Cyber threats are becoming more prevalent, with nearly half of US adults having their personal information exposed online. As of August 2022, 80% of US board directors predict their organizations face potential significant cyber-attack risks within a year. The need for secure file sharing and collaboration on work documents is, therefore, of paramount importance.
Here are some essential tips to ensure secure file sharing:
1. Encrypt Files – Encryption is the ultimate tool to securely share files. It scrambles data contents into unreadable data accessible only by individuals with the decryption key. Encrypted files are safe even when falling into wrong hands. Although uploading files to the cloud often involves multiple security layers, it is advisable to encrypt them locally first using disk-based encryption.
2. Use a VPN – VPNs provide encryption during data transmission between devices. While your data may not automatically be encrypted, a VPN can perform this task. However, ensure you use a fast VPN that does not hinder file sharing.
3. Choose secure file-sharing platforms – Opt for a reputable platform that provides end-to-end data encryption and robust security controls. This provides assurance that your data is in encrypted files, thus minimizing the risk of security breaches.
4. Use Secure Authentication – Use strong passwords that are difficult to crack and a password manager to remember them. Bolster your security further by implementing two-factor authentication that ensures more robust control over access to data.
5. Train Your Team – Train your team on safe file-sharing practices. Provide necessary information on common cybersecurity threats such as phishing and explaining the importance of source verification.
6. Control Access – Customize permission settings to restrict shared file access to those designated, controlling who can access, view, download, or edit specific files.
7. Use Secure Cloud Services – Storing your work documents in a secure cloud service allows you to access them from anywhere and eliminates the risk of device theft. Enhance data security further by layering additional security atop built-in cloud security.
8. Keep Software Up-to-date – Timely software updates are imperative for secure file sharing. These updates often fix potential security vulnerabilities and prevent attackers from accessing your system and files.
In conclusion, organizations must prioritize secure data transmission and processing. Doing so will not only protect sensitive data but also maintain trust and uphold a positive brand reputation. Despite the inability to completely eliminate the risk of human error, these measures substantially mitigate the chances of cyber threats. Therefore, join us in the StoryLab.ai community to learn more about secure data transmission and explore unlimited AI-generated content, guided by experts with over 30 years of experience.
