Use Caution When Transferring Large Files – Mom Says So!
“Drive carefully,” Eat your vegetables,” “Share those toys with your brother,” “Think again about how you’re transferring all those large files!”
You know, your mom’s right. She usually is. And, when it comes to transferring big files, it IS smart to adopt a best practices approach when it comes to sharing your files.
If it Sounds Too Good to be True, it Probably is
Chalk another one up for mom’s intuition. Most organizations have already moved away from the basic, free FTP (file transfer protocol) and from homegrown solutions and scripts as the risk is simply too high in terms of privacy, compliance regulations and cybersecurity threats. There are better choices. In some instances, cloud-based file sharing tools like Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and Dropbox, are “enough,” especially if your shared files are not large and do not contain any sensitive data.
If, however, your files to be shared are large, you need to transfer big files in bulk, or are concerned about data security, these cloud-based solutions don’t quite cut it. One alternative is GoDrive, a tool that can help you and your recipients collaborate on documents securely in the cloud or on-premises. GoDrive gives you more control over your shared large files and lets you track file versions, comment, and more.
Can’t I use Email to Send Those Large Files?
You can, but again, size matters. File size limits will often stop a large file transfer in its tracks. Plus, emailing without a secure solution in place opens you up to security risks and even compliance regulation run ins. One easy fix is to use a secure tool, like the Secure Mail module in GoAnywhere MFT, to send files from either a browser-based interface or the Outlook plug-in. Your recipient will be emailed a link to the file and the password will be sent via email or text. You’ll be able to track views and downloads of the file and be able to expire that link.
The best part of it though is that there are no file size limitations as the file doesn’t get sent through your email server. Once you click ‘send,’ the file(s) is placed encrypted in a folder where GoAnywhere MFT is installed. Lots of other features can be found in Secure Mail, such as multiple file capability, a call-back feature in case you no longer want a file available to someone, and more.
Related Reading: 5 Tips for Large File Transfers
For a limited time, use secure remote collaboration tools like GoDrive, Secure Mail, Secure Folders, and more free for 90 days.
But What if I Need to Send Lots of Large Files?
If sending many ad hoc files, especially large ones, is eating up too much of your organization’s time, it’s probably time to consider a secure, automated solution dedicated to the task. GoAnywhere MFT lets you share files of any size. Plus, there is no more wondering if your file actually was delivered. Notifications and detailed audit logs let you see exactly what happens with any file you send. In addition, if you or your recipients have any network connectivity issues, GoAnywhere pauses the “send” and resumes it when everything’s back in order.
I Need to Share EDI Data. Will MFT Work for Me?
Absolutely! AS2 or AS4, both commonly used to share EDI data securely, can be used with any file type. Messages sent are encrypted, compressed and signed for secure sharing of any file type.
Related Reading: What’s the Difference Between AS2, AS3 and AS4?
How Else Can MFT Protect My File Transfers?
If you’re still using FTP for file transfers, it’s time to update your method. MFT uses the following to help you share your files and collaborate efficiently and securely.
- SFTP, or FTP over SSH: These protocols use a secure channel to prevent unauthorized access while files are in motion. Secure features include user ID, password, and key authentication. Using SFTP helps ensure only the correct users have access to your files.
- FTPS, or FTP over SSL: Using these protocols allows you to share files with trading partners, employees, and others after verifying their system’s authenticity.
- High availability: GoAnywhere helps you get the maximum time of “live” time in the event of a system or network issue. It offers scaling to help balance and more evenly distribute those large-file workloads across your network.
Mom’s advice is usually spot-on, and if MFT is her recommendation, you’d better take her up on it if you want to ensure your file transfers are secure and automated. Be sure to thank her!
