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Secure File Sharing Explained + 13 Options

File sharing is a critical part of any modern-day business — and with the growing shift toward remote work landscapes, organizations need to be able to share large files as quickly and securely as possible. Most of today’s data is transferred with online tools, which is why choosing a secure file-sharing service is critical to avoid security threats and keep sensitive data protected. Read on to learn more about how to select the right file-sharing service for your organization.

What Is Secure File Sharing?

File sharing is the practice of sharing public or private computer files over a network. Depending on the access permissions, file sharing allows a select number of people to read, view or edit the file based on the level of authority the file sharer has provided. File-sharing services typically allocate a certain amount of file storage per user per account.

What Are the Risks and Advantages of File Sharing?

File sharing is a necessary component of any business that allows for efficiency in data syncing and collaboration across teams. However, it’s important to be aware of the security threats tied to any type of file sharing.

Risks:

Advantages:

Types of File Sharing

There are a variety of different types of file sharing, and the method you choose will depend on the types of files you’re sharing and who you’re sending them to. Here are some of the most common methods of storing and distributing files online.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

The most common file transfer system on the internet to date is known as a File Transfer Protocol (FTP). FTP is a networking protocol used to send files between two computers, with one of them acting as a server. FTP allows users to gain access to files or programs shared from an FTP server site with the use of a password. Many FTP sites offer public file sharing or allow users to view or download files using a public password.

Best for: Large files or unusual file types

Example programs: Cyberduck, Firefox

Peer-to-Peer (P2P)

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file sharing uses a software program (rather than your web browser) to transfer files without the need for a central server. The individual users in this type of network are known as peers — each peer is an end user’s computer, which connects to another peer where the files are located and can then be shared via the internet.

Best for: Sharing files between small groups of people; sharing media files like photos, books or movies

Example programs: Instant messaging services like Skype

Cloud Services

With a cloud sharing service, files are stored on an online repository. When a user uploads their data to the online repository or platform, a unique URL is generated. When the file owner shares this URL with other users, it grants them access to download and share the files within the same platform.

Best for: Quickly sharing files, creating backups of data

Example programs: Dropbox, OneDrive, iCloud

Email Providers

Even if you’re unfamiliar with different types of file sharing, you’ve likely already utilized file sharing via email providers. Anytime you attach a file or document to a message, you’re transferring data across the open internet.

Best for: Small files, one-off file sharing

Example programs: Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail

Removable Storage

Removable storage uses a physical or external hard drive to transfer files. It involves copying data to a USB flash drive or another external storage device, which the end user plugs into their computer to retrieve the information.

Best for: Extremely large files or sensitive data

Example programs: USB sticks, external hard drives, CDs

How to Choose the Best Service

Once you’ve narrowed down the type of file-sharing service that suits your needs, you’ll need to select an individual service or product. With so many options available, it’s helpful to hone in on the specific features that are most important to you in a file-sharing service. Here are some considerations to help you decide on the right solution. 

13 Best File-Sharing Services

While the specific service you choose will depend on your organization’s unique needs, our roundup of the best file-sharing services is a great place to start.

1. Box

Box is a cloud-based sharing service geared toward businesses and enterprises. It allows organizations to centralize their data and collaborate with other connected users. Users may invite others to view or edit shared files, or users may upload files to a shared folder which other users have access to view. Box has a thorough range of paid enterprise plans, as well as a free option for individual users.

Pros: Smooth integration for enterprise security infrastructures, encryption key management, advanced security controls

Cons: Lower-tier plans have limited functionality

2. Dropbox

Dropbox is a popular file hosting service that includes cloud storage, file synchronization and personal and professional cloud software solutions. Users are able to create file folders within the Dropbox server, which are then synced across all connected users’ devices for easy retrieval. Dropbox Basic offers two gigabytes of free storage space, while Dropbox Plus offers one terabyte.

Pros: Automatic encryption, allows file sharing with users who don’t have a Dropbox account

Cons: Free plan (Dropbox Basic) has limited storage space

3. Egnyte

Egnyte is a cross-platform service that offers a hybrid of cloud and local storage. It’s geared toward businesses seeking advanced security features for files shared within or outside the organization. Files are transferred using Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), rendering any compromised data useless in the event of a data breach.

