*Gabriel User Manual

1. Gabriel Minimum System Requirements #

Gabriel Minimum System Requirements

Gabriel Client

The Gabriel Collaboration Suite will run on most new devices without any issues. If you have a Windows or Mac computer, Android or iOS phone that is not older than 3 years, you are probably in good shape. For more detailed requirements, see the list below.

Minimum Requirements

• iPhones and iPads with iOS 10.x
• Android 6 (Marshmallow)
• Windows 10
  • 1GHz or faster dual-core processor
  • 2 GB RAM
  • 20 GB of available disk space
  • Internet Explorer 10 or above
  • Windows 7 is also supported
• OS X 10.14 (Mojave)
  • 64-bit Intel dual-core CPU
  • 2 GB RAM
  • 20 GB of available disk space
• Linux Ubuntu 18.04 LTS or Ubuntu 20.04 LTS
  • 700 MHz or faster dual-core processor
  • 2 GB RAM
  • 20 GB of hard-drive space

Gabriel Domain Server

The Gabriel Domain server is a specialized Gabriel installation that performs dedicated server functions for all of the users in a domain including Secure Mail routing and storage, Chat/Messaging backup and syncing and Secure Share file hosting.

Minimum Requirements

• Linux Ubuntu 20.04 LTS or 18.04 LTS
• Raspberry Pi3b, Pi4 – Raspbain Jessie, Stretch, Buster or latest (Experimental)
  • 2 GHz or faster 64-bit quad-core processor
  • 2 GB RAM (1 GB if not running Desktop/UI)
  • 5 GB HDD Per User – Adjustable to meet individual domain requirements and user-generate content & shared files

Note: In compliance with the US Department of Commerce, the following countries are blocked from downloading Gabriel for export control restrictions: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria

2. Download & Installation #

This section will show you how to download and install the Gabriel Collaboration Suite on Windows, Mac OS X, Android and iOS.

2.1. Windows #

• Go to https://virnetx.com/download/ and click Download.

• Run the installer and follow the prompt to install Gabriel

• Follow the instructions to sign in or create an account.

2.2. Mac OS X #

• Go to https://virnetx.com/download/ and click Download.
• Gabriel.dmg will automatically download to your default downloads folder.
• Open Gabriel.dmg and follow the instructions on the pop-up window, which will prompt you to drag the Gabriel folder to the Applications folder.
• Navigate to the Applications folder and open Gabriel by double clicking on the Gabriel shield icon.
• Follow the instructions to sign in or create a new account.

2.3. Android #

• Download the Gabriel Collaboration Suite from the Google Play Store.
• Once Gabriel has downloaded, open the application and follow the instructions to sign in or create an account.

2.4. iOS #

• Download the Gabriel Collaboration Suite from the AppStore.
• Once Gabriel has downloaded, open the application and follow the instructions to sign in or create an account.

3. Account Creation/Login Page #

• Upon installation to your device, Gabriel Collaboration Suite will open the Sign in/Sign Up screen.

• If you already have an account enter your username, password, and create a name to identify the device you are using for this login.
• Hit Sign In to begin using Gabriel.
• After entering your secure domain name and password credentials, your domain policy may dictate that you be prompted with Two-Factor Authentication in order to verify your identity.

• If you currently have a device running Gabriel, your activation code will be sent to that device. Input the generated code from your Gabriel enabled device to your new device you are attempting to activate. Make haste as your code will expire in 180 seconds!

• If this is your first time activating a device with Gabriel, the code will be sent to the email address that you used to sign up for Gabriel with. Input the code on your new device to continue with activation.

• Success! You have successfully verified your identity and activated Gabriel.

• If you received an activation code that you did not request, Take Action for your privacy.

• You can elect to Expire Code Now rendering the code useless, or Change Password if you believe your credentials have been compromised.

• Having trouble with an activation code?

• If the code you are entering is not valid, it may have expired and you need to request a new code.

• Still having trouble verifying your identity? Remember, codes are only sent to your email address for your first device and then your other Gabriel device(s) after that. If necessary, contact your Domain Administrator or Gabriel Support for further assistance.

• In the case of a lost or forgotten password, click Forgot Password on the login screen?
• You will be prompted to enter your username. Click Recover your Password and an email will be sent to the address used in the creation of your Gabriel account.

• If you do not have an account click on Sign-Up and the NEW GABRIEL ACCOUNT screen will appear.

