With the COVID-19 pandemic raging across the United States, the concept of remote offices is gaining popularity. As this trend continues to grow, more companies are struggling with the task of sharing files and information across these remote offices safely. When we talk about safe file transfers, we are concerned with the safety of your staff as well as the safety of the data in question.
While some forms of file-sharing can offer certain advantages, they may also place your staff in danger. For example, sharing files through physical thumb-drives may entail certain health risks and can even compromise your data. If you are looking for effective ways to share files during this outbreak, here are some options that may work for you.
Various Forms of File Sharing Approaches
There are various forms of file sharing approaches using the internet. These include FTP or File Transfer Protocol. FTP is reliable and efficient thus is popular with the transfer of large files or uncommon file formats that may not be supported by other file transfer protocols. Another common type of file transfer platform is the use of cloud services. Here, the files are uploaded to cloud servers where they can then be downloaded by whoever needs them. While there might be cost issues associated with this approach (especially for large files), it is both secure and very fast. An additional benefit is that they may also serve as a backup for your data meaning that you can always retrieve them in case the source or destination platforms are hacked or damaged.
Emails can also be considered as forms of file/data transfer. While they are handy and easy to use, they are also highly insecure. Additional steps, however, can be taken to ensure that your email servers are secure.
Choosing the Best Approach for You
When it comes to safe file transfers for remote offices, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The choice of which file transfer to use will depend on a variety of factors. These include:
- Size of files that are normally transferred: A design company for example with remote offices is likely to be sharing very large files. These may be impossible to share via email and other approaches such as FTP might have to be considered.
- Security: Companies that deal with highly secure information might want a platform that maximizes the security of their data. Such companies may use traditional file transfer methods but employ additional security protocols such as using managed IT security services.
- Infrastructure: As more people work from home, there is likely to be a variance between the resources available in the office and those that staff can access at home. Internet speed for example varies from area to area. For this reason, the lack of adequate internet infrastructure between the remote offices may dictate the approach that a company uses.
Like many other Americans, you may be wondering which is the best approach for you to use. To maximize productivity and minimize costs, it might be a good idea to talk to experts such as Ameritechnology. We offer customized and effective IT solutions to businesses all across the United States.
