational excellence.
Chapter Summary
Chapter 5 has provided comprehensive guidance for implementing secure file sharing and collaboration systems that support resistance operations while maintaining strong security protections:
Section 5-1 covered CryptPad secure document collaboration with client-side encryption and real-time collaborative editing capabilities.
Section 5-2 detailed OnionShare anonymous file transfer over Tor network for secure, ephemeral file sharing without central servers.
Section 5-3 explained encrypted cloud storage services (Mega/Proton) for convenient file storage and sharing with appropriate security measures.
Section 5-4 described digital dead drop systems for asynchronous file sharing without direct contact between participants.
Section 5-5 covered version control systems for sensitive documents, enabling collaboration while maintaining security and accountability.
Section 5-6 established collaborative security protocols that provide the operational framework for secure file sharing and collaboration.
Implementation Strategy
For resistance networks implementing secure file sharing and collaboration:
- Start with Basic Tools: Begin with OnionShare for immediate secure file transfer needs
- Add Collaboration: Implement CryptPad for document collaboration and real-time editing
- Enhance with Cloud Storage: Add encrypted cloud storage for convenient access and backup
- Implement Advanced Systems: Deploy version control and dead drop systems for sophisticated operations
- Establish Protocols: Develop comprehensive collaborative security protocols and procedures
Integration with Communication Systems
The file sharing and collaboration systems covered in this chapter work in conjunction with the secure messaging systems from Chapter 4 to provide comprehensive communication and collaboration capabilities. Together, these systems form the foundation for secure resistance operations covered in Part III.
Next: Part III: Operational Security Procedures →