Business File Sharing—Secure FTP Software

Which secure file transfer solutions should I use for business?

When it comes to file sharing, there are a few different approaches you can take. The different file transfer options are as follows:

• File Transfer Protocol (FTP): FTP is a simple, fast file transfer protocol and has been around for decades. Though this has its advantages, it also means FTP is insecure, as it transfers files unencrypted over the internet and uses plain-text passwords.
• Secure (or SSH) File Transfer Protocol (SFTP): SFTP is a modified version of FTP using SSH encryption to protect data during the transfer process. It’s a more secure process than regular FTP, but it’s still not the best option when it comes to business file sharing.
• Cloud File Sharing: With cloud file sharing, businesses can securely store their files on a public or on-premises cloud platform and show them to users through an application or web interface.
• Managed File Transfer (MFT): MFT uses secure protocols like SFTP and HTTPS to automate the file transfer process, whether you’re using the cloud or on-premises storage. It also offers a variety of enterprise-grade features like logging, failure recovery, auditing, and more to support operations and security.

The best secure file transfer solutions for business—like SolarWinds Serv-U MFT Server—employ MFT.

What is an FTP/MFT hosting service?

A business FTP hosting service or MFT hosting service is simply a server using either FTP or MFT to transfer files.

FTP is the most standard (and original) communication protocol and allows for simple, fast file transfers. It’s been around for decades and continues to serve as a basis for many hosting services. Unlike some other methods, FTP isn’t particularly secure. It doesn’t encrypt data during the transfer process, and though users can authenticate themselves using a password, the sign-in protocol uses clear text, which means it’s vulnerable to attack. To make FTP more secure, it’s often replaced by SFTP or secured with SSL/TLS (FTPS).

MFT is an evolution of FTP and is more secure and effective. It gives administrators a greater degree of file transfer, automation, and administrative control than they get with FTP. It supports external, internal, and ad hoc data transfer requirements and leverages more secure protocols than FTP. Additionally, the “managed” in MFT means administrators have greater control over file transfers, including the ability to monitor statistics in real time and control end-user permissions. MFT solutions also include reporting, logging, and audit trail features.

Thanks to these additional features, MFT hosting services are typically more popular with businesses, since they often need a higher degree of service than they can achieve with FTP or HTTP.

Why should I use Serv-U MFT Server as a business file sharing program?

The basic answer is SolarWinds Serv-U MFT Server is a powerful, easy-to-use, secure business file sharing program designed to give you control without overcomplicating the file sharing process.

Regardless of the size of your organization, SolarWinds Serv-U MFT Server is designed to deliver high levels of control, visibility, security, and ease of use to help ensure your sensitive data will always reach the right eyes—and only the right eyes.

Serv-U MFT Server is built to bring heightened levels of security to your managed file transfer process. It enables FTP, SFTP, FTPS, and HTTP/S encryption for an unlimited number of domains, users, and sessions.

Additionally, Serv-U MFT Server supports internal and external secure file sharing through a user-friendly interface. This means you can more safely upload, download, and edit files ad hoc using familiar procedures. Plus, Serv-U MFT Server lets you customize security for specific files so you can always send data with confidence.

Serv-U MFT Server makes sharing large files simple, whether you’re using a mobile device or a web interface. Just drag and drop your files and get them to your audience quickly, even if they’re larger than 3GB.

What are the benefits of using Serv-U MFT Server instead of file sharing services?

There are many benefits to using Serv-U MFT Server instead of other file sharing services. It offers a high level of security and control and delivers a great end-user experience designed to make the file sharing process simpler, reducing headaches for administrators.

One major advantage of Serv-U MFT Server is its large file transfer capabilities, which let you transfer files over 3GB in size. On top of this, you can add intuitive plug-ins to deliver additional memory. The solution also lets you share files utilizing their existing tree structure, which means you won’t have to reorganize files later on.

The advantages of Serv-U MFT Server also include mobile access for end users, FTP monitoring with the ability to delete multiple files at once if a security threat is detected, syncing with existing LDAP and Active Directory accounts, multi-protocol capability allowing for communication over IPv4 and IPv6, high security with unique passwords required for each individual FTP user, and much more.

What are some business file sharing best practices?

When it comes to business file sharing, there are a few best practices everyone—from small businesses to major enterprises—should follow to make sure files are shared securely:

• Cultivate a security-focused mindset: Implementing mandatory training and information security awareness programs can help employees understand the importance of taking proper security measures when they send files. As workplaces and employees become more dispersed in the era of remote work, file sharing outside of the network will only become more prevalent. Investing the time and effort to educate employees about the importance of secure file storage and sharing can pay dividends in the future.
• Invest in quality business file sharing software: This may seem like a given, but businesses frequently fail to use a business-grade file sharing solution when sending documents, files, and images too large for an email. Investing in quality file sharing solutions for business—like SolarWinds MFT Server—can help you keep your shared files secure, no matter their size or destination.
• Configure your file sharing platform correctly: Even the best file sharing platform will only work well if you configure it correctly. Make sure you take time to ensure all your file sharing features are configured correctly so you don’t accidentally introduce unnecessary risks. From two-factor authentication to permissions and more, you should always make sure your sharing and storage solution is configured properly.

How does business file transferring work in Serv-U MFT Server?

SolarWinds Serv-U MFT Server can make secure business file transferring simple, whether you’re engaging in peer-to-peer or business-to-business sharing. The platform uses a variety of secure file transfer protocols—including FTP, FTPS, SFTP, and HTTPS—to help you share files with confidence.

Once you’ve configured file sharing for your server and specified key security elements like the number of days until the share expires, the address you want to share with, and more, you can start using the tool’s sharing wizards.

The file share outgoing wizard in Serv-U MFT Server can help you share files securely by allowing you to enter the email addresses of your desired recipients. You can add a message if you want, and—to increase security even further—you can create a password and set your own expiration date. Next, add the files you want to share and complete the share. Serv-U MFT Server can then save the selected files and send an email with web links to the files to each of your recipients. Additionally, if you want to generate a secure link for sharing without having Serv-U MFT Server send it out, you can create an anonymous share where you don’t specify the recipients of the file share. The platform can then generate a web link you can send out manually.