• You will be prompted to choose a secure name for your account that will act as your login. A green √ Available will indicate a usable secure name and a red  X unavailable will indicate a taken, unusable secure name. Continue by filling out your first/last name, email, password, and device name.
• View/check the I Accept License Box
• Click Get it Now!
• Account Created. Success! Proceed to your email to verify your account
• If you want more information regarding Gabriel Features & Pricing click Learn more at the bottom of the page

4. Verify Your Email Address #

• Login to the email address used to create your new Gabriel account and locate the email from gabriel@myvirnetx.com
• Click VERIFY YOUR EMAIL to begin your Gabriel Collaboration Suite experience.

• If for any reason the verification email is not showing up in your inbox of the email you provided, click the green RESEND EMAIL button.

•  If by accident you provided the wrong email address and you want the user name that you linked to that incorrect email address (if still available) you must contact Gabriel Support to delete your account so you may re-register. Send us an email to gabriel@myvirnetx.com and we will create a support ticket for you.

5. Menu Tab Bar #

• Notice the blue Menu Tab Bar resting atop the Gabriel application.
• Click on it to navigate between Gabriel’s offered services including (from left to right) Secure Chat, Secure Email, Secure File Share, and Secure Gateway Services.

• Begin by navigating to the My Account Page by clicking the black tab with three stacked horizontal lines.

• An option to edit the menu tabs will appear once on the My Account Page.

• Click Edit allowing you to pick and chose how the menu organizes and which tabs are displayed.

6. My Account Page #

• In the upper left corner of the Gabriel app notice the three horizontal lines. Click these to be brought to your My Account Page.

• When on the My Account Page this button will switch to a white X and will return you to the last used Gabriel App whether that be Secure Chat, Mail, File Share, or Gateway.
• From this page you are able to change add separate accounts, change your profile picture and availability status, invite/manage friends, view/manage device details, and alter settings.
• By clicking add account, you can activate additional secure domains on this device.

• Once you’ve added another secure domain, you can navigate between them by clicking the three horizontal lines and selecting the arrow next your alternate account or by clicking switch on My Account Page next to your User Name/Secure Domain Name
• To change your profile picture click change underneath your profile picture on your My Account Page.

• Select the green Picture… box to navigate your machine for photos to select. Resize the selected photo within the red circle and press Save when done.
• You can also change your availability status or create a new profile message for others to view by clicking the change button next to the default message Available.

• After clicking the change button you can add a custom message for your friends to see, or change your availability status.
• To start adding friends click Add Friends under the My Friends Banner.

• If your friends are not currently using Gabriel, enter your peer’s email info, and a message will be sent to them guiding them to install Gabriel.
• If your friend is a current user, look them up in Search Gabriel Directory. You may add them by name, phone number, email address, or secure domain name.

• To reach your friends list click Manage Friends or alternatively click the three horizontal dots …  to the right on the My Friends blue banner.

• This will bring your Friend’s List page where you can manage your current list of friends, see pending friend requests, add new friends, and group together your friends for ease of future communications.
• Below, notice your current list of friends and active friend requests. It automatically includes Support Feedback. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact Gabriel Support and a representative will assist you in any way we can. Active support hours are 8:00am ET to 8:00pm ET however we will strive to answer any questions or inquiries you have even if it’s after hours.

• Returning to the My Account Page, Under My Gabriel Devices you will see a list of your online devices that are running Gabriel. This may include desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. There is also an option at the bottom of the page to show your offline devices as well that you can access by clicking Show Offline.
• Click more to view that device’s details including, the device type, whether the device is mail or file server capable, whether or not the device is hidden, the device’s status, and whether any secure gateway services are enabled for that device.

• You may also elect to Delete Device. This would be the equivalent of logging out of your account on that device.
• Important note: Mobile devices cannot act as your server. Your ‘server’ is a device you should choose to use as a private server for routing Secure Mail and Secure Messaging. It is also the default device for sharing and syncing files. For best results, it should be a computer that is always on with an internet connection. A premium account is required to activate your server.
• Access your accounts Settings by clicking the grey cog on your My Account Page.

• In Settings you will see four options. User Preferences, Manage Devices, Security & Privacy, and About Gabriel.

• User Preferences allows you to customize Gabriel to your wants and needs with Notification Options, Conversation History, Change Language, Edit Account Details, Pressing ENTER key sends messages, Display/Font Size, and Colors & Themes.

• Notification Options: Enable or disable notifications for new secure messages and new secure mail.
• Conversation History: Save conversations, auto delete messages, and erase all history.
• Change Language: Choose between supported languages.

• Edit Account Details: The Accounts Details link will take you to the https://www.myvirnetx.com website where you can change your password, manage devices, and see account status.

