Dangerous Mistakes You Make in Your Company’s File Sharing

Cybercrime is skyrocketing, yet businesses keep underestimating the risks from insecure file-sharing methods that make it easy for even unskilled attackers to penetrate your company.

For example, you don’t need to be a highly skilled hacker to intercept someone’s bank logins or company files via a simple Man-in-the-Middle attack. Some attackers hunt for passwords, bank accounts, or trade secrets. Others look for a quick ransomware payoff by inserting malware into your intercepted files. When the file recipient opens the document, it triggers a loader to install ransomware, keyloggers, spyware, or other malware.

Fortunately, you don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to learn how to securely share files.

File Sharing Dangers Are Very Common and Very Real

It can take just one poisoned file to infect your entire network and bring your company to an abrupt halt. If you can’t pay a ransom or afford the services of experts to help you rebuild your system, you might lose your data—or even your business.

Apart from the cost of getting your files and system back to normal, you’ll suffer a financial loss from being out of operation.

Your loyal clients may decide you did not care enough and leave for greener, more secure pastures.

A cyberattack often leads to a tarnished reputation and loss of business opportunities, especially if your data breach results in clients suffering identity theft and financial loss. These losses may spur them into taking legal action for not taking better care of their data.

Additionally, you may be subject to regulatory punishments and fines.

Few companies can withstand such an onslaught. It’s far better to get a good grip on your file-sharing practices before it’s too late.

Companies Keep Making the Same Basic Mistakes

Hackers know it’s hard to enforce good security practices in today’s multi-location, spread-out workforce. People use multiple devices to access documents from anywhere at any time. 

Your business is not too small or too big to get targeted. It’s much easier than you think to get the login details of just one employee, which can start an unstoppable sequence of events. After the dusk settles, you’ll find that the targeted business made these common mistakes:

• They did not use a secure file-sharing system. They failed to encrypt sensitive files, implement Two-Factor Authentication, and enforce strong access controls.
• They did not use VPNs to secure employees’ variety of portable devices. Employees were working and sharing files via public Wi-Fi or insecure home networks.
• They did not use an antimalware solution, did not regularly back up files, and failed to keep software updated.
• They failed to establish a security policy and neglected staff security protocol training.

Secure File-Sharing Practices Can Transform Your Company’s Security Posture

The main goal of secure file sharing is to reduce opportunities for hackers to cause a data breach.

Secure platforms with encrypted file transfer protocols (or a VPN meshnet) ensure the integrity of the data you transmit. What you send is what the recipient will get. It can’t be altered or tampered with during transit. Remember, your clients expect you to protect their data. Let them know that you deserve their trust by using secure data transfer protocols.

Encryption and secure file-sharing practices make it a breeze to comply with regulatory standards. It also enables efficient collaboration among team members or clients. You can also streamline workflows, improve productivity, and accelerate decision-making processes. As a bonus, secure file-sharing solutions usually have built-in productivity features like file access tracking, which helps you to stay organized.

Easy Implementation of Best Practices For Secure File Sharing

It may seem like a monumental task, but it’s easy to improve your company’s security section by section. The five focus areas discussed below have a synergistic impact to make your company more cyber-resilient.

Sharing Platform or VPN Mesh Tool

• Research the service providers’ reputation and security track record, then choose a business-grade file-sharing platform that offers multi-factor authentication.
• The sharing platform should have a way to verify the recipient’s identity to ensure that only authorized people access the files.
• You can create a small local network for smaller companies using a VPN mesh tool.

Encrypt, Encrypt, Encrypt

• Use a file-sharing solution that is end-to-end encrypted and extend the security by only using secure communication channels.
• Enforce a VPN for all staff who use mobile devices or work from home or public facilities.
• Never share files over public or unencrypted Wi-Fi.

Manage Passwords and Credentials:

• Use a password manager to ensure all passwords are strong and unique.
• Add password protection to sensitive documents and use strong, unique passwords.
• Implement strong password policies and keep systems and security solutions up to date.
• Implement two-factor authentication.

Maintain System Security:

• Regularly back up files to prevent data loss.
• Keep systems updated and patched.
• Use antivirus software to prevent malware infections.

Secure the Frontline:

• Train staff on secure file-sharing practices and maintain a detailed security policy.
• Regularly remind staff about the risks of insecure methods. Security is a collective responsibility and is not a one-time task. It requires constant awareness and strict adherence to your protocols and best practices.

Here’s to A Future Of Breaking Bad Habits

Secure file sharing is not just a good idea—it has become a necessity in today’s virtual reality. If your staff understands the risks of insecure file sharing, it will become easier to protect data and maintain a secure work environment. Choose your file-sharing tools wisely to support an increasingly tech-savvy workforce. If you don’t choose a file-sharing method, employees will decide for themselves which might not be the secure method you need.