Self destructing email with attachment

A self-destructing email with an attachment! That's an interesting concept. Here's a possible implementation:

Concept:

Create an email with an attachment that automatically deletes itself after a set period of time or after the recipient has viewed the attachment. This can be achieved using a combination of email clients, server-side scripting, and encryption.

Technical Requirements:

Email Client: Use an email client that supports attachments and has a scripting interface, such as Microsoft Outlook or Mozilla Thunderbird.
Server-Side Scripting: Use a server-side scripting language like PHP, Python, or Node.js to create a script that interacts with the email client and attachment.
Encryption: Use a encryption library like OpenSSL to encrypt the attachment and ensure it can only be decrypted by the intended recipient.

Implementation:

Here's a high-level overview of the implementation:

Create the Email: Use the email client to create a new email with the attachment.
Encrypt the Attachment: Use the encryption library to encrypt the attachment and generate a decryption key.
Add the Decryption Key: Add the decryption key to the email body or as an attachment.
Set the Self-Destruct Timer: Use the server-side scripting language to set a timer that will delete the email and attachment after a set period of time (e.g., 24 hours).
Send the Email: Send the email to the intended recipient.

Server-Side Scripting:

Here's an example of how you could implement the server-side scripting using PHP:

<?php
// Set the self-destruct timer (in seconds)
$timer = 86400; // 24 hours

// Set the decryption key
$decryption_key = 'your_decryption_key_here';

// Set the attachment path
$attachment_path = 'path/to/attachment.pdf';

// Encrypt the attachment
$encrypted_attachment = openssl_encrypt(file_get_contents($attachment_path), 'AES-256-CBC', $decryption_key, 0, 'your_initialization_vector_here');

// Create the email
$email = new Email();
$email->setSubject('Self-Destructing Email');
$email->setBody('This email will self-destruct in 24 hours.');
$email->addAttachment($encrypted_attachment, 'application/pdf', 'attachment.pdf');

// Set the self-destruct timer
$email->setTimer($timer);

// Send the email
$email->send();
?>

Recipient's Perspective:

When the recipient opens the email, they will see the attachment and can download it. However, after the set period of time (or when they view the attachment), the email and attachment will automatically delete themselves.

Security Considerations:

Encryption: Ensure that the attachment is properly encrypted to prevent unauthorized access.
Decryption Key: Keep the decryption key secure and do not share it with anyone.
Server-Side Scripting: Ensure that the server-side scripting language is secure and cannot be exploited by attackers.
Email Client: Use a reputable email client that supports attachments and has a scripting interface.

Conclusion:

Creating a self-destructing email with an attachment is a complex task that requires a combination of email clients, server-side scripting, and encryption. While it's possible to implement this concept, it's essential to prioritize security and ensure that the attachment is properly encrypted and the decryption key is kept secure.

Mail Knowledge

Self destructing email with attachment