Enhanced security and control with Serv-U Managed File Transfer Server

Managed File Transfer software is a technology for secure file transfers, particularly sensitive data and large files. Unlike basic File Transfer Protocol (FTP) technology, an MFT solution offers greater control, administration, and automation over file transfer operations.

With secure managed file transfer software, you can enjoy:

• Enhanced Security: MFT can support a range of secure protocols, such as FTPS and SFTP, to encrypt and protect data in transit. Security features like authentication mechanisms and access controls can help safeguard files from tampering or unauthorized access.
• File Management Capabilities: MFT software is known for its file storage and transfer management capabilities. These give IT teams control over file transfer activity, allowing them to monitor real-time operations, configure end-user permissions, and generate reports.
• Automation: Typical automation features enable event-driven actions based on events at the server