• Pressing ENTER key sends messages: When disabled, the ENTER key will add a new line, instead of sending the message.
• Automatically open downloaded files: When enabled pictures, documents, music and videos will be opened automatically after they are downloaded.
• Display / Font size: alter the size of the display and font.
• Colors & Themes: Choose different themes to customize the look of this app

• Manage Devices: By clicking on “Manage Devices” you will be able to choose which device you want to act as your own personal server.
• Security & Privacy: designate who can find you when searching the directory or create a New Security Policy.

• Select who will be able to search you in the Gabriel directory. All Users, My domain only, or Unlisted.

• Application Security: limit the ways in which peers can interact with you through Gabriel. They allow you to fine tune access to your secure applications. These policies apply to all of your devices activated on your account.

• Put a check in the Allow column for each application you want peers to have access to.
• By deselecting an application you effectively block all peers from using that application with you within Gabriel.
• Click Save Changes to save your choices.

• Trusted Domains allows you to define which domain to allow VPN connections and automatically accept incoming friend requests.

• Click “Add Domain” to add a trusted domain.

• About Gabriel shows you the current software version you are using, copyright information, patent info, allows you to check for any software updates, and send user feedback.

7.Secure Chat & Secure Voice Calling #

• Access the Secure Chat and Secure Voice Calling feature by clicking the chat bubble tab on the blue Menu Tab Bar.

• Begin chatting with a friend by clicking New Message. Select a friend or group from your pulled down friends list, enter you message, and hit send.

• To set up a group of peers in order to Group Chat click the Manage Friends icon.

• Click Create New Group.

• Enter a name for this group.

• Click on the Add button to the right of each friend you want to add.
• Your newly created group will now appear on your friend’s list. To start a group chat, create a New Message from the Secure Chat page and select the group from your list of friends and hit send.
• You can edit your group by selecting it on your Manage Friends page.
• You can rename, add/remove friends, send a message or mail, and delete the group from this window.

• Next access the Conversation Options window by clicking the three vertical dots besides the paperclip.

• This is a dashboard for you to be able to personalize your chat.

• You can access (left to right) Secure Chat, Secure Mail, Secure File Share, and Secure Voice Calling by selecting the corresponding blue bubble under your peers name.

• By clicking the Silence Notifications button you are essentially hitting the mute button on your chat session.
• In order to enable notifications again, click on the red bell icon on your chat screen.

• Under More Options you will find five more options to choose from: Show Devices, Assign Alias, Clear History, Delete Friend, and Debug Actions.

• Show Devices – clicking on this button will show you what devices your friend has and is using.
• Assign Alias – Here you can elect to give a peer a nickname or alias. Your peer will not be able to see this alias you have given them.

• Clear History – Want to erase all your chat history with this particular friend? Go ahead and follow the prompts.

• Delete Friend – Remove a selected peer from your friends list.

• Debug Actions – Send log files and send VPN Details through this tab.

• Close Conversation: closes the conversation window with that peer.

• Secure Voice Calling: there are three ways to make an encrypted call to a peer.
• First you can Click Start Call or the phone icon at the top left of the secure chat main page.

• Second, you can click the phone icon by your peer’s name, to the right of an active chat.

• Third, you can make a secure voice call by clicking the phone icon bubble under a selected peer’s Conversation Options.

8. Secure Mail #

• Access Secure Mail, a secure and spam-less email feature by clicking the mail tab on the blue Menu Tab Bar.

• From there you will be brought to the Secure Mail page.

• To begin creating a new Secure Mail click on Compose.

• Type the designated recipients name in the TO friends field, or select your peer from your friend list drop down menu by clicking the Recipient icon.

• Enter a message subject in the field marked enter subject. Make this is a high priority message by clicking the Fire icon.

• When you are ready to begin typing your Secure Mail, click into the message field below.

• Notice above written in blue writing, there are four options (from left to right) SEND, SAVE, ATTACH, and CC/BCC.

• To add a Carbon Copy or Blind Copy to your message, click CC/BCC and select a peer from your friends list.
• To add an attachment, click ATTACH and select a file from your device. If you hit Cancel, notice the new +ATTACH field where you can now drag and drop files.

• To create a draft of your message, click SAVE.
• To send your message, click SEND.
• If you intend to delete the message, click the Trash can icon

• To view your sent mail, drafts, outbox, or trash, click the blue File Folder icon.

• This will open the Choose Folder window with the options (descending) INBOX, SENT, DRAFTS, OUTBOX, and TRASH.

• Click the corresponding option to switch between your INBOX, SENT, DRAFTS, OUTBOX, and TRASH folders.
• Switch back to the preferred folder view by clicking the blue File Folder icon on the Secure Mail page.

