Note from the Editor: This blog is a recap of an older webinar. To view the most recent webinars, you can do so here.
Meet MFT
The term MFT (Managed File Transfer) is not new, but you may have begun to hear it more frequently. Changes in data security and transmission regulations have brought this established technology to the forefront, but what exactly does it entail?
GoAnywhere MFT hosted "Managed File Transfer 101,” a webinar to present the essentials of MFT and what you should look for when researching an MFT solution for your organization.
The Current State of File Transfer
In the presentation, Bob Luebbe, (the previous) Chief Architect of GoAnywhere, spoke about the existing challenges of file transfer:
- Old technologies like Standard FTP, which are still in use despite limitations and risks posed by data "sent in the clear.”
- Time consuming manual processes that might include the use of PC tools. Scripts are also a legacy of old processes that continue to saddle IT departments. Programmers create and maintain these scripts - often hundreds or thousands - to automate transfers.
- File access is often too decentralized, making it difficult to control and manage. Compliance has become more stringent in data management.
- Lack of notifications critical to ensure successful data movement, rather than waiting for a partner to notice missing or incomplete transfers. Traditional logs can be helpful, but are also hard to find and filter for adequate audit trails. The big issue is meeting data privacy requirements (e.g., PCI DSS, HIPAA, GLBA and SOX) without centralized logs.
- Employees are still sending files unchecked. Without a simple and secure alternative, employees find their own solutions for file portability to maintain productivity.
This final point often involves employees storing sensitive files on their PCs and laptops, sending documents through email, and utilizing cloud storage providers - like Dropbox - without proper controls in place. If a company doesn't have internal policies in place to address file sharing and transfers, the liability risk can be severe.
While MFT won't put a stop to this practice, a workflow built on the secure storage of sensitive business documents will add transparency to file access activity.
What is Managed File Transfer?
File Transfers in their basic form involve the sharing of files with others through FTP, email, or a cloud solution. In contrast, Managed File Transfer takes a centralized enterprise-level approach to automating and securing file transfers.
This produces a secured, scheduled, and trackable file transfer. By creating transparency within your organization, files are tracked and logged as they enter and leave your network. MFT is a smart solution for companies who understand the liability and risk involved in transmitting sensitive data.
With an MFT solution you can:
- Keep files safe and secure.
- Make sure files go where they are needed, when they are needed.
- Track files from start to finish for compliance purposes.
View the full webinar: MFT 101: What’s in it for Me?
Discover how simple and affordable it can be to utilize an MFT solution in your organization.
