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🏦 What are the FileWalla Security Tools
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FileWalla is a Canadian-built secure file sharing and security platform using our own secure file server instead of trusting your important and confidential information to email. The suite of FileWalla security tools consists of three modules which can be used to safeguard the transmission of you confidential information like trade secrets, health records, business contracts, passwords and personal information. All transactio0na are encrypted with AES-256 encryption
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The modules included are:
- FileWalla SecureShare which is a secure file sharing and messaging function. Transfer files and messages securely between individuals or groups.
- FileWalla Read & Burn - allows you to send small files, links and password to people who are not in your group of FileWalla team members. For example you may want to send a proposal to a client just one time.
- FileWalla Vault - a resource for long term archival storage. Files are mirrored and stored in two separate locations.
🚀 What is FileWalla SecureShare?
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FileWalla SecureShare is a Canadian-built secure file sharing platform designed for individuals, families, and small businesses who need to share sensitive documents safely. Unlike consumer cloud storage, FileWalla uses enterprise-grade AES-256 encryption and multi-tier virus scanning to protect your files. Perfect for sharing legal documents, financial records, medical files, and confidential business materials.
It allows sharing files and messages between individuals or groups. You have the flexibility to send files and messages to one person,to selected people, to the whole group or selected sub-groups. Your files and messages are stored for a preset number or days before they are destroyed with leaving a trace.
📮 What is FileWalla Read & Burn
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Read & Burn is a Premium+ feature that lets you send self-destructing messages to anyone - even people who don't have a FileWalla account. It is deigned as a one-time solution to get sensitive information or messages to someone outside of the FileWalla environment. Perfect for sharing passwords, sensitive documents, or confidential information. The message automatically destroys itself after being viewed or when it expires.
🏦 What is FileWalla Vault
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Long-term secure storage option for files that need to be kept beyond standard retention periods. The files are mirrored to two separate locations ensuring maximum protection for your data.
This service is coming in the spring of 2026
❓ Why FileWalla
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Email wasn't built for secure sharing. FileWalla was. Here's how they compare:
| The Action | 📧 The Email Risk | 🔐 The FileWalla Way |
|---|---|---|
| Sending | It stays in their inbox forever. | Access expires when you say it does. |
| Forwarding | You lose the trail instantly. | You see every set of eyes on it. |
| Human Error | One wrong CC is a leak. | Multi-factor hurdles keep it private. |
| Peace of Mind | Hoping they delete it later. | Knowing they can't save it forever. |
| Large Files | Bounced back or compressed beyond recognition. | Send files up to 20GB with ease. |
| Revocation | Can't unsend—it's already out there. | Revoke access anytime, even after sharing. |
| Encryption | Often travels in plain text. | AES-256 encryption, always. |
| Audit Trail | No idea who opened it or when. | Full activity log kept for 1 year. |
| Reminders | No way to know if they missed it. | Auto-reminder after 7 days if unopened. |
Stop hoping. Start knowing. That's the FileWalla difference.
🎁 Is there a free trial?
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Yes! We offer a 15-day Premium+ free trial with no credit card required. You get full access to all Premium+ features including 500GB storage, unlimited group members, and 30-day file retention. Simply register to start your trial instantly.
👥 How do I invite family or team members to share files?
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From your dashboard, go to Group Admin to invite members by email. They will receive an invitation link to join your organization. Once they accept, they automatically get their own 15-day Premium+ trial and can immediately start sharing files with your group. You can organize members into subgroups for targeted file sharing.
📁 Can I share files with specific people instead of everyone?
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Yes! When uploading a file, you'll see two options: "Share with Everyone" sends the file to all group members, while "Choose Recipients" lets you select specific people from your group. Files shared with specific recipients will only be visible to you and those selected members.
💬 Can I send messages to specific group members?
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Absolutely! Just like file sharing, messaging offers two options: "Send to Everyone" broadcasts your message to the entire group, while "Choose Recipients" lets you select specific members. This is perfect for private conversations within your group.
