We know sharing files over the web makes sending information to employees and clients a breeze, but it can also open you and your company up to endless cyber security threats. At Hooks IT, it’s our goal to make file sharing as easy as possible, while keeping your sensitive information secure – so we’ve come up with these quick tips to keep your files safe when sending through the web!
1.Check Your Permissions
Check your permissions settings on your online browser (Chrome, Safari, Etc.) and ensure all standard or advanced privacy settings are enabled to alert you if a site is unprotected, tries to add an extension or downloads anything your computer.
2. Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information on Public Wi-Fi
If you’re sending files while away from a secure wi-fi, opt for your using phones network instead as date transferred through 4G, 4G LTE, and 5G is encrypted.
3. Send Files Via a Password Protected Service
Make sure you’re only sending and sharing files from a password protected service, ex. Gmail or Dropbox.
4. Choose a Service That Offers End-to-End Encryption.
For even more protection when sharing information – use a service that offers end to end encryption. If sharing through email, it’s important to note that while Gmail offers multiple layers of safety protection, they do not offer end-to-end encryption, but services like iMessage, iCloud, WhatsApp, and Microsoft Office do.
5. Send Files Directly To Who They Are Going To
The less people who have access to your files, the better. When sending files via the web, make sure you send them directly to who they are going to. Meaning, type in the username or email address(s) of the recipient(s) and avoid checking boxes like “anyone with this link can view/edit/download).
If you’re sending files via Gmail, sending to a specific email address, and not using “anyone with this link can view” will add an extra layer of defense to keep your files safe.
At Hooks IT, not only can we make sure your current practices are up to safety standards, but we can also implement a Cloud-Based system that gives your employees more freedom in file sharing and we’ll consistently monitor your system for any security breaches that try to arise. Give us a call to learn more!