How To Securely Share Confidential Files With Clients

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There are a lot of illegal businesses that you might be reading about almost daily in the newspapers and news websites. However, did you know illegal data mining is the most profitable illegal business being done these days?

Data theft might not sound like much, but indeed data is one of the most valuable assets in our lives today. Have you ever had the desire to purchase something, and the next moment, had an advertisement for that very thing show up in your browser? How do you think that happens? If you go deeper, you’ll be able to understand that this too is a subtle art of data theft.

A single search history can disclose a lot about you as a person, that too with the help of one single factor- your data!

Now that you have become aware of how important it is to protect our data, let’s take a look at 4 different ways by which we can make sure that our data reaches only the ones they’re intended for:

1. End-to-end Encryption Of Data

End-to-end encryption of data works much like the door lock and key system. Imagine going out to run errands, what’s the first thing you’d do? Lock the door, so that only authorized people having the right key can enter, right? This lock-and-key system is relevant in cases of file transfers too.

First, you need to encrypt the files with a digital key (password). This makes sure that the files become inaccessible unless decrypted with the correct key.

Encryption works for all kinds of files. You can encrypt a file containing important information, before sending it out; or you can appoint powerpoint writers to your pitch deck, and then encrypt the file before sharing the confidential pitch deck. The same can be done to PDFs too.

2. Enabling Stronger Passwords And 2FA

2FA stands for “Two-Factor Authentication”. While encrypting files with passwords, it’s necessary to choose strong passwords – that can include anything from a combination of words, numbers, and symbols. The reason behind it is simple: longer passwords are harder to guess.

In case you are unsure about remembering longer passwords, a password manager can come in handy. The password manager can create strong passwords for you and then store them for you.

Longer passwords aside, you can also go for two-factor authentication to help secure confidential files. With 2FA you’ll need to confirm your identity before accessing encrypted files. This will allow the usage of data by users, but only under your control.

3. Using Cloud-Based Services

One of the best ways to secure confidential files is to operate using a cloud-based service. The main advantage of clouds is that you can access your files no matter where you are or what device you’re using. You also won’t lose your important files if one of your physical devices gets stolen or lost.

However, if any of your devices does get stolen, you can always enhance the file security measure from another device. All you need to do is have your files uploaded to your cloud drive.

You can also avail yourself of zero-knowledge cloud storage. What makes it even more secure is that even the service providers do not have access to your data. You’ll be the sole person with access to your files.

4. Opt For an Integrated File-Sharing System

Although a stand-alone system, with only file-sharing options, might look enticing, it’s always prudent to invest in an integrated file-sharing software that’ll provide other features as well, such as email security.

Integrated file-sharing software is generally built on existing frameworks, and is more secure. Also, working with such software will avoid the risk of getting intercepted by cyber-criminals, as each individual will have a user account and sharing files with unauthorized third parties can be avoided.

Conclusion

Confidentiality is an important factor not only in one’s professional or business environment but in his/her personal life as well. Hence, you must leave no stone unturned in ensuring the security of files when sharing with clients. It is important to follow the above-mentioned steps and make information transfer as secure as possible.

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