• By clicking the box next an email three options appear.
• Mark allows you to flag an email or mark it read or unread.
• Move allows you toallows you to select an existing folder to move this email in to or to create a new one
• Delete put your selected mail into the trash

• You can Search, Filter, and Sort the mail folder you have chosen to view here.

• Font Options for Secure Mail
• Important Note: Font Options are not available on mobile platforms.
• (left to right) Bold, Italic, and Underline options

• (left to right) Left Align, Center Align, Right Align, and Justify Align options.

• (left to right) Insert Ordered List (numbered list) and insert Un-ordered List (bullet pointed list) options here.

• Change the Font Size and Font Style here.

• Add and Remove Indents here.
• (left to right) Change the Text Color and Background Color here.

• Secure Mail Options
• To Access Secure Mail Options, click the three horizontal dots from the Secure Mail page.

• This will open the Secure Mail Options window.

• In this window you have four options to choose from. Popout into New Window, Change Mail Server, Export Mail As Text, and Import More Mail.
• Click Popout into New Window and Gabriel will take Secure Mail and put it into a new, separate window with a different layout. 

• To pop Gabriel back in, click Pop-in.

• To change your mail server, click Change Mail Server.

• To export your emails into text form, click Export Mail As Text.

• After clicking Export Mail As Text button, you will be given the option to Download File or Show in Folder. The latter allowing you to designate a destination folder on your device for the file.

• To import old Secure Mail history, click Import More Mail.

9. Secure Share #

• Access Secure Share, a secure file sharing feature, by clicking the folder tab on the blue Menu Tab Bar.

• Click the DEVICES button to access your Gabriel enabled devices, stored folders, and files.

• Devices are listed under DEFAULT SERVER (indicated by the blue ribbon icon), ONLINE DEVICES, or OFFLINE DEVICES.

• Click on a device to view its shared folders.
• There are 5 folders that auto-populate Gabriel. They are Documents, Music, Friends and Groups, Pictures, and Private.

• Click on the folders and then the files within to view them.
• Clicking on picture files will open a preview window of the photo and give you the option to Download or Close Picture.

• Other files types like .doc, .txt, .pdf, .xlsx will automatically begin downloading when clicked.
• To create a new folder for file storing and sharing, click NEW FOLDER.

• At the New Folder window there are two options.
• Create New Folder (create a new folder to share) or
• Choose Existing Folder (browse for an existing folder on your device to share and click choose).

• If you elected to Create New Folder, the New Shared Folder window will open.
• Create a Share Name for the folder.

• Notice the three tabs Read Access, Write Access, and Options.

• Read Access: Designate who will be able to read and download files in this folder. Click Add Readers…

• From the drop down menu select individual peers like our friend Support Feedback or
• A domain of peers. A domain is a group of peers sharing an identification string such as .myvirnetx.scom.
• .myvirnetx.scom is the default domain users are assigned to when downloading Gabriel. Elect this option for sharing files wisely!
• If you selected a domain, ALL users that share that identification string will have access to read and download files in this folder.

• Next select who has Write Access. These selected peers will have access to read, write, and delete files in this folder.
• There is an option to Copy From Readers. This will copy the list of peers you selected from Read Access and grant them Write Read Access as well.

• Click Add Writers… to select peers and domains individually.

• Select peer from the drop down list of domains and peers.

• Options: Allow Incoming Backups, Allow Subscribers, and Modify Subscribers.
• Allowing Incoming Backups lets friends with Write Access to backup their files to this folder.
• Allowing Subscribers lets friends with Read Access to monitor the folder for changes.
• Subscribers will be notified of any New or Modified Files to the folder via Secure Mail.

• The notification will detail whether files were added, renamed, moved, or deleted within the folder you are subscribed to.

• Modify Subscribers: Add and remove subscribers.
• Click Save to create your new folder.

• To access the Folder Actions window, click Actions from the file folders window.
• Once in the Folder Actions window, you will be able to choose from 6 different options. (descending) Add Shortcut, Folder Links, Subscribe, Sharing Options, Backup Folder, Move Folder, and Stop Sharing.

• Add Shortcut: Adding a shortcut will map a selected folder to My Shortcuts at the start of Secure Share for ease of access.

• Folder Links: To share a folder with a friend you can copy the link found in the Folder Link section.

• Subscribe (Monitor Folder)
• Click Subscribe to be alerted when a file has been added or changed inside a folder you are subscribing to.
• Click Unsubscribe to cancel alerts.
• Sharing Options: Designate who has Read/Write Access to the folder, just like you did when creating a new folder.
• Backup Folder: To create a new backup, click New Backup and select the device you want to backup your folder to.
• Select your device and you’ll be asked to verify if the devices and folders are correct for both the source and the target of the backup.

