Should You Use a File Sharing App?
File sharing apps like Dropbox and Google Drive certainly have their appeal. They are user-friendly, often free, and do the job of getting information from one user to another. Until they don’t.
Or, until your files are hacked, get into the wrong hands, live in infamy, have unrestricted access, or are manipulated beyond your control. While mishandled file sharing can be unfortunate and embarrassing on a personal level, using a cloud-based file sharing app in a business setting could have far more ominous repercussions.
Businesses needing to transfer files usually need a level of security, encryption, restricted access and management that readily available, off-the-shelf file sharing apps simply can’t provide. If all you’re doing is sending that spreadsheet for planning your next holiday party, a file sharing app is more than appropriate.
If, however, you need a level of protection for the information you’re sharing, need to meet compliance regulations, need to create an auditing trail, or have files that are large, you should explore other options.
So What Beats a File Sharing Application?
At the very least, you need a secure SFTP solution over FTP, as SFTP requires authentication between trading partners either with a user ID and password or validated with an SSH key or SSH key/password combo.
A secure transfer solution, at its most basic, secures the movement of files while at rest and in transit confidentially – all within a protected mode. It ensures the integrity of the electronic files and file movement, protecting sensitive file transfers with strong encryption and authentication methods and ensures transfers happen as intended even if:
- Connectivity goes down
- There’s a heavy system load
- The files sent are large
- The file volume is high
Better yet, opt for MFT, or managed file transfer, over file sharing apps.
How Does MFT Beat File Sharing Apps?
MFT automates and secures file transfers using a centralized enterprise-level approach for inbound and outbound data transfers while using industry-standard protocols (like SFTP and FTPS) and encryption technologies (like Open PGP). This software solution improves security, simplifies server-to-server file transfers, and helps your organization meet compliance requirements.
GoAnywhere's secure MFT solution provides a safe, audited method for automatically transferring information within and outside of your enterprise. File transfers and related business processes are streamlined and don’t require programming or special skills to implement.
Go Beyond Free File Transfer Apps with MFT
If it’s time to move beyond Dropbox and other similar apps, start a free trial of GoAnywhere today.
