- \n
- Encryption for data in transit via SSL or TLS certificate.<\/li>\n
- Virus scanning to identify and block infected files from being uploaded (or downloaded by the target environment).<\/li>\n
- ReCAPTCHA authorization<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
These solutions are all vital components for cybersecurity. However, it\u2019s not a given that any of these solutions will incorporate encryption, antivirus software, and ReCAPTCHA protections. Furthermore, these tools may introduce restrictive elements, such as limits on file types or sizes that can be uploaded. These may even be implemented deliberately as another form of security.<\/p>\n
For those solutions that offer multiple layers of security, another challenge remains. If these elements of cybersecurity software are installed in a patchwork manner at different infrastructure layers, they may leave gaps in the network barrier. If they\u2019re not integrated appropriately or a poor fit for the scope of demand, threats can breach those points of weakness.<\/p>\n
A Better Path Forward: FileCloud\u2019s Upload Folders<\/h2>\n
FileCloud is a hyper-secure, enterprise-grade file sharing<\/a> and data governance solution that can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud. In every step of FileCloud\u2019s development, we sought to combine security with ease of use. The result is a flexible, intuitive platform for collaboration, with built-in data security and access controls.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.filecloud.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FC-Model.jpg\")
<\/p>\nHow does FileCloud support hyper-secure data ingest and file upload? <\/strong><\/p>\n
There are a few core features that make this possible, from an environment as well as a user perspective:<\/p>\n
Environmental Security Tools:<\/h3>\n
- \n
- AES encryption for data at rest & SSL\/TLS protocols for data in transit<\/li>\n
- Built-in virus scanning<\/li>\n
- Unlimited file versioning<\/li>\n
- Third-party integration support for security tools (CDR, AV, SIEM, etc.)<\/li>\n
- Team Folders (for internal collaboration) and Managed Storage (\u201cMy Files\u201d) for each user seat<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
User Security Tools:<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Granular permissions for folders, subfolders, and files<\/li>\n
- Large file upload support<\/li>\n
- Public and private sharing, with additional options for password-protection, share expiry, and download limits<\/li>\n
- Unlimited external accounts<\/a><\/li>\n
- Zero Trust File Sharing\u00ae<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The best part is that all these security tools and settings come built-in with the Essentials tier of FileCloud<\/a>, across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid deployments.<\/p>\n
Once an admin has configured the FileCloud instance and onboarded users, the users can begin creating secured spaces for data upload and ingest, all at the click of a few buttons. It all starts with creating a shared folder.<\/p>\n
Creating an Upload Folder in FileCloud for Data Ingest<\/h2>\n
John Doe is a Solutions Architect working at Demo Company. Before he can begin processing requests from clients, he needs to receive certain documents that outline the scope of work, the objectives, and the timeline. All these documents must have signatures and a purchase order.<\/p>\n
Since John Doe would need to collect many documents from many clients, he can use FileCloud to set up a folder specifically for data ingest.<\/p>\n
Step 1: Create the Shared Folder<\/h3>\n
John\u2019s first step is to create the shared folder in FileCloud. To distinguish it from the other folders he plans to create, he names this data ingest folder \u201cGet Files.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAn important note<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 the shared folder (and any other folders John creates) would be stored in his \u201cMy Files\u201d directory within FileCloud. The ability depends on the admin delegating personal space to the user within the FileCloud instance. <\/em><\/p>\n
If an admin has not configured the instance to support \u201cMy Files\u201d for each user, the users will not have anywhere to store files or folders. The only storage space available would be a network share (if integrated) and Team Folders, a collaborative space in FileCloud managed by the administrator.<\/em><\/p>\n
\nWith the folder created and named, John\u2019s next step is to share the folder.<\/p>\n
![\"FileCloud](\"https:\/\/www.filecloud.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Data-Ingest-Create-Folder.png\")
<\/p>\nBy clicking on \u201cShare,\u201d John will be able to configure the share settings to meet his use case. This includes modifying the share link, creating a QR code for the share, sending the link in an email, changing the share from public to private, and adjusting access permissions.<\/p>\n
Step 2: Adjust Share Options<\/h3>\n
FileCloud users can share files in a variety of ways to meet many different use cases. These options provide hyper-secure methods of collaboration and information exchange, powered and protected within FileCloud\u2019s multi-layered security.<\/p>\n
![\"FileCloud](\"https:\/\/www.filecloud.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Data-Ingest-Shared-Folder-Share-Created.png\")
<\/p>\nTo allow data ingest or folder upload, John can specifically leverage the first \u00a0share option, Allow anyone with a link<\/strong>. This option can be further specified by the dropdown list, which includes:<\/p>\n
- \n
- View\/Download<\/li>\n
- View Only<\/li>\n
- View\/Upload<\/li>\n
- Upload Only<\/li>\n
- View\/Upload\/Download<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
John clicks on \u2018Upload Only,\u2019 since he just needs to be able to receive files; the clients won\u2019t be downloading any files from this folder, nor should they be able to see any of the files previously uploaded by other clients.<\/p>\n