👥 How do I find and contact specific group members?
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Use the Member Directory accessible from your dashboard. You can search members by name, filter by subgroup, and use quick action buttons to send files or messages directly to any member without navigating away.
🔐 What is Read & Burn?
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Read & Burn is a Premium+ feature that lets you send self-destructing messages to anyone - even people who don't have a FileWalla account. Perfect for sharing passwords, sensitive documents, or confidential information. One example would be sending a proposal to a prospective client. The message automatically destroys itself after being viewed or when it expires.
⏰ How do self-destructing messages work?
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In an era where digital footprints are permanent, a FileWalla's One-Time Read & Burn service acts as a digital "burn after reading" envelope. Designed for the high-stakes exchange of passwords, API keys, and sensitive legal documents, these platforms ensure that your most confidential data doesn't linger in a client’s inbox or a cluttered Slack history.
How It Works
Key Security Features
Why Professionals Use It
Using a self-destructing service mitigates the risk of "credential leakage." If a client’s email is ever compromised months later, there is no history of the passwords or files you sent—the link they received will lead to a 404 error. It provides peace of mind for business associates, knowing that sensitive intellectual property isn't sitting on a random server indefinitely.
When you send a Read & Burn message, you choose how many times it can be viewed (1-10 views) and when it expires (1 hour to 7 days). The recipient gets an email with a unique secure link. After the final allowed view, the message content is permanently deleted from our servers - we can't recover it even if asked.
How It Works
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The process is streamlined for both the sender and the recipient:
- Encryption at the Source: You input your text or upload a file into the secure portal. The data is immediately encrypted using high-level protocols (often AES-256).
- The Unique Link: The service generates a one-time-use URL. You share this link via your preferred communication channel.
- Zero-Knowledge Storage: Because the data is often encrypted with a key that the service provider doesn’t store, your information remains private even from the platform itself.
Key Security Features
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What sets these services apart from standard cloud storage is their transient nature. You have total control over the "life" of the data through:
- Burn on Read: The moment the recipient clicks the link and views the content, the data is purged from the server forever.
- Expiration Timers: You can set a "shelf life" for the link (e.g., 1 hour, 1 day, or 1 week). If the link isn't accessed within that window, it expires and the data is wiped.
- Multi-Factor Protection: For added security, you can require a secondary password to unlock the link, which can be sent via a different communication channel (out-of-band)./li>
Why Professionals Use It
Using a self-destructing service mitigates the risk of "credential leakage." If a client’s email is ever compromised months later, there is no history of the passwords or files you sent—the link they received will lead to a 404 error. It provides peace of mind for business associates, knowing that sensitive intellectual property isn't sitting on a random server indefinitely.
When you send a Read & Burn message, you choose how many times it can be viewed (1-10 views) and when it expires (1 hour to 7 days). The recipient gets an email with a unique secure link. After the final allowed view, the message content is permanently deleted from our servers - we can't recover it even if asked.
🔑 Can I add a passphrase to my Read & Burn message?
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Yes! For extra security, you can add a passphrase that the recipient must enter before viewing the message. Share the passphrase separately (by phone, text, or in person) so even if the email is intercepted, the message stays protected. The passphrase is never stored - only a secure hash is kept for verification.
📎 Can I attach files to Read & Burn messages?
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Absolutely. You can attach files up to 50MB to any Read & Burn message. The file is encrypted and stored securely, then permanently deleted when the message expires or reaches its view limit. Great for sending contracts, financial documents, or any sensitive files.
📎 Can I attach files to Secure Send messages?
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Absolutely. You can attach files up to 50MB to any Secure Send message. The file is encrypted and stored securely, then permanently deleted when the message expires or reaches its view limit. Great for sending contracts, financial documents, or any sensitive files.
🔔 Will the sender know when I view their Read & Burn message?