• If you need to edit the source or target folder and devices click More Options to bring up the Additional Options window.

• Exclude Certain Files: Here you can choose to have your backup ignore certain file types (For example ‘pdf’ or ‘exe’) or files that start with or contain certain words. By default, backups will ignore files that start with a period (i.e. “.htaccess”).
• Does everything look right? Click Yes. Start Now!

• Clicking Options will reveal another chance to edit the source or target folder and devices and an option to
• Trigger a Full Re-sync: In rare cases, you may want to force a full re-sync. This action takes more time since each file being synced is compared with the destination version.
• You may also access this newly created Secure Sync by clicking Sync from the main Secure Share page.

• Move Folder: Choose a new destination for your folder.

• Stop Sharing: Here you can disable sharing, un-share folders, and delete all folders and files.
• To upload files to a share folder, navigate to the designated folder you want the file to populate and click UPLOAD.

• In the Upload File window either Drag & Drop Here a file in the box or click Choose File…

• Access the File Actions window by clicking actions next to a file.

• The File Actions window has 5 options. Send to Friend, File Links, Rename File, Move File, and Delete File.

• Send To Friend: select a peer from your friends list to send a file to.
• File Links: copy and paste these file links so your peer may access the file.
• Link to File: you can copy & paste the file link into a message or email to a friend
• File Location: This is the location of your file on your device.
• Rename File: Create a new name for your file here.
• Move File: Choose a new destination for your file here.
• Delete File: Delete your file permanently here.
• To access Friend Files, navigate to the Secure File Share page by clicking the Back Arrow icon.

• Once at the Secure File Share homepage, click Friend Files.

• Select the peer from your friends list whose files/folders you wish to interact with.
• Click their name to show what they are sharing with you.

• You can also access files on your peers other non-server devices by clicking more to the right of their name.

• Click the i icon to view a folder’s read/write access, subscribers, and folder link.

• If you’ve been given Write access click Upload, and select a file to share to the folder.

10. Secure Gateway #

• Secure Gateway allows you to Gabriel-enable third-party services running on this device or on your Local Area Network (LAN) through secure port forwarding.

• To begin let’s create a new gateway service by clicking New Service.

• Step 1: Where is the application or service located? Select This Computer or Local Area Network (LAN).
• Let’s Start by creating a Service on This Computer.

• Step 2: What port number is the application using on this computer? Input your port number and hit Next.

• Step 3: Enter the name for this new Gateway Service and hit Next –>

• Step 4: Confirm & Save. If you need to make any changes you can hit go back to previous step. If everything looks right click Yes, Save.

• This will save the Gateway Service to the Secure Gateway Menu where you will be able to Open, Edit, or Delete the new Gateway Service.

• Now that we have created a gateway service let’s take a moment to examine its Advanced Options.
• To view the Advanced Options of our Gateway Service click Edit.

• This page contains options to edit the Service Name, Target IP Address, Port Mapping, and Service Type. Let’s inspect each option.

Service Name

Target IP Address

Port Mapping

Service Type

• Next let’s create a Service on our Local Area Network (LAN).
• Step 1: Select Local Area Network

• Step 2: Enter the IP address of the device and port for the application you want to secure with Secure Gateway and hit Next.

• Step 3: Enter a name for this new Gateway Service.

• Step 4: Confirm & Save. Do you need to change the Service Name, Host Device, Application Port, or Gabriel Port? If so click Go back to previous step. If everything looks right click Yes, Save.

• This will save the Gateway Service to the Secure Gateway Menu where you will be able to Open, Edit, or Delete the new LAN Gateway Service.

• The Next option, New Bookmark will allow you to scan for configured Gateway Services across you and your peer’s Gabriel devices.
• Start by clicking New Bookmark.

• Step 1: Where is the application located? You may select between My Gabriel devices or A friend’s Gabriel devices. Let’s start by selecting My Gabriel Devices.
• Step 2: Scans your Gabriel devices for any configured Gateway Services.
• Step 3:Scan complete! Bookmark each service using the ‘bookmark’ button to save the service on the Gateway Services Menu.
• Click Back to scan for other services or Done to be brought to your Gateway Services Menu.

• Lastly, to scan for services that a peer has granted you access to, select a friend’s Gabriel devices option on Step 1.
• Step 2: Choose which friend has created the Secure Gateway Service from the drop down list of peers.
• Step 3: Will Scan for any Secure Gateway Services on your friend’s devices
• Step 4: Scan Complete! Bookmark each service using the ‘bookmark’ button to save the service on the Secure Gateway Services Menu.
• Click Back to scan for other services or Done to be brought to your Gateway Services Menu.