John is nearly done setting up the share folder. He makes a few more changes to make sure the share is recognizable in the future.<\/p>\n
- \n
- He changes the share link to: \u201cJohn_Doe_Input_Files\u201d<\/li>\n
- He changes the share name to: \u201cJohn Doe Input Files\u201d<\/li>\n
- He sets the share to never expire.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
![\"FileCloud](\"https:\/\/www.filecloud.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Data-Ingest-Shared-Folder-Share-options-updated-for-upload-only.png\")
<\/p>\nStep 3: Distribute Share Folder Link<\/h3>\n
John clicks okay, and his work is nearly done! Now he can send the link out to necessary parties, or even include it in an email signature as a long-standing file upload solution, like in the example below:<\/p>\n
\nJohn Doe<\/p>\n
Solutions Architect<\/p>\n
Demo Company<\/p>\n
Please upload completed forms >here<\/a><<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThe View From the Other Side \u2013 Uploading Data to a FileCloud Shared Folder<\/h2>\n
Knowing that it\u2019s possible to share folders within FileCloud as a tool for data ingest is just one side of the coin.<\/p>\n
The other side is the user experience \u2013 how well does the shared folder function? Is it simple, secure, and compelling? Does it contribute to John\u2019s image as a competent Solutions Architect and solidify his clients\u2019 impression of Demo Company as reputable?<\/p>\n
These are important attributes to consider when utilizing any file or folder upload solution. No one wants to upload their important documents to a clunky, ill-formatted, or slow-performing interface. Especially not in today\u2019s landscape where identity theft is high and IT news reports what feels like a major corporate data breach every week.<\/p>\n
So, what do John\u2019s clients see?<\/p>\n
![\"FileCloud](\"https:\/\/www.filecloud.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Data-Ingest-Shared-Folder-Upload-View.png\")
<\/p>\nClean. Simple. Secure. Clients can upload documents with confidence, knowing that they\u2019re sending their data through a secure upload folder. They don\u2019t have to fuss with logging into a client portal and maintaining their credentials. Nor do they have to note and guard an access password or key. It\u2019s as easy as finding the last email from John, clicking the link, and dropping their files.<\/p>\n
Cue the sigh of relief.<\/p>\n
Creating an Upload Folder for Data Ingest as a FileCloud Admin<\/h2>\n
We\u2019ve laid out how John, as a FileCloud user, can create a space for file and folder uploads within his personal storage space, \u201cMy Files.\u201d<\/p>\n
What if Demo Company wanted to streamline the process of data ingest? After all, John isn\u2019t the only Solutions Architect who needs to collect files from clients.<\/p>\n
Even better, by centralizing the data ingest within a collective directory, the company\u2019s FileCloud admin can enact even greater protective mechanisms, such as retention policies, DLP rules, Smart Classification, and workflow automation.<\/p>\n
Demo Company believes in working smart and hard. John has trailblazed the solution, and now the company\u2019s IT administrator is going to implement the FileCloud solution for all their employees.<\/p>\n
How?<\/p>\n
With Team Folders of course!<\/p>\n
Step 1: Create a new, root-level folder within Team Folders<\/h3>\n
Tamara is Demo Company\u2019s IT administrator \u2013 she is tasked with configuring the environment so every user within the \u201cSolutions Architect\u201d group has their own upload folder within the Team Folders directory.<\/p>\n
First, she\u2019s going to create the folder at the root level of the Team Folders. Then, because she wants the architects to only be able to see and access the files of clients they actively manage, she creates subfolders labeled with each of their names and the purpose: e.g., John Doe Input Files.<\/p>\n
Step 2: Configure Sharing Permissions for File Ingest<\/h3>\n
The admin and user interfaces in FileCloud mirror each other across many functions, including file and folder actions. Tamara can click to share the folder in the same way that John created his share folder. Then, she can update the options:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Update the \u201cAllow anyone with link\u201d option to \u201cUpload Only.\u201d<\/li>\n
- Change the share link.<\/li>\n
- Rename the share.<\/li>\n
- Set the share to never expire.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Summary<\/h2>\n
The use case we have outlined above is fairly standard for public share links in FileCloud. It offers several security advantages over traditional tools or methods for data ingest, including FTP clients and email attachments. FileCloud\u2019s upload folders also ensure that recipients uploading files have a smooth experience, within a branded environment they can trust with their data.<\/p>\n
For healthcare, finance, MECA, life sciences, and legal companies, the ability to facilitate easy, secure file uploads for clients is critical to daily operations and long-term success.\u00a0With today\u2019s cybersecurity landscape, these companies can\u2019t rely on outdated FTP clients or email attachments. Especially when the data relayed exceeds standard size limits or is stored in unique file types (such as CAD files for 3D schematics and blueprints).<\/p>\n
FileCloud offers a simple, modern solution \u2013 for users and admins both \u2013 within a powerful, hyper-secure platform.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.filecloud.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/FileCloud-Homepage-Banner.png\")
<\/p>\nInterested in seeing how FileCloud can work for you?<\/p>\n
Check out our on-demand demo<\/a> | Register for a free trial<\/a><\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Written by Daniel Alarcon<\/a>, Senior Manager, Customer Onboarding and Enablement<\/strong><\/p>\n
- Zero Trust File Sharing\u00ae<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n