Encrypted notes-Secure off-the-record conversations with privnote

In short, this exposes our private communications to potential hackers, government surveillance, and public leaks.  Sometimes you need extra privacy for sensitive topics or confidential information. Encrypted messaging apps like Signal and WhatsApp provide security, but they still involve a permanent digital record. For truly private conversations that leave no trace, you need encrypted offline notes that are deleted after reading.

Unlike ephemeral messaging apps, Privnote conversations are completely offline and leave no record. The encrypted note exists temporarily on Privnote’s server and is deleted after being read once via the private link. It prevents the note from being leaked, hacked, subpoenaed, or seen by anyone except the intended recipient. To use Privnote, go to privnote.com and type or paste any text into the main text box. You can include links, attached images, and formatted text, code snippets – anything that represented in plain text. The note is encrypted locally in the browser using 256-bit AES encryption before being transmitted to Privnote’s server over an encrypted HTTPS connection.

Privnote settings

By default, Privnote notes self-destruct after being opened once. But you can customize settings to better suit your privacy needs:

1. Burn after reading-Have notes deleted immediately after opening instead of waiting for the default 1-hour window.
2. Expiration- Set notes to expire and delete from the server after a set period, from 1 hour up to 1 week. Great for ensuring notes don’t stick around forever if the link doesn’t reach the recipient.
3. Password protection- Add an extra password that is necessary to view the note, preventing unauthorized access if the link spreads.
4. Disable web preview-Stops web links in the note from showing previews, keeping URL info private.
5. Add email notification-Be notified by email when your Privnote is opened.

Using privnote securely

To ensure maximum privacy, there are a few operational security steps to take with Privnote:

• Use Tor browser- how to protect text in word? Access Privnote over Tor for anonymous encrypted browsing when creating and opening notes prevents network surveillance.
• Manually delete notes- Don’t rely on auto-deletion. Manually delete your Privnotes from the site after use.
• Avoid copy/paste- Type sensitive info instead of copying/pasting from another source, preventing digital records.
• Use encrypted devices-Privnote’s encryption secures notes in transit and at rest, but not on the recipient’s device. Use encrypted phones/drives.
• Verify identities- Confirm you’re communicating with who you intend on both ends to avoid interception.
• Combine with encrypted chat- Use Privnote links within an encrypted chat like Signal for fully private conversations.

Privnote alternatives

While highly secure and private, Privnote does have some downsides. There are no mobile apps, note-organizing capabilities, or ways to save and store important info. Some alternatives if you need these features:

1. CryptPad- Free open source end-to-end encrypted real-time collaborative docs and whiteboard.
2. SecureDrop- Open source anonymous whistleblower submission system.
3. Keybase Private Notes- Encrypted notes stored privately in the cloud or shared securely.
4. Standard Notes- Cross-platform encrypted note-taking app with folders and tags.
5. Joplin: Open source Evernote alternative with E2EE option. Available on desktop and mobile.

For quick disposable notes, however, Privnote remains one of the best solutions available today. The ease of use and strict encryption makes it fast and simple for secure ephemeral conversations.