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If the sender enables notifications (which is the default), they receive an email when you view their message. This includes the time viewed and provides confirmation the message was delivered. The sender can disable this notification if they prefer.
📁 What file types can I share?
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You can share almost any file type including documents (PDF, Word, Excel), images, videos, and archives. The only restrictions are: no password-protected archives (for security scanning), and file size limits based on your plan (100MB for Advanced, 500MB for Premium+). All files are scanned for viruses before storage.
⏰ How long are files kept?
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File retention depends on your plan: Advanced Plan files are kept for 14 days, while Premium+ and Storage Plan files are kept for 30 days. After the retention period, files are automatically and securely deleted. This helps manage storage and ensures old sensitive files don't linger indefinitely.
💬 Can I send messages along with files?
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Yes! Each plan includes secure encrypted messaging. Advanced Plan supports messages up to 2,000 characters, while Premium+ supports up to 3,500 characters. For longer content, we recommend uploading a Word document. Messages are encrypted and can be targeted to specific subgroups within your organization.
👨👩👧👦 How do subgroups work?
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Subgroups let you organize your team and control who sees what. For example, a family might have subgroups for "Parents Only" and "Everyone". A business might have "Management", "Accounting", and "All Staff". When you share a file or message, you choose which subgroups can access it. Everyone is automatically added to an "All Members" subgroup.
🛡️ Why are there daily upload and message limits?
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These limits are part of our security measures to protect all users. They prevent automated attacks, spam, and system abuse while ensuring reliable performance for everyone. Our limits are generous for normal business use - most users never come close to reaching them. If you have legitimate high-volume needs, contact support to discuss options.
✅ How do I know my files weren't corrupted during upload?
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FileWalla automatically calculates a unique fingerprint (SHA-256 checksum) of your file before upload and verifies it after the file is stored. On your dashboard, you'll see a ✅ Verified badge if the file is intact, or a ⚠️ Mismatch warning if any corruption occurred.
🔐 How are my files protected?
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Your files are protected with AES-256-CBC encryption, the same standard used by banks and government agencies. Every file is scanned with multi-tier virus detection (ClamAV primary, phpMussel backup) before being encrypted and stored. Files cannot be uploaded if no virus scanner is available - we take a zero-trust approach to security.
🛡️ Is FileWalla end-to-end encrypted?
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We use server-side encryption rather than end-to-end encryption. This is a deliberate design choice that allows us to perform virus scanning and comply with legal content moderation requirements while still providing enterprise-grade security. Your files are encrypted at rest and only decrypted for authorized recipients.
🚫 Why can't I upload password-protected ZIP files?
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Encrypted archives (password-protected ZIP, RAR, 7z files) are blocked because we cannot scan their contents for viruses or illegal material. This policy prevents abuse and protects all users. If you need to share multiple files, upload them individually or use an unencrypted archive. Repeated attempts to upload encrypted archives may result in account suspension.
⏰ What happens if I reach my daily limit?
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If you reach your daily upload or message limit, you'll see a friendly notification letting you know. Your limit resets at midnight, so you can continue the next day. This rarely happens during normal use - the limits are designed to catch unusual activity patterns that might indicate a security issue or account compromise.
👥 Why is there a monthly recipient limit?
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The monthly recipient limit helps prevent spam and ensures FileWalla remains a trusted platform for secure file sharing. It stops bad actors from mass-distributing files to large numbers of people. For legitimate business use, these limits are very generous. Need to share with more people? Consider upgrading your plan or organizing recipients into groups.
🔒 How do you protect against account abuse?
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We use multiple layers of protection including rate limiting, activity monitoring, and pattern detection. This helps us identify and stop abuse before it affects other users. All security measures run quietly in the background - legitimate users won't notice them. We also require email verification and block disposable email addresses on our free plan.
🛡️ Why do you block certain email addresses on the Free Plan?
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To prevent abuse and ensure the service remains available for legitimate users, we block registrations from temporary or disposable email services on the Free Plan. This helps us:
Paid plans accept all valid email addresses. If you have a legitimate email that was incorrectly blocked, please contact us.
