WHAT IS CLOUD FILE SHARING?
Cloud file sharing or cloud-based file sharing is a public or private cloud-based service that enables your organisation to store and access computer files over an online cloud-based network or local computer network. Countless service providers on the market offer varying storage options, accessibility options, and most importantly security for file sharing protocols.
BACKGROUND
The evolution of file sharing services and systems has come a long way over the last two decades. Some of us may even comically recall using floppy disks, DVDs, USBs, and hard drives to store our music, video and documents.
At an enterprise level, corporate file sharing solutions such as LTO tapes were not only cumbersome but came at a massive expense to companies who needed to store large amounts of data securely.
The first cloud file service to hit the market for public access was “Box”, which originated as a college project by its creator Aaron Levie. Soon after, household names like Dropbox and Google Drive followed suit.
ACCESS AND SHARE FILES ANYWHERE
The market has since exploded with both personal and corporate file sharing solutions. global file sharing has now become every day practice for just about everyone. COVID -19 saw a massive increase in companies being forced into remote working to keep operating.
Today, experts estimate that the digital universe comprises of 2,700,000,000,000,000,000 KB (2.7 zettabytes) of data.
With an ever-increasing amount of employees and clients needing to access and share files anywhere, this further increased the demand for data security solutions.
RISKS
Originally the corporate industry did not take well to the idea of employees and customers around the globe accessing important private data. They had a zero trust approach and many still do to cloud-based file-sharing systems. Not only were they concerned about data breaches, but file corruption.
Private and enterprise cloud file services started providing individuals and corporate organisations with services more aligned with security and control in mind.
According to Panda Security, 54% of employees who use cloud sharing transfer documents and data using their personal email accounts.
Other risks are malware, hacking, illegal or copyrighted file downloads from employees, and accidental placement of private files in public folders.
Most accessible day to day file sharing products do not provide enough cloud file storage capacity. Premium plans are of course available for more data storage, but businesses also need to have niche security measures in place to ensure their corporate policies are being adhered to, and their data is protected.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SECURE CLOUD FILE SHARING SERVICES?
Infinite Cloud File Storage Solutions
When looking for a secure file services platform, you need to ensure the product or service is firstly capable of supporting your storage capacity needs. Most freely available applications offer limited storage space, with an offer to upgrade to a monthly premium for more storage. Even for personal use, photos and videos, important records and files will take up space quickly. For corporate use, it is recommended to seek a professional file service platform to avoid storage issues.
Remote Access
With users connecting across the globe, unlimited remote access is vital. Data sovereignty and geolocation services ensure data is stored specifically. For example, enterprises may have national and international branches. Keeping specific data locked to a specific regional or international branch would be beneficial, versus an entire organisation that has access to one shared company folder.
Hybrid Cloud Solutions
Private to public hybrid cloud solutions enable users to work and sync data both locally and on the cloud. This enables users to toggle between working online and offline. A great benefit for when WIFI access is not available or working off one’s own local computer system is preferred.
Office 365 Integration
Office 365 ranks popular as a business suite. This Integration allows you to share and store your data within the familiar Office platform. yet within the business’s corporate firewall via the file services secure server.
SECURITY AND PRIVACY
The benefits of employing the services of a secure file sharing service are that cloud computing can offer protection. There are a number of security factors to consider such as:
End to end encryption (E2E)
End to end encryption ensures that communication and file sharing across your network remains private between specific users. Keeping your organisation and customer content safe from intruders.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
GDPR is an EU wide regulation that is in place to ensure organisations comply with the correct handling of online data and information. Any business that shares data online, or across multiple devices such as computers, laptops and mobile, needs to be GDPR compliant. GDPR compliance includes opt-out options for customers and subscribers, access permissions and personal information protection.
CONCLUSION
Remote working opportunitiesare on the rise. Despite the return of “ business as usual” post-Covid lockdown. Companies are noting the benefits of global accessibility and productivity. There is an increased demand from employees to maintain the flexible working environment they have become accustomed to, and organisations are quickly adapting.
We need to continuously ensure our corporate data and sensitive information stays secure as we continue to stay safe as individuals.
