Best Secure File Transfer Methods in 2022

Recently, many companies are interacting with customers all over the world. Knowing the options and using secure file transfer methods is essential for any business to stay ahead.

Secure File Transfer Method

Every file transfer (whether it is a customer order, inventory data, customer communication, or product documentation) needs to ensure that the transferred data is protected. One way to ensure the protection of customer data is to look for security features that can prevent and avoid man-in-the-middle attacks. This attack is similar to eavesdropping on conversations. During the transmission between the computer and the server or other equipment, your data may be intercepted by the "monitoring" personnel. Secure file transfer methods ensure that eavesdropping and other violations or violations of privacy will not occur.

Today, secure file transfer methods are designed to protect your company from data leakage during transfer. From simple online file sharing to the regular transmission of large files and videos, these three secure file transfer methods can help you send business files safely in 2020.

1. SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol)

SFTP is a separate protocol from FTP. It uses an SSH key, which is the "S" part of SFTP. What else makes this protocol a secure file transfer method. To transfer SFTP files securely, an SSH key or user ID and password are required to connect to the server. Your FTP and file sharing services should provide information about setting up SSH keys for the account. The SSH protocol includes public keys and private keys, which are used to authenticate servers and users. When using SFTP for file transfer, the connection is always secure. SFTP uses encryption and cryptographic hash functions to ensure that no one can read your data during file transfer. If you are looking for a reliable way to upload and transfer large files, a hosted FTP service that supports direct SFTP connections is perfect for your business. One of the advantages of choosing SFTP as your secure file transfer method is that it is firewall-friendly. SFTP also uses a single port to connect to the server. Once the connection is authenticated, a single open port can transfer files faster between the client and the server.

2. Use FTPS to Improve the Security of the File Transfer Protocol

FTPS is an extension of FTP. It uses TLS (Transport Layer Security) or SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption to achieve the security that is not available with standard file transfer protocols (FTP). This additional layer provides a secure connection between the client and the server.

The FTPS protocol requires the following to connect and allow file transfer: User Identity; Password; Certificate (server certificate).

FTPS does use multiple port numbers to connect and complete file transfers. The first port is used for authentication and commands. After verifying and establishing a connection with the server, each file transfer request opens another port. Someone might argue that opening multiple ports may cause security problems. This secure file transfer method is good at server-to-server file transfer. When you need to access an FTP server from a personal device, FTPS is the ideal choice. Software developers who use the .NET framework often use FTPS as their secure file transfer method. When using FTPS, you may find that there is less support for it and more configuration is required. However, the use of FTP's TLS and SSL encryption protocols makes it the preferred file transfer method for many companies.

3. Encrypted Website Connection

HTTPS is the Hypertext Transfer Protocol "secure". When you visit the site, we are talking about the content before www. HTTPS means encrypted website connection and HTTP connection. The HTTPS protocol is a way for web browsers to communicate with websites. Cannot monitor or tamper with HTTPS. There is no man-in-the-middle attack. HTTPS checks website security certificates and ensures that you are talking to a real website (not an impersonator). Today, most commercial websites use HTTPS by default. However, it is best to check the Hypertext Transfer Protocol when visiting a new website, or whether you receive a warning or pop-up window to confirm that you want to visit that particular website. Look for HTTPS at the beginning of the URL, or look for the lock symbol before the website name in the address bar.

If you are using the web interface to access files, it is important to know the type of connection you have. For example, if you want to enter information to place an order online, or request customer information in a form on your website.

HTTPS works in conjunction with SSL (a secure socket layer with the encrypted part of FTPS). Browsing privacy using HTTPS only allows other people to see connections to secure sites. They cannot see the specific page you visited or any other browsing information.

Tips for global secure file transfer are used for various data and file transfer protocols. No matter which secures the file transfer method you choose, some other things can reduce security risks and improve workflow. As a secure file transfer method, HTTPS is best used for banking, sending payments, and transferring private or sensitive data from users via website data. Any transferrring way that requires a password can only be sent using the HTTPS protocol.