- Prevent spam and abuse of our free tier
- Maintain service quality for all users
- Ensure accountability for shared content
Paid plans accept all valid email addresses. If you have a legitimate email that was incorrectly blocked, please contact us.
🔒 How do you protect against hackers and brute force attacks?
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We employ a progressive three-tier lockout system: 5 failed login attempts triggers a 10-minute lockout, 20+ attempts per minute (dictionary attack) triggers a 1-hour lockout with security alert, and repeated attacks result in permanent IP bans. All suspicious activity is logged and monitored.
🇨🇦 Where is my data stored?
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FileWalla is a Canadian company with Canadian ethics. Your data is stored on secure servers with enterprise-grade redundancy. We are committed to protecting your privacy and comply with Canadian privacy laws.
🔐 Server Side Encryption
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In the evolution of digital privacy, the choice of Server-Side Encryption (SSE) represents a deliberate shift from absolute, blind secrecy toward Responsible Governance. While End-to-End Encryption (E2EE) offers total opacity, it often functions in a moral vacuum, ignoring the social and legal obligations that modern platform providers must uphold. SSE provides a robust security architecture that balances individual confidentiality with collective safety.
At its core, the "why" of SSE is rooted in Managed Security. By encrypting data at rest using industry-standard protocols like AES-256, the service ensures that sensitive assets—passwords, files, and intellectual property—are impenetrable to hackers and unauthorized third parties. However, by maintaining control over the encryption environment, the provider can fulfill a Duty of Care. In a modern regulatory landscape, specifically within the 2026 Canadian "Safety by Design" framework, this allows for the implementation of automated integrity checks. These protocols ensure the platform is not being weaponized for illegal activities, such as the distribution of CSAM or extremist material, without compromising the privacy of legitimate users.
Ultimately, SSE fosters a Trusted Ecosystem. It removes the technical friction of "Key Management" for the end-user while allowing the business to operate as a transparent, legally compliant entity. It is security with a conscience; it ensures that while a client’s secret remains protected, the platform does not become a conduit for societal harm. SSE is, fundamentally, the architecture of Transparent Trust.
At its core, the "why" of SSE is rooted in Managed Security. By encrypting data at rest using industry-standard protocols like AES-256, the service ensures that sensitive assets—passwords, files, and intellectual property—are impenetrable to hackers and unauthorized third parties. However, by maintaining control over the encryption environment, the provider can fulfill a Duty of Care. In a modern regulatory landscape, specifically within the 2026 Canadian "Safety by Design" framework, this allows for the implementation of automated integrity checks. These protocols ensure the platform is not being weaponized for illegal activities, such as the distribution of CSAM or extremist material, without compromising the privacy of legitimate users.
Ultimately, SSE fosters a Trusted Ecosystem. It removes the technical friction of "Key Management" for the end-user while allowing the business to operate as a transparent, legally compliant entity. It is security with a conscience; it ensures that while a client’s secret remains protected, the platform does not become a conduit for societal harm. SSE is, fundamentally, the architecture of Transparent Trust.
🕵️ What does the Audit Trail track?
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FileWalla's comprehensive audit trail logs every interaction with your files and messages:
- Every access event - Each view and download is logged separately (not just a count)
- Full network forensics - IP address with country, city, and ISP geolocation
- Device identification - Device type, browser, operating system, and unique device fingerprint
- VPN/Proxy detection - Flags when access comes through anonymizing services or Tor
- Timestamp precision - Exact date and time of every access
- Session duration - How long the file was viewed
All audit data is retained for 1 year to support legal and compliance requirements.
🚨 How does FileWalla detect suspicious activity?
