How to ensure file sharing security using Smart Remote Access

File sharing is a daily activity for businesses of all sizes. Many employees often use tools like Google Drive or Dropbox to share files and collaborate on projects. These tools are great for everyday tasks, but for critical data, you may need extra security.

This blog explores best practices for secure sharing of files with confidential data. We will examine how Smart Remote Access offers a safer alternative, especially for handling highly sensitive files.

What is file sharing?

File sharing, or file transfer, involves distributing digital files, such as documents, images, or software, between devices or users across a network. Most businesses rely on third-party platforms for this, but these file-sharing services come with security risks.

There are two main kinds of file sharing: cloud-based platforms, such as Dropbox or Google Drive, and on-premise systems installed on local servers.

Each platform has its pros and cons. But how secure are these file sharing systems? Cloud-based solutions are convenient, yet they can expose sensitive information to unauthorized parties if not managed properly. On-premise platforms offer more control, but they can be harder to scale and maintain.

Smart Remote Access (SRA), on the other hand, provides a more secure and efficient alternative to these platforms. It is one of the safest file sharing methods. But before we discuss SRA in more detail, let’s have a look at the vulnerabilities traditional file sharing platforms carry.

The risks of traditional file sharing platforms

Many businesses use popular cloud-based file sharing systems, like Google Drive and Dropbox, often unaware of security vulnerabilities. These services make file sharing easier but do the benefits outweigh the risks? Let us now explore.

The most common risks

File sharing security can be compromised by these vulnerabilities:

Unauthorized access. Limited control over who can view or download shared files, especially if links are publicly accessible or shared with the wrong people.

Data loss. Files can be accidentally deleted, altered, or lost during sharing.

Inconsistent encryption. Inadequate protection during file transfers

Non-compliance. Insufficient access controls on popular platforms can cause breaches and break compliance rules. This applies to heavily regulated industries, like healthcare, for instance. These numbers highlight file sharing security risks. Many cases involve confidential files compromised on traditional platforms, leading to data breaches, legal consequences, and reputational damage.

Pros and cons of traditional file sharing

File sharing offers several advantages that make it a popular choice for businesses. However, despite its benefits, there are some downsides to consider, too. Let us now look at the pros and cons of file sharing on traditional platforms.

Pros:

• Fast transfer of large files. With file sharing, you can quickly send large files over a network, avoiding delays associated with physical media or email attachments.
• Global collaboration. File sharing allows teams to collaborate easily, regardless of location.
• No need for a central file server. Cloud-based sharing eliminates the need for an in-house server infrastructure.

Cons:

• High costs for large files. Many traditional platforms charge extra for large files or additional storage, and file formats may not always be compatible, leading to delays.
• Tracking difficulties. Once shared, it’s hard to track who has accessed the file and what they have done with it.
• File sharing security risks. Viruses, malware, and phishing attempts are common on unsecured platforms.
• A limited amount of file format support. Some platforms may not work with uncommon file types, restricting their usability.

We can conclude that while traditional file sharing platforms offer speed and collaboration benefits, they can't always ensure robust security measures. Businesses aiming for secure file transfer must weigh these benefits against potential risks and costs.

How Smart Remote Access ensures file sharing security

Unlike traditional file-sharing platforms, Smart Remote Access (SRA) bypasses third-party storage servers entirely. Instead, it uses secure, encrypted peer-to-peer connections, transferring files directly between devices through NordLayer’s private gateways. This ensures files aren’t stored or accessible on any third-party storage server, adding a layer of privacy.

This level of control significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches, as your files remain in a secure environment throughout the transfer process. Here is how SRA can help enhance your file sharing security.

Secure file sharing: large sizes and unusual formats

Certain industries—like media, architecture, and engineering—deal with large files that are often in unusual formats. File sharing platforms may not support these formats, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to storage limitations. So, what's the best way to share files in such formats? Smart Remote Access not only handles them but also ensures a proper level of security.

With SRA, file size or format is never an issue. Whether you need to send high-definition video files or engineering blueprints, SRA supports all file types, ensuring smooth and secure transfers without limitations.

Also, bypassing the limitations and extra fees of third-party platforms, Smart Remote Access enables businesses to transfer large files without the cost burden, all while keeping your data secure.

Secure remote access to company files

Working remotely has become a necessity for many businesses, but it’s important to ensure that accessing company data from afar doesn’t compromise security. Smart Remote Access enables employees to safely retrieve and share files from company devices, no matter where they are located.

Unlike other file-sharing solutions, SRA ensures that remote file access happens through secure, encrypted channels, preventing unauthorized access and protecting your business data.

Key benefits of Smart Remote Access

By using Smart Remote Access, businesses can significantly enhance their file sharing security. Here are the benefits of SRA:

• Encrypted connections. All files transferred are secured with end-to-end encryption, protecting them from interception during transit.
• Access control. Businesses can set strict permissions to ensure that only authorized users have access to company files.
• Centralized management. With a centralized management system, administrators can monitor and control access to shared resources, ensuring compliance with company policies.

Conclusion

Traditional file-sharing platforms can expose businesses to security risks and additional costs, especially when handling large or sensitive files. Smart Remote Access offers a safer, more cost-effective alternative that ensures files are shared securely, with advanced encryption and direct peer-to-peer connections.

By using Smart Remote Access, your business can avoid third-party risks, maintain full control over its data, and ensure file sharing security across all formats and devices. Find out how NordLayer can help you achieve it.