Top Tips for Secure File Transfer

With the rise of technology, sharing files has never been easier. Gone are those days of manual local file transfers that may take a long time, depending on the location of the sender and receiver. But while digital sharing is faster and more convenient, there are still threats that you should look out for. This includes unauthorized access, data leaks, malware, etc. 

Not every organization anticipates the situation of how risky most file transfer approaches are until they experience the worst of it. But you would not want to encounter it because the cost of a data breach can be as much as your entire company. By tackling data privacy and security, starting with your file transfers, you can ensure a thriving business for a long time. 

We’ve gathered some top tips for secure file transfers to help you. But before that, let’s take a look at different types of file transfers.

Email Attachments

Today, the easiest way of sending files to anyone is by using email service providers. You just have to attach the email to an outgoing email, and that’s it. Hitting the “send” button will initiate the transfer of the message you wrote and the file you attached to your chosen recipient. However, emails have a file size limit, so if you want to send large files, use the other options below.

Cloud Services 

One of the best solutions for sharing large files is cloud storage. All you have to do is store your files in there, send the folder or link containing the files to your team, and you’re good to go. They can easily download those anytime, anywhere. Various cloud storage solutions can help you share files faster than ever and collaborate with your team easier—for instance, DropSend. This file-sharing provider also allows you to share large files for a more amazing transfer experience.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

FTP is one of the first methods for transferring data from one network to another that is still being used today. It can run through either a command prompt window or a tool that has a user interface. Plus, it can set usernames and passwords and choose the download and upload bandwidth limits.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P)

Instead of a central server, P2P file sharing allows clients to connect to a distributed network that only authorized users can access. People connected to the network can easily access shared files and work together.

External Storage

This is kind of the most traditional way of file transfer as it doesn’t require you to use the internet. All you need to have is either a USB thumb drive or other hard drives, and you can easily copy the files from your computer offline.

Top Tips for Secure File Transfer

Choose A Secure File-Sharing Provider

Choosing a privacy-based provider with strong security will ensure your files are protected. Thus, it’s crucial to make this your top priority. Look for providers that offer end-to-end encryption, and always read their privacy policy to understand how they will manage your company data. Doing these can help you protect confidential data, even from your provider.

In the long run, it’s also best to update the software whenever it is available. Updates have already fixed bugs and may have more features that can help strengthen the platform’s security. So, updating it to the newest software would be a great idea.

Use Secure Wireless Connection

Besides the provider, it’s also best to ensure you have a secure connection to prevent more problems from arising. If you’re offering remote opportunities, advise your employees to avoid public wifi and use VPN to hide their internet activities from outsiders. VPN, or Virtual Private Network, creates a secure connection that allows you to use the internet freely without compromising the data. By using VPN, you can avoid one cyber threat that may lead to many.

Educate Your Team 

Most of the time, hacks, ransomware, and data breaches are caused by human error. They may have clicked on a spam email or shared confidential information with an unauthorized party. Either way, it’s crucial to train your team about security practices to mitigate most cybersecurity risks. If you also empower your developers to strengthen the security team, your company will be unstoppable.

Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Strong passwords are very crucial to secure your files. Thus, using complex passwords is critical as they can offer more security. You can either use a password manager or choose to do your own for added protection. 

If you’re going to create your own passwords, always use a combination of capital and small letters, special characters, and numbers. These elements can help make your password hard to guess. 

Moreover, change your password regularly and activate your 2FA. 2FA can add another layer of security against unauthorized individuals trying to access your account.

Password-Protect Your Files

Strengthen the security of your file transfers by protecting them with a password. There are file-sharing providers that allow you to secure your folders with a password so that only those who have it can access and download your files, such as DropSend. You can just use a secure messaging channel to communicate the password or simply tell the recipient in person for added protection.

Back Up Your Data 

Finally, always have a backup of your data to give you peace of mind. You don’t know when bad things will happen. Therefore, it will be best to be one step ahead by having a data backup so you won’t lose anything.

The Bottom Line

Secure file transfers are very important to protect your company’s data. By following our top tips, you can ensure that nothing can get compromised during the procedure. Either way, keep in mind that securing file transfers is just one step toward excellent security. Thus, making a comprehensive cybersecurity plan to keep all your data safe is best.