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 …

Author:	contentsentinel (profile at wordpress.org)
WordPress version required:	5.0
WordPress version tested:	6.8.3
Plugin version:	1.0
Added to WordPress repository:	03-12-2025
Last updated:	04-12-2025
Rating, %:	0
Rated by:	0
Plugin URI:
Total downloads:	274
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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

Configure Your Storage: Connect to your AWS S3 bucket or S3-compatible provider
Generate Secure Links: Use the shortcode [content_sentinel_url key="/path/to/file.mp4"] to create secure download links
Automatic Expiration: Links expire after a set time (default: 10 minutes, configurable)
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.

Support

For support, feature requests, and bug reports, please visit:
* Website: https://content-sentinel.com
* Support: support@content-sentinel.com
* 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.

FAQ

Do I need an AWS account?

No! Content Sentinel works with AWS S3, but also supports S3-compatible providers like Wasabi, DigitalOcean Spaces, and Backblaze B2. You can use any S3-compatible storage service.

Is the AWS SDK required?

No! Content Sentinel uses pure PHP to generate AWS Signature Version 4 requests. No external dependencies are required.

How secure are presigned URLs?

Presigned URLs use AWS Signature Version 4, the same security standard used by AWS SDKs. URLs expire after a set time (default: 10 minutes), and each URL is cryptographically signed.

Can I use this with S3-compatible providers?

Yes! Content Sentinel supports any S3-compatible storage provider. Simply select “S3 Compatible” and enter your provider’s endpoint URL.

What permissions does my IAM user need?

Your IAM user needs:
* s3:GetObject – To download files
* s3:ListBucket – To browse files (Pro feature)

You can restrict access to specific buckets or paths for additional security.

How do I generate download links?

Use the shortcode: [content_sentinel_url key="/path/to/file.mp4"]

Or use the Pro version’s S3 Browser to copy links directly.

Can I customize the expiration time?

Yes! The default expiration is 10 minutes, but you can change it in settings (up to 7 days, which is AWS’s maximum). Pro users can set custom expiration times per file.

What happens if a link expires?

Expired links return an error. Users will need to request a new link. This ensures your content remains protected.

Do I need the Pro version?

The free version provides secure file delivery with presigned URLs. Upgrade to Pro for access control using wordpress roles/memberpress/paid membership pro, download limiting, file logging, and the S3 Browser Control interface.

Is my data secure?

Yes! Content Sentinel follows WordPress security best practices:
* All inputs are sanitized
* Nonces verify form submissions
* Capability checks restrict access
* No sensitive data is logged
* Files are never directly accessible

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