File Sharing and the Security Needed to Make it Effective

If there?s one thing that keeps a business going, it?s unified access to company resources. This includes file sharing. In order to collaborate and work on projects both individually or in groups, sharing files will be of critical importance. However, due to the rather risky nature of running a business, sharing files must be done securely, otherwise it puts your data in harm?s way. How can you make sure this doesn?t happen for your organization?

We?ve put together some best practices for how a modern business can make sure they aren?t placing their business at risk with their file sharing practices.

Take Measures to Prioritize Security
Right from the get-go, your organization should be focused on implementing security features for your file sharing systems. You don?t want to find out your employees are using unauthorized applications for file sharing purposes, as they are much more difficult to control and manage. Therefore, you should make it a priority to take security into your own hands, as if you wait too long, it could spell trouble.

Implement a Business-Grade System
For the average consumer, there are several options for file sharing. While it might be tempting to save money and invest in other parts of your business, we urge you to consider enterprise-class products that are designed exclusively for business. In fact, many of the services the average user takes advantage of have enterprise offerings with security features designed for use with business. If you?re not sure of how to approach this kind of file sharing, be sure to reach out and ask us about it.

Take Advantage of the Cloud
The cloud is a great tool that can help your business thrive, and it?s especially helpful for file sharing. The cloud enables anytime-anywhere access, which can promote productivity and flexibility in your working environment. Unfortunately, this comes at the cost of security unless you?ve implemented a virtual private network for your employees to access. What this does is encrypt data while it?s in transit, protecting files from being accessed by anyone who is unauthorized to do so.

Educate Your Users
The cornerstone of any data security measures is to educate your users on why it?s important, as well as how to do it. Train your employees on how to identify potential security issues while sharing files, as well as how to share information in a secure way. After all, if you are going to implement a secure method of sharing data and files, you better make sure your employees are going to use it (and use it well).

To learn more about how you can implement file sharing for your business in a secure way, reach out to us at (603) 889-0800.