A Dynamic Duo in Cybersecurity: FileCloud Partners with OPSWAT

November 1, 2023

Recently, FileCloud announced the formalization of its partnership with OPSWAT to offer customers enhanced threat detection as part of their deployments of the file-sharing platform. Obviously, FileCloud already provides a set of high-level cybersecurity capabilities to protect customers’ data, as well as a zero trust architecture. With this added option of integration between FileCloud and […]

Recently, FileCloud announced the formalization of its partnership with OPSWAT to offer customers enhanced threat detection as part of their deployments of the file-sharing platform. Obviously, FileCloud already provides a set of high-level cybersecurity capabilities to protect customers’ data, as well as a zero trust architecture. With this added option of integration between FileCloud and MetaDefender, the defense against malicious incoming files achieves a level of potency and rigor that is difficult to surpass.

Why OPSWAT MetaDefender?

FileCloud has already integrated successfully with OPSWAT MetaDefender and it's an exciting milestone to make the partnership official. Certainly, both FileCloud and OPSWAT realize it's critical to proactively address the fact that most cyber-attacks occur through incoming files containing malicious payloads. As such, FileCloud shares the "trust no file" philosophy that is central to MetaDefender, which means the synergy between the two products promises to elevate cybersecurity to new levels.

The most common attack vector for malicious files entering a system is seemingly innocuous email attachments, often contained in the phishing emails that come with social engineering attacks. Harmless-looking Word, Excel, and PDF files can contain embedded malware that allows attackers to access an enterprise system with a few clicks from an unsuspecting user to open the file. Once data breaches occur through unsecured file uploads, reputational damage and loss of revenue often ensue for organizations.

While FileCloud already has a variety of cybersecurity features to intercept malicious files, the integration of MetaDefender’s advanced threat detection shows a rigorous commitment to continuous improvement. FileCloud offers customers a wide variety of integrations and options suited to their preferences and infrastructures.

OPSWAT MetaDefender Benefits

Multiscanning for Maximum Security

MetaDefender does not rely on one anti-malware engine. Significantly, it uses multiscanning technology that aggregates specialized insights from numerous global malware labs with different areas of expertise. With over 30 anti-malware engines scanning each file, malware detection rates are 99+%.

Sandbox File Execution

MetaDefender uses specialized sandbox technology to execute incoming files in an isolated environment. This means MetaDefender detects and mitigates threats that are bypassed by more traditional security checks. Running suspicious files in a controlled environment increases the likelihood of detecting hidden malware and other advanced threats, protecting infrastructures and data from irretrievable harm.

Zero-Day Threat Detection

MetaDefender uses behavioral analysis and heuristics to isolate zero-day threats that are generally not detected using traditional, signature-based methods. Specifically, this helps to ensure that emerging threats can be mitigated in a constantly changing threat landscape.

Comprehensive Chokepoint Coverage

The chokepoint is the system pathway through which unauthorized access attempts most often occur. Securing chokepoints plays a crucial role in threat detection. Typically, chokepoints are network gateways, authentication servers, remote access gateways, and application interfaces. MetaDefender filters data at chokepoints to ensure that no malicious content enters the network.

Deep Content Disarm and Reconstruction (Deep CDR)

Deep Content Disarm and Reconstruction (Deep CDR) is a technology that addresses document-based attacks by deconstructing incoming files and reconstructing them to remove malicious code and malware. This process fully preserves the integrity and usability of the document. MetaDefender applies this technology to multiple common file types to neutralize the increasingly complex file-based threats encountered by enterprises today.

FileCloud-MetaDefender Workflow

FileCloud-MetaDefender Workflow Diagram

The integration workflow for FileCloud and MetaDefender at a high level works as follows:

  1. When a user initiates a file upload request to FileCloud, FileCloud sends an ICAP request to MetaDefender. The request includes the file itself, for MetaDefender to scan.
  2. With its multiscanning technology, MetaDefender scans the file for viruses and a variety of other threats.
  3. MetaDefender completes the scan and generates an ICAP response, which contains data about the results of the scan.
  4. MetaDefender sends the ICAP response to FileCloud, which processes it and extracts the results.
  5. FileCloud allows the file to be delivered (if no threat is detected) or quarantines it (if the file is malicious), depending on these results.

OPSWAT-FileCloud Collaboration Use Case

FileCloud has previously partnered with OPSWAT to serve specific customer cybersecurity needs. This includes the case of a global banking group that runs several branded financial institutions. For this large conglomerate, it's vital to protect data to maintain customer trust and comply with regional privacy regulations.

The banking group wanted to modernize its practices for sharing files externally and between different offices. Before adopting FileCloud, the banking group sent partners proprietary information on USB devices. Additionally, they sent re-insurers policy documentation on CDs. Staff routinely shared zip files on group email. Although they encrypted all of these files, these methods of file sharing were time-consuming and cumbersome. As part of a process of digital transformation, the corporation started to review these practices with a view to streamlining them throughout its lines of business.

The banking group did extensive due diligence. This resulted in them settling on FileCloud as a solution to serve 20,000+ staff and many more external users. Moreover, all lines of business now do incoming and outgoing collaboration via FileCloud, with OPSWAT MetaDefender providing a pivotal extra layer of security for both customers and staff. Using FileCloud's ICAP service in conjunction with OPSWAT MetaDefender for antivirus and malware scanning has improved day-to-day processes, allowing staff to send and receive files seamlessly, without anxiety about data security.

FileCloud is delighted to embark on a new phase of its partnership with OPSWAT. It enables us to extend the series of options open to our customers. It's also a highly important strategic alliance in today’s challenging cybersecurity environment.

Read the Full Case Study

Learn More About the Partnership

 

Written by Deirdre Clancy, Technical Content and Communication Manager

By Deirdre Clancy

Technical Content and Communication Manager