Zipper: Documentation

Login Process

• Click the Zipper icon in your toolbar.
• A new window or tab will open, prompting you to "Sign in with Google."
• Choose the Google account you wish to use with the extension.
• The Google sign-in page will then display a list of permissions that Zipper requires.

Understanding the Required Permissions

To work seamlessly with your Google Account, Zipper requires your permission for certain actions. We are committed to your privacy and only use these permissions to provide the extension’s features.

Managing Emails

• Permission: Read, compose, and send all your email from Gmail.
• Why it’s needed: This allows Zipper to open a compose window, attach your files (in the mode you select), and send the email on your behalf, just as if you were doing it in Gmail.

Access Your Contacts

• Permission: See, edit and download contacts.
• Why it’s needed:This enables the auto-complete feature in the "To," "Cc," and "Bcc" fields, making it faster to add recipients you’ve previously contacted.

Please read the Privacy Policy for more information on privacy of user data.

The Extension Interface

• Click the Zipper icon to open the extension.
• You will see two main tabs for viewing and composing email. Select the "Compose" tab to compose a new mail.
  • Add recipients in the "To," "Cc," and "Bcc" fields.
  • Enter a "Subject" for your email.
  • Write the email "Body."
  • Click the paperclip icon to "Attach files" from your computer.

Selecting a Sending Mode

This is the key feature of Zipper. Before you click "Send," you must choose one of four secure sending modes. You will find these options at the bottom of the composition window.

• Normal
• Zip
• Secure Zip
• Secure Zip Link

1. Zip

This mode zips your attachments into a single, unencrypted .zip file. The zip file is then attached to the email.

How it Works

Zipper compresses all your selected files into a standard zip archive. This can be useful for reducing file sizes and bundling multiple files into one.

Best For

Sending multiple files together, which can simplify the recipient’s download process, or when file size is a concern. It offers no additional security.

2. Secure Zip

Creates a password-protected .zip file. The zip file is sent with the email, and a separate email containing the password is sent automatically to the same recipients.

How it Works

Zipper generates a strong, random password and uses it to encrypt your attachments in a zip file. It then sends two emails:

• The primary email with the password-protected zip file.
• A second, separate email containing only the password.

Best For

Sharing sensitive information where the security of the password is a priority. Sending the password in a separate email significantly reduces the risk of someone intercepting both the file and the password in a single breach.

When you choose this option, the extension will add a note at the end of your email to inform recipients that a follow-up email will contain the password. The note says: “Please note that you will receive a separate email containing the password required to access the attached zip file. Thank you for your understanding.”

3. Secure Zip Link

This is the most secure option. Zipper creates a password-protected zip file and sends it with the email. The password is then sent to a backend server. The server sends a one-time, unique link to each recipient. The recipient must verify their email address to retrieve the password.

How it Works

• Zipper creates an encrypted zip file and attaches it to your composed email.
• The password and the list of recipients are sent securely to the Zipper backend server.
• The backend server sends a separate email to each recipient with a unique, one-time link.
• The recipient clicks the link, which redirects them to a "Retrieve Password" page.
• To access the password, the recipient must enter their own email address for verification.
• Upon successful verification, the password is displayed, allowing them to open the zip file.

Best For

Sharing highly confidential or sensitive information. This method provides the highest level of security by using a one-time link and requiring recipient verification, ensuring only the intended person can access the password.

When you choose this option, the extension will add a note at the end of your email to inform recipients that a follow-up email from Zipper, will contain a link to retrieve the password to the attached zip file. The note says: “To ensure enhanced security, the attached file(s) have been zipped into a password-protected archive. You’ll receive a separate email from Zipper containing a link to access the password. Please allow a few minutes for that email to arrive. If you don’t see it in your inbox, be sure to check your spam or junk folder. In case you still can’t find the link, please ask the sender to resend it.”