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Our intelligent monitoring system automatically flags potential security threats:
- Unusual hours - Access between 11pm and 5am triggers alerts
- Unusual locations - Access from countries different from the user's normal pattern
- New devices - First-time access from an unrecognized device
- Bulk downloads - More than 10 files accessed in 5 minutes
- VPN/Tor usage - Access through anonymizing networks
- Failed attempts - Wrong passwords, unauthorized access, brute force detection
Each access receives a risk score (0-100). High-risk events automatically generate security alerts for admin review.
🔍 Can I trace where a data leak came from?
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Yes. FileWalla's audit trail is designed for exactly this purpose. Here's how it helps:
- Complete access history - See everyone who viewed or downloaded a file, with timestamps
- Location tracking - Know if someone accessed from the office, home, or an unusual location like an internet cafe
- Device forensics - Track which device was used for each access
- Pattern analysis - Spot unusual behavior like late-night downloads or bulk file grabs
- Concurrent sessions - Detect if the same account accessed from two places simultaneously
With this evidence, you can pinpoint exactly who accessed what, when, from where, and on what device - essential for internal investigations.
⚡ What happens when suspicious activity is detected?
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FileWalla's automated security system takes immediate action:
- Risk scoring - Each access event is scored based on multiple risk factors
- Alert generation - High-risk events (score 50+) automatically create security alerts
- Admin notification - Critical alerts are flagged for immediate review
- Evidence preservation - All forensic data is captured and retained for investigation
Admins can review alerts in the Security Monitor dashboard, mark false positives, and add resolution notes for compliance documentation.
👤 What happens when my free trial ends?
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Before your trial expires, we send reminder emails so you can add a payment method. If your trial expires without payment, you lose access to upload new files but existing files remain available for download during the retention period. Simply add a payment method to restore full access.
💼 Can one person pay for the whole group?
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Yes! Group Billing allows the organization owner to pay for all members under one subscription. This is perfect for families or small businesses. The owner gets volume discounts and simplified billing, while members enjoy full access without individual payment hassles.
📧 How do I change my email or password?
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You can update your email address and password from your dashboard settings. For security, password changes require your current password. If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page.
⭐ Who can use Secure Send?
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Secure Send is available on Premium+, 500GB Storage, and 1TB Storage plans. It's one of the premium features that makes these plans perfect for professionals who regularly share sensitive information. Upgrade anytime to get access.
💰 What plans are available and how much do they cost?
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Advanced Plan: $4.99/month - 100GB storage, up to 16 members, 2,000 character messages, 14-day file retention.
Premium+ Plan: $7.99/month - 500GB storage, unlimited members, 3,500 character messages, 30-day file retention, priority support.
Storage 500GB: $18.99/month - For teams needing extra capacity.
Storage 1TB: $34.99/month - Maximum storage for large organizations.
All plans include 10% savings with annual billing.
Premium+ Plan: $7.99/month - 500GB storage, unlimited members, 3,500 character messages, 30-day file retention, priority support.
Storage 500GB: $18.99/month - For teams needing extra capacity.
Storage 1TB: $34.99/month - Maximum storage for large organizations.
All plans include 10% savings with annual billing.
📅 What is Year 1 vs Standard pricing?
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New subscribers receive special introductory Year 1 pricing for their first 12 months. After Year 1, pricing adjusts to our standard rates. This allows us to offer newcomers the best possible deal while maintaining sustainable service for all users. You can view both Year 1 and Standard rates on our pricing page.
💳 What payment methods do you accept?
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We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) through our secure Stripe payment processor. Your payment details are never stored on our servers - Stripe handles all payment security with PCI-DSS compliance.
❌ How do I cancel my subscription?
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You can cancel anytime from your Subscription page in the dashboard. Your access continues until the end of your current billing period. We do not offer refunds for partial months, but you will not be charged again after cancellation.
💰 What is the difference between Year 1 and Year 2+ pricing?
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We offer special introductory pricing for your first year:
| Plan | Year 1 (Intro) | Year 2+ (Standard) |
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| Advanced | $4.99/month | $6.49/month |
| Premium+ | $7.99/month | $9.99/month |
| Storage 500GB | $18.99/month | $24.99/month |
| Storage 1TB | $34.99/month | $44.99/month |
Your subscription anniversary date determines when standard pricing begins. Annual subscriptions receive additional savings!
📊 Do you offer discounts for larger groups?
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Yes! We offer volume discounts for organizations:
| Group Size | Discount |
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| 1-19 members | Standard pricing |
| 20-49 members | 7% off |
| 50+ members | 15% off |
Discounts are automatically applied with Group Billing. The Group Admin can view current savings and member counts in the Group Billing dashboard.
Example: A team of 25 members on the Premium+ plan would save 7% on each subscription, adding up to significant annual savings!
This is a solid saving of $167.79 every year
🏢 What is Group Billing and how does it work?
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Group Billing consolidates all member subscriptions into a single monthly invoice for the organization:
Benefits:
• One invoice instead of managing multiple payments
• Automatic volume discounts (7% at 20+ members, 15% at 50+ members)
• Easy member management - add or remove users anytime
• Clear visibility of total costs and savings
The Group Admin (first person to register for your organization) manages billing and can add additional admins. All members enjoy the same secure file sharing features while the organization handles payment centrally.
Benefits:
• One invoice instead of managing multiple payments
• Automatic volume discounts (7% at 20+ members, 15% at 50+ members)
• Easy member management - add or remove users anytime
• Clear visibility of total costs and savings
The Group Admin (first person to register for your organization) manages billing and can add additional admins. All members enjoy the same secure file sharing features while the organization handles payment centrally.
💰 What is included in the Free Plan?
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The Free Plan is perfect for occasional file sharing. It includes:
If you need more capacity, consider upgrading to our Advanced plan starting at $4.99/month.
- 5 uploads or messages per month - Each file upload or message counts as 1 action
- 20MB maximum file size - Great for documents, images, and small files
- 2000 character messages - Enough for most secure communications
- 2 unique recipients per month - Share with up to 2 different people
- 14-day file retention - Files automatically deleted after 2 weeks
- Point-to-point sharing only - No group features on the free plan
If you need more capacity, consider upgrading to our Advanced plan starting at $4.99/month.
📊 How do the monthly limits work on the Free Plan?
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Your Free Plan limits reset on the 1st of each month:
Your dashboard shows your remaining actions and recipients for the current month.
- 5 actions/month: Each file upload or message you send counts as 1 action. If you upload 3 files and send 2 messages, you have used all 5 actions for the month.
- 2 recipients/month: You can share with up to 2 different people each month. Sharing multiple files with the same person only counts as 1 recipient.
Your dashboard shows your remaining actions and recipients for the current month.
⬆️ Can I upgrade from the Free Plan to a paid plan?
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Yes! You can upgrade at any time from your account settings. When you upgrade:
We offer a 15-day free trial of Premium+ (no credit card required) so you can try all features before committing.
- Your files and messages are preserved
- Higher limits take effect immediately
- You gain access to group features (Advanced plan and above)
- File retention extends to 14 days (Advanced) or 30 days (Premium+)
We offer a 15-day free trial of Premium+ (no credit card required) so you can try all features before committing.
🔑 I'm locked out of my account. What should I do?
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If you see a lockout message, wait for the specified time (usually 10 minutes). Multiple failed login attempts trigger our security system. If you're permanently banned (due to detected attack patterns) or believe this is an error, contact our support team with your account email for assistance.
📱 Does FileWalla work on mobile devices?
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Yes! FileWalla is fully responsive and works on smartphones and tablets through your web browser. Simply visit filewalla.ca and log in. We optimize our interface for smaller screens so you can upload, download, and manage files on the go.
⚠️ My file upload was rejected. Why?
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File uploads can be rejected for several reasons: the file may contain a virus or suspicious content, it might be a password-protected archive (which we block for security), the file exceeds your plan's size limit, or you've reached your storage quota. Check the specific error message for details.
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