Which Elance features allow me to upload confidential information?

Elance offers a number of features that allow you to upload files to collaborate with other members.

* The most secure mechanism is the WorkSpace feature. WorkSpaces require a password for access and provide password protected, encrypted URLs to the uploaded files.  That means that if someone gets ahold of the WorkSpace file URL and tries to access it, they will be challenged to log into Elance. If you have truly sensitive files that you need to exchange, the WorkSpace is the place to do it.  It also allows up to 50 MB of file uploads.  The potential drawback is one of convenience - it generally takes more clicks to access these files.  The Work Space is only available once a buyer and service provider have awarded and accepted a project together.

* The next most secure mechanism is the Private Message Board (PMB). The text of the messages themselves are secure - you need to log in to access the PMB message text and the list of attachment URLs.  If someone gets ahold of the URL of a message file attachment, however, they will not be forced to log in to access the attachment.  Unlike in the case of Work Space files, these attachment URLs are not password protected or encrypted.  If someone takes that URL and copies it into some public part of the Internet such as a blog, external public message board, their own website, etc., then search engines like Google can subsequently pick it up.

* Finally, there are project descriptions and bid comments. The project description text, bid text, and attachments are not password protected (excluding sealed and limited viewing project posting scenarios).

NOTE: If a project is not awarded, Elance will delete uploaded files attached to Project Descriptions, Bid Comments, PMB and Work Space after 6 months. If a project is awarded, uploaded files will not be deleted.