Pros: Automatically syncs file changes across all copies, extra data backups of files are saved automatically, advanced encryption and security standards

Cons: More complex than other services

4. Google Drive

As one of the first big players in cloud-based collaboration and file sharing, Google Drive is a reliable file-sharing service for both personal and business use. Google Drive allows users to store files and synchronize digital content across all connected devices, and also offers a suite of browser-based tools (Google Docs, Google Slides and Google Sheets). All data shared on Google Drive is encrypted with the TLS standard — the same standard used to encrypt connections between web pages across the internet.

Pros: Simple interface, 15 gigabytes free for new users

Cons: Google account is required for collaboration features

5. iCloud Drive

iCloud Drive is a cloud storage service that integrates with Apple operating systems. iCloud Drive’s file syncing and storage capabilities are useful if you’re already working within the Apple ecosystem, and iCloud comes already installed on new Mac computers and iOS devices for easy syncing.

Pros: Seamless integration across all Apple and iCloud products

Cons: Integration with Windows is lacking, limited support for enterprise users

6. MediaFire

MediaFire is a smaller player in the cloud-based storage landscape that’s seen steady growth over the years. It’s aimed toward users in need of a simple file-sharing solution without any complicated or advanced features.

Pros: Unlimited bandwidth, fast downloads for extra large files

Cons: Limited collaboration functionality, on-screen ads visible in basic plan

7. Microsoft OneDrive

With Microsoft’s steady movement toward cloud-based operating systems, OneDrive has become a staple in the latest Windows systems. Once a user’s Microsoft account is authenticated, data can be synced across multiple folders within an organization. Users are allotted free storage space up to five gigabytes, or 50 gigabytes at $1.99 a month. OneDrive is the easiest option for Windows users and Office 365 users.

Pros: Seamless integration with Microsoft Office products

Cons: Not compatible with Mac operating systems

8. SecureDocs

SecureDocs provides secure file sharing for organizations who are managing mergers and acquisitions. With a flat monthly pricing model, SecureDocs allows an unlimited number of users to work within the system.

Pros: Flat-rate price model, provides unlimited user accounts

Cons: Complex permissions configurations

9. SugarSync

SugarSync is a cloud-based file-sharing platform that works for both Mac or Windows operating systems. Like Egnyte, SugarSync performs secure file sharing via AES encryption. Users can set permissions for how much access is given to recipients of shared files, and it allows users to share files without providing direct access to your account. Within organizations, shared folders can be accessed from anywhere, and files can easily be shared with clients or other outside recipients with the use of a public link for specific files.

Pros: Sensitive data can be remotely wiped from devices in the event of a data breach, easy file restoration

Cons: Only offers paid plans

10. WeTransfer

WeTransfer is a simple and straightforward file-sharing service that doesn’t require you to sign up for a service if you don’t want to. WeTransfer allows you to share one or multiple files with the use of a custom link. If you do choose to create an account, a Pro account costs $12 a month and offers additional features such as creating password-protected download links and a 20-gigabyte file limit rather than the two-gigabyte limit for free users.

Pros: Simplified one-time file transfers, no account required

Cons: Limit of two gigabytes of data for free users, lacks security features

11. Resilio

Resilio transfers files using the BitTorrent protocol, which offers increased transfer times and peer-to-peer communication capabilities. This means that instead of sharing files using a cloud service, they can be shared in real time between two devices as long as they’re both online. BitTorrent also makes it easy to share large files. Resilio offers a variety of one-time payment tiers with no file storage limit.

Pros: Enhanced file sharing via BitTorrent, great for sharing large files

Cons: File sharing limited to paid users

12. Tresorit

Tresorit stands out thanks to its advanced file-sharing capabilities while remaining a free platform to use. It offers a number of security features, including end-to-end encryption, GDPR compliance and password protection, and users can share up to five gigabytes in files.

Pros: Offers more control over your files after sharing them, reliable security protections

Cons: Five-gigabyte data limit

13. pCloud

pCloud is a cloud storage platform that provides added security thanks to end-to-end encryption added to all backed-up files. There’s no limit to the size of files you can share, making it easy to share large files. pCloud supports a wide range of devices including Android, Linux, iOS and Windows, making it accessible to a variety of users or organizations regardless of the operating system in place.

Pros: Supports a wide range of devices

Cons: Encryption feature requires additional fee

An organization’s data is arguably one of the most important assets they own, and finding a reliable way to share, sync and save sensitive data is critical to smooth and secure business operations. While some services are more secure than others, it’s wise to ensure you have a solid antivirus software in place to safeguard your data.

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