Download and save a file with proof that it was downloaded from a specific server/url on a specific date?

Question

Assuming the file was downloaded over http is this possible? I'm guessing there could be some way to do it using a hash and a timestamp however I'm not sure how you could prove nothing was tampered with including the downloaded file itself.

EDIT: As vonbrand suggested if the origin site provided a signed cert it would be a start. However, if the site doesn't provide any certs is there a clever way to loop in some third party?

What are you trying to do? – Michael Hampton Mar 23 '13 at 21:07 — Michael Hampton, Mar 23 '13 at 21:07

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Mar 23 '13 at 20:20

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Whatever you have on your machine, you can fake all day long. The file would have to come with some sort of independent proof, probably a signed certificate given by the origin website.

answered Mar 23 '13 at 20:20

vonbrand

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Thanks. Unfortunately the origin site doesn't provide any certs. I'm wondering if there is some clever way to loop in a third party. – ajw0100 Mar 23 '13 at 20:34

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Mar 24 '13 at 02:17

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Do you of any tech savvy lawyers that can provide a suitable certificate?

Public notaries make excellent third parties.

answered Mar 24 '13 at 02:17

MikeyB

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Download and save a file with proof that it was downloaded from a specific server/url on a specific date?

2 Answers2