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I’d like to share links with clients so that only their email addresses can access the particular shared folder. I know this can be achieved by inviting them to be a collaborator, but I do not want to require these recipients to apply for a Box account. In other words, I’d like to “register” the users who are able to access a given folder, so that even if the email containing the link is maliciously intercepted, others cannot access the folder. Make sense?

My concern is that only sending a link might not be secure.

At this time, I only have a free account, so maybe that’s relevant.

Thanks! -Ron

Hi ​@Tensakun, 

Welcome to Box Community, and we’re happy to discuss the best content sharing option that’ll work for you! 

 

Things to keep in mind when granting access to your Box contents: 

  1. Inviting clients as collaborators to a folder ensures that only those invited can access it by email address, but this requires them to have or create a Box account. This means they must register with Box to gain access.

  2. Sharing a link alone (“People with the link”) allows anyone with the link to access the content without needing a Box account, which is less secure if the link is intercepted. 

  3. Password protection and expiration dates can add security to shared links, but password-protected links are available only on paid Box accounts, not free ones. 

  4. With a free Box account, you cannot enforce user registration or identity verification for link access; only collaborators with Box accounts can be restricted by email.

In summary, with a free Box account, you cannot “register” external users to access a shared folder via a link without requiring them to create a Box account. The most secure way to limit access by email is to invite them as collaborators, which mandates Box account creation. Shared links without login allow anyone with the link to access the content, so they are inherently less secure.

 

Please see these helpful articles for your reference, 

 

Hope it helps, and please let us know if you have clarifications. 

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