If your company uses the traditional data sharing method, file transfer protocol (FTP), you must be aware of the various challenges it poses to businesses. As such, it’s important that you be aware of those challenges and identify solutions to them in advance before you start using file transfer and storage technology.
This is because some of these cybersecurity challenges can threaten your business. If you’re considering using FTP, here are the key challenges you need to be aware of and what you can do to overcome them:
- Access Restrictions
When you use FTP storage, your files are stored in an FTP server. While this makes it possible for you to store files conveniently, it comes with its fair share of challenges. If you’re using a traditional FTP server that is not secure, it is difficult to restrict access to your files. You can’t tell who uploads, downloads, or shares your files.
Often, your files are stored in an onsite server that cannot be accessed remotely. This means you have to go to the office to connect to the server to access your files. To address this challenge, consider storing your data in a hosted cloud enterprise FTP server. This makes it possible to access files remotely and you can assign administrative roles to control access to different files.
Since your files will be stored in a cloud platform, members of your team can log onto the platform online securely from any location. All they need to access these files is an internet connection and an approved device.
- Impossible To Scale
When you’re running a growing business, you want a storage option that’s flexible enough to expand to accommodate your changing needs. Traditional FTP servers do not have this flexibility. This inability to grow with your business means that you end up incurring additional costs on purchasing new space. This is not only inconvenient, but it’s also time-consuming.
To overcome this challenge, opt for a hosted FTP site. This type of online storage is flexible enough to accommodate your business growth needs by allowing you to work with your FTP service provider to increase storage space, or even create additional accounts for users. Alternatively, hosted FTP allows you to reduce storage space and even remove accounts based on the changes that happen in your business.
- Lack Of Data Control
Whenever you store data, you want to ensure that you have control over it. This means that your business has administrators that set guidelines or standards for data usage. This is not possible where data files are shared through traditional FTP. With this FTP method, users lose control over data files on who uses that data and how they use it immediately after the file is sent.
Also, data owners cannot control the duration of time that each approved user can open and keep the files. To overcome this challenge, businesses should ditch the basic FTP file sharing method for hosted FTP. With the latter, they’ll have more control as administrators have the power to control data usage, set access limitations, share files with expiring links, and even place access restrictions based on the IP address of each user.
- Reporting Limitations
A good file sharing and storage method should facilitate smooth and accurate reporting. However, the standard FTP method does not generate reports despite logging activities. This means that to generate reports, users have to sift through logs—which takes time and compromises accuracy.
The FTP server is unable to generate status updates showing details of data that has been sent or received Also, whenever data transfer disruptions occur, the FTP system is not able to report. Further, users are not notified of any data breaches that occur as a result of failed transfers. They are also not notified when data transfer has been successful. In other words, it’s difficult to monitor your FTP storage and thwart possible attacks.
The way to overcome this challenge is to avoid the use of basic FTP protocols and opt for more advanced methods that come with reporting functions. The most advanced FTP methods available in the market today allow users to develop an on-demand report that could show details of user activity and data transfers over a specified period. Better still, you can access detailed FTP logs and even add email notifications to receive activity alerts.
Final Thoughts
Hosted FTP solutions are your best bet for addressing the challenges that traditional FTPs pose in modern day businesses. With this type of FTP, you’ll be more confident about sharing and storing your file online.