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July 29, 2008 1:59 PM PDT

Streamfile lets you send files to friends; malware to enemies

by Josh Lowensohn

Got a big file you need to send to a friend or family member? You can either spend time uploading it to a hosting service, or start a one-time transfer that will be deleted from the cloud within 24 hours. Streamfile is a service that does just that and with a high level of simplicity, making it pretty close to perfect for sending large files to non-tech savvy individuals.

Just pick what file you want to transfer to your friend (up to 2GB in size) and the service will spit out two URLs for you to send either on your own or via e-mail. One is a generic URL, while the other is secured with AES 256-bit SSL encryption, the same level of security you'd find on most banking sites. Whomever clicks that link will begin downloading the file in their browser's download manager as the uploader on your site seeds the file onto a temporary spot on its servers. Even before you've managed to finish uploading your recipient can begin their download. Pretty cool.

One HUGE potential danger of the service is that you can spoof other people's identities and send executables--something that's been banned on most Web mail services both on the sending and receiving end. It lets you to pick both the name and e-mail of the sender which comes through as an e-mail from them instead of the service itself. If you're targeting someone and know they'll click on what you're sending them, you could easily rename malicious files and get them to open them unless they've got capable antivirus software installed.

Huge security fraud potential aside, it's blissfully simple to use and a huge asset for passing big files to friends. If you've been wary of installing a software solution and paying for premium services that let you break that 500MB to 1GB barrier found on most services, Streamfile makes a highly desirable solution.

[via SimpleSpark]

Streamfile lets you send as many files as you want, up to 2GB, either in total or per single file.

(Credit: CNET Networks)
Josh Lowensohn writes for Webware.com, CNET's blog about Web applications and services. E-mail Josh, or follow him on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/Josh.
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Add a Comment (Log in or register) (4 Comments)
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by LT1501 July 30, 2008 8:09 AM PDT
Seems they are down at the moment.

Steve
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by cnetdude1977 July 30, 2008 10:39 AM PDT
Whoa! You can do the same thing with yahoo instant messenger. Except with yahoo you can send any size file. And I've been using it for many years now. Not impresed. Fail!
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by malcarada August 2, 2008 12:51 PM PDT
I dont understand how they make you anymore anonymous than rapidshare or anyother filesharing service out there.
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by my-dropzone March 11, 2009 7:09 PM PDT
I'd like to also share another great resource for sending, receiving and storing files. And, the good thing is, everything is drag and drop. There's not browse and attach. It's web based, secure and you can drag and drop files from you desktop or other PC location to the dropzone to send as a link, attachment, or direct to other dropzone users. It's like having your own private, secure network. You can send files to anyone, anywhere from anywhere.

Check it out: www.my-dropzone.net.
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