The rise of the internet has changed the way businesses operate in a big way. Now, it is easier than ever to share large files with others worldwide in almost no time. However, the internet carries some inherent risks.
Cyber crimes, hacking, and data breaches have become increasingly common in the digital age. Therefore, you must protect yourself and your data when sending large files via the internet.
Here are some best practices for sending large files securely via the internet:
- Use Password Protection
Sensitive files could easily fall into the wrong hands if they are not adequately protected. Sending large files securely requires encryption, which you can achieve by using a password to protect the file.
Adding a password ensures that only the intended recipient can access the file.
You can also use additional measures like two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security. Any additional authentication prevents hackers from accessing the file even if they have obtained the password.
- Use a Reputable File Transfer Service
Reputable file transfer services provide a secure, encrypted connection for sending large files securely over the internet. These services are designed specifically for sending and receiving sensitive data and offer the ability to monitor transfers in real time. Additionally, they provide higher speeds and reliability than traditional file-sharing methods.
Dropbox, Box, and Google Drive are just a few examples of reputable file transfer services that you can use to send large files securely. Most people don’t know how to upload large files to Dropbox, so you may want to opt for an alternative. P2P-based file replication and sync solution might be the ideal option for this.
- Use an Encrypted Connection
Networks are vulnerable to attacks, and your data may be susceptible to spying or tampering if the connection is not secure. To ensure that your large files are sent securely, use an encrypted connection such as a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
A VPN creates a secure tunnel between two devices by encrypting all data. This ensures that your files are hidden from potential attackers and only accessible to the intended recipient.
A remote desktop protocol (RDP) is another secure way to send large files securely. An RDP connection creates a secure, encrypted link between two computers, allowing the sender to remotely control the recipient’s computer.
- Use Secure FTP Protocols
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is an internet protocol that transfers files over the internet. It’s fast and reliable, but it is not very secure. For sending large files securely, use a more secure version of FTP like SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) or FTPS (FTP over SSL).
These protocols are much more secure than regular FTP as they encrypt the data passing between two computers. They also feature authentication measures that ensure only authorized parties can access the files.
- Monitor Your Transfers
Monitoring your transfers is essential for sending large files securely over the internet. Keep an eye on who is accessing the file and where it is being sent to ensure it does not fall into the wrong hands.
Also, delete or disable any links to the file once the transfer has been completed.
Some services, such as Dropbox, allow you to track the progress of your transfer in real time so that you can be sure that it is being sent securely. For other services, it’s best to use a third-party monitoring tool that can provide additional security and feedback.
In summary, securely sending large files requires various security measures. Use password protection, a reliable file transfer service, an encrypted connection, secure FTP protocols, and monitoring tools to ensure that your data is safe when it is being transferred over the internet.
By following these best practices, you can ensure that your sensitive data stays out of the wrong hands.