As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and working from home becomes the norm, many businesses are grappling with a host of cyber security threats associated with remote working. In addition to teaching employees how to secure home wifi connections and use safe video conferencing platforms, employers have also had to deal with the question of safe file sharing.
For many businesses, sharing files such as documents, presentations, and other deliverables is an essential part of the work day. However, the risk of unauthorised users accessing these files increases significantly when they are shared online, particularly when employees are using their personal computers and home internet connections.
To explain how to share files securely in this context, we’ve teamed up with the cyber security experts at ESET. From the importance of encryption to alternatives to email, read their top tips for secure file sharing solutions.
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Encrypt your files
The first step in ensuring your files are protected from prying eyes? Encrypting them using a data encryption software from a trusted source. Encrypting your files converts their contents into “ciphertext” which cannot be read by users without the relevant security credentials. In other words, in the event that unauthorised users manage to intercept an encrypted file, they will be unable to view its contents.
For extra protection, it’s also a good idea to password protect zip files and any other documents that you plan to share with another user.
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Don’t send sensitive files via email
While it may seem like second nature to email files over to colleagues and collaborators, when it comes to safe file sharing email is actually far from best practice. In addition to being vulnerable to interception in transit by savvy cyber attackers, emails expose you to cyber threats for long after they’ve been sent.
Consider this: Every time you email a file, four copies of the attachment are created. In effect, one copy sits in your outbox, your recipient’s inbox, your sending mail server, and the recipient’s receiving mail server respectively. All four of these copies are vulnerable to attack down the line.
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Use a secure file sharing portal
Using a secure external file sharing portal is one of the best ways to ensure that your file makes it to its destination safely – and that it remains secure. Cloud storage platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive are great options for businesses who want to ensure their files are protected without incurring a huge financial cost.
If you’re serious about secure file sharing and have the budget and IT infrastructure to establish a virtual private network (VPN), you can also use this to securely share files between remote devices and workers.
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Invest in cyber security software
In addition to taking the above cyber security measures, consider investing in cyber security software that is designed to limit your exposure to attackers. Recommended by CHOICE, ESET Internet Security offers a high level of privacy protection to Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux users, and can protect multiple devices with a single license. This easy-to-use software is a great way to secure your computer while working from home and can provide backup in the event that any of the above measures fail.
Secure file sharing practices are essential for any business
Whether you’re a large corporation or a small to medium enterprise (SME), safe file sharing should be a key priority while employers are working remotely. Mitigating file sharing security risks by following the tips outlined above can protect your business from potentially devastating cyber attacks, and may save you a lot of headache and hassle down the line.
In addition to ESET Internet Security and ESET Mobile Security, ESET offers a number of cyber security software solutions that can provide end-to-end protection for your business. To learn more and discover which solution is right for you, contact ESET today!
