Name: HexBurn
Rating: 4.8 (1247 reviews)
Author: HexBurn

Why Password Sharing is Dangerous

82% of data breaches involve compromised credentials. Traditional password sharing methods—email, text messages, Slack, or sticky notes—create permanent records that can be intercepted, forwarded, or discovered long after they're needed.

"The safest password is one that never leaves your device. The second safest is one that self-destructs after delivery."

The Golden Rules of Password Sharing

1.
Never use email or messaging apps. These create permanent, searchable records. Even with encryption, metadata reveals when and with whom you shared credentials.
2.
Always use separate channels. Share the link through one medium (email) and the password through another (phone call, SMS). This "split knowledge" approach prevents single-point compromise.
3.
Set short expiration times. If sharing via self-destruct tools, use the shortest practical burn time. For critical systems, 30-60 seconds is ideal.
4.
Change passwords after sharing. Even secure sharing has risks. Change the password immediately after the recipient confirms access.
5.
Use temporary passwords when possible. Many systems allow time-limited or one-time passwords. Always prefer these over permanent credentials.

Step-by-Step: Sharing with HexBurn

Step 1: Prepare the Credential

Format your password share with context:

Service: AWS Production Console
Username: admin@company.com
Password: X8#mK9$pL2@qN7
URL: https://console.aws.amazon.com
MFA: Required (authenticator app)

Note: Change this password after first login.

Step 2: Encrypt with Password Protection

Always add an additional password layer. Use a strong, random password like:

bravo-delta-8472

Use HexBurn's built-in password generator for maximum entropy.

Step 3: Set Aggressive Burn Conditions

Burn Time: 30-60 seconds (production systems)
Max Read Count: 1 (single view only)
Max Decrypt Attempts: 3 (prevents brute-force)

Step 4: Use Split-Channel Delivery

Send via different communication channels:

Link: Email or Slack (non-sensitive channel)
Password: Phone call, SMS, or Signal (separate channel)

⚠️ Never send both through the same medium.

Step 5: Verify and Rotate

After the recipient confirms access:

Confirm they've saved the credentials securely
Change the password immediately
Enable additional security (2FA, IP restrictions)
Document the access grant in your audit log

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

✗

Sharing via password managers' built-in sharing. While convenient, these features often create permanent access grants that require manual revocation.

✗

Using the same password for the message as the credential. This defeats the purpose of two-factor protection.

✗

Sending credentials "in the clear" via encrypted messaging. Even Signal and WhatsApp store messages locally on devices.

✗

Reusing self-destruct links. Each share should be a unique, one-time event.

✓ Industry Best Practices

For Teams: Use enterprise password managers with time-limited sharing and audit logs. Set organizational policies requiring password rotation after every share.

For Contractors: Create temporary accounts with limited permissions. Never share your personal credentials. Use time-based access control (e.g., expires after 30 days).

For Emergency Access: Use sealed secret systems or time-delayed access mechanisms. Document emergency access procedures in advance.

For Compliance: GDPR, SOC 2, and ISO 27001 require audit trails. Document who accessed what credentials and when. Self-destruct messages should generate delivery receipts.

Key Takeaways

→ Traditional password sharing methods create permanent security risks
→ Always use separate channels for links and passwords (split knowledge)
→ Set aggressive expiration times (30-60 seconds for critical systems)
→ Change passwords immediately after sharing, even with secure methods
→ Self-destruct messaging is the gold standard for one-time credential sharing

How to Share Passwords Securely