PrivateBin

PrivateBin is an advanced, open-source online pastebin developed to provide a secure and private environment for sharing text documents, code samples, and other data. Born as a fork of ZeroBin, originally crafted by Sébastien Sauvage, PrivateBin has evolved with a focus on enhancing security features and maintaining user privacy.

Key features of PrivateBin:

• Enhanced security through encryption. PrivateBin ensures that all data is encrypted and decrypted directly in the browser using 256-bit AES in Galois Counter mode. This means the server itself has zero knowledge of the pasted data, enhancing the security and privacy of the contents.


• Server side plausible deniability. As a server administrator, there is no access to the content of the pastes, which provides plausible deniability should users post content considered illegal. This feature ensures that administrators can maintain a legally safe stance regarding the data hosted.


• Compatibility and upgrades. Despite its advancements, PrivateBin remains fully compatible with the original ZeroBin 0.19 data storage scheme. This compatibility allows for seamless upgrades from ZeroBin to PrivateBin without the risk of data loss.


• Password protection and secure sharing. PrivateBin allows users to set passwords for their pastes, adding an additional layer of security. Only individuals with the password can access the content, preventing unauthorized viewing of sensitive information.

What PrivateBin does not provide:

• Trust in server administration. Users must trust that the server administrator will not inject malicious code into PrivateBin. To mitigate such risks, it is recommended to use PrivateBin over HTTPS, secured by HSTS, and potentially augmented with DNSSEC protected DANE records.


• Limited anonymity with URLs. The encryption key is embedded within the URL. If a paste’s URL is shared without password protection, anyone with access to the link can view the paste. Users are advised to utilize strong passwords and share them securely.


• Potential for log disclosure. While the content of the pastes is encrypted, server access logs could potentially reveal who accessed a paste first, if such logs are maintained and accessed by authorities.

In conclusion, PrivateBin stands out as a secure and versatile online pastebin solution, ideal for users and organizations looking for a reliable way to share sensitive information without compromising on privacy. Its robust encryption standards and user-focused features make it a leading choice in the realm of secure data sharing platforms.