File Sharing Apps: Why Data Security is Important
Fifteen years ago, sending large files was a cumbersome undertaking. You either had to use file-sharing services such as YouSendIt or copy the file to a disc before sharing it. Things have changed, and users have tens of file sharing apps at their disposal. Today, you can quickly and securely share large files and store them on the cloud. Likewise, you can sync them on multiple accounts, or work on one file simultaneously with clients or colleagues.
Besides their convenience and scalability, file sharing apps benefit businesses in many ways. On the flip side, these solutions can be your waterloo, especially if you fail to manage them properly. A simple mistake when managing these files can have far-reaching implications as far as data security is concerned. If you fail to implement adequate security measures, you will be exposing your company’s data to security threats.
File Sharing and Data Security
File sharing apps have become even more popular as more people opt to work remotely. Besides, more businesses are moving to the cloud. Nonetheless, every time the files get shared between two or more individuals, security risks arise. These risks include malware infection, exposure or loss of sensitive data, and hacking.
A survey by Elastica established that sensitive data gets exposed to unauthorized users when using file sharing apps. The leading cause of exposure was the ‘accidental’ sharing of files by employees. In such cases, employees and other users shared files with unauthorized individuals without malicious intent.
A data breach can be costly, regardless of whether it was accidental or not. Therefore, you should ensure that you use secure file sharing apps. No modern organization can survive without file-sharing. However, proper security measures should be implemented to avoid data risks as you use file sharing apps.
The most important thing to do is educating employees about the risks that arise from file sharing. In particular, they should be warned about the implications of using file-sharing methods that are not officially approved by the organization. These methods may include the use of free file-sharing platforms and personal email account. Often, they exist outside an organization’s existing security controls. Therefore, employees should avoid using them.
Your company also needs a formal file-sharing policy, which should be made known to all employees. Such a strategy provides guidance and clarity on matters relating to file sharing, besides enlightening employees about the risks involved in unauthorized file sharing. You should consider implementing a file-sharing policy that highlights the specific file sharing methods that employees should use.
Best File Sharing Apps
There are dozens of file-sharing apps. Besides enabling you to share files between devices and the cloud, these apps come with tons of security features for data safety purposes. Here are some of the best file sharing apps in the marketplace today.
Files Go by Google
Just as the name suggests, this app is Google’s brainchild. It is designed to help you transfer data between devices, provided that they have the app. You don’t need an Internet connection to initiate the transfer of files. With speeds of up to 125 Mbps, you are guaranteed super-fast and convenient file sharing. Files Go by Google also allows you to add your files to Google Drive, thus helping you to optimize storage space on the app.
Amazon Drive
Fundamentally designed as a cloud storage app, Amazon Drive allows users to share files on the go. It comes with a handy feature that enables you to preview documents before sending them. This feature is helpful when scouring through many files. With Amazon Drive, users can create folders, erase files, and move them from one folder to another. Likewise, they can create shareable links for quick access to the shared files.
SHAREit
This is one of the most widely-used file-sharing apps in the market. A product of Lenovo, this app was designed with the modern user in mind. SHAREit has been lauded for its versatility since it can help you send any file. You don’t require an Internet connection to share data using this app. You can also download it for free.
Dropbox
It’s almost impossible to mention file sharing apps without Dropbox coming to mind. This Android app comes with a decent set of features, including the ability to share files using links. For convenience purposes, Dropbox has a doc scanner feature, which allows you to convert paper documents into PDF files. Unlike other higher-end file sharing apps, Dropbox is only free for a max of 2GB of data. Once you meet this threshold, you will need to purchase a subscription to continue using the app.
Data Security is a shared obligation. If you wish to gain full visibility into what employees share over file-sharing apps, do not hesitate to procure NuEduSEC’s cloud-based cybersecurity solutions.