Content Sentinel: Secure Downloads

Content Sentinel is a powerful WordPress plugin that enables secure, time-limited access to files stored in AWS S3 or S3-compatible storage providers (like Wasabi, DigitalOcean Spaces, and Backblaze B2). Perfect for protecting premium content, course materials, digital products, and media files.

Key Features

• Secure File Delivery: Generate presigned URLs that expire automatically, ensuring your files remain protected
• S3 Browser: Browse your S3 bucket directly from WordPress admin (Pro feature)
• S3 Compatible: Works with AWS S3, Wasabi, DigitalOcean Spaces, Backblaze B2, and other S3-compatible providers
• Clean URLs: Use shortcodes to generate clean, user-friendly download links instead of long presigned URLs
• No AWS SDK Required: Pure PHP implementation – no external dependencies
• Easy Setup: One-click AWS CloudFormation setup or manual configuration
• Flexible Delivery Modes: Force download or stream/play in browser (Pro feature)
• Custom Denial Messages: Customize access denied messages (Pro feature)

How It Works

1. Configure Your Storage: Connect to your AWS S3 bucket or S3-compatible provider
2. Generate Secure Links: Use the shortcode [content_sentinel_url key="/path/to/file.mp4"] to create secure download links
3. Automatic Expiration: Links expire after a set time (default: 10 minutes, configurable)
4. Protect Your Content: Files are never directly accessible – users must go through WordPress authentication

Use Cases

• Course Platforms: Deliver course videos and materials securely
• Digital Products: Protect downloadable products and resources
• Membership Sites: Control access to premium content
• Media Libraries: Securely serve large video/audio files
• Document Sharing: Share sensitive documents with time-limited access

Pro Features (Content Sentinel Pro)

Upgrade to Content Sentinel Pro for advanced features:

• Access Control: Integrate with MemberPress, Paid Memberships Pro, or WordPress Roles
• Download Limiting: Set per-user and per-IP download limits
• Download Logging: Track all download attempts with detailed logs
• Custom Expiration: Override default expiration times per file
• S3 Browser: Browse, navigate, and manage files directly in WordPress
• Enhanced Video Player: Professional video player with speed controls and Picture-in-Picture
• File Access Rules: Set granular permissions for individual files
• Export/Import Rules: Backup and restore your access control settings
• **Coming Soon – Google Cloud Services – S3.
• **Coming Soon – Visual Controls for the Enhanced Video Player.

Technical Details

• Pure PHP: No external dependencies or AWS SDK required
• AWS Signature Version 4: Industry-standard security for S3 requests
• WordPress Native: Uses WordPress APIs and follows WordPress coding standards
• Performance Optimized: Caching and efficient URL generation
• Security First: Input sanitization, nonce verification, and capability checks

Service Disclosure

This plugin relies on Amazon Web Services (AWS) to store and retrieve files as well as other
S3 compliant services digitalocean, backblaze b2, Wasabi.

• AWS Privacy Policy
• DO Privacy Policy
• B2 Privacy Policy
• Wasabi Privacy Policy

Support

For support, feature requests, and bug reports, please visit:
* Website: https://content-sentinel.com
* Support: [email protected]
* Documentation: https://content-sentinel.com/docs

Credits

Content Sentinel: Secure Downloads is developed by Content Sentinel.
Special thanks to the WordPress community and all contributors.

Automatic Installation

1. Log in to your WordPress admin panel
2. Navigate to Plugins → Add New
3. Search for “Content Sentinel”
4. Click Install Now
5. Click Activate

Manual Installation

1. Download the plugin zip file
2. Extract the files to /wp-content/plugins/content-sentinel/
3. Log in to your WordPress admin panel
4. Navigate to Plugins
5. Find “Content Sentinel” and click Activate

Setup Instructions

1. Go to Settings → Content Sentinel
2. Choose your setup method:
   • Quick Setup: Use the AWS CloudFormation one-click setup (AWS only)
   • Manual Setup: Enter your S3 credentials manually
3. Configure your storage provider:
   • Select Amazon S3 or S3 Compatible
   • Enter your bucket name, region, access key, and secret key
   • For S3 Compatible providers, enter your custom endpoint URL
4. Click Test Connection to verify your credentials
5. Click Save Settings

Getting Your AWS Credentials

If you don’t have AWS credentials:

1. Use the AWS Quick Setup button in the plugin
2. This will open the AWS CloudFormation console
3. Follow the step-by-step guide to create a secure S3 bucket and IAM user
4. Copy the credentials back to WordPress

For S3-compatible providers, refer to your provider’s documentation for obtaining access credentials.

1.0

• Initial release
• AWS S3 and S3-compatible provider support
• Presigned URL generation
• Shortcode support for clean URLs
• AWS CloudFormation one-click setup
• Manual configuration option
• S3 Browser (Pro feature)
• Access Control integration (Pro feature)
• Download limiting and logging (Pro feature)
• Enhanced video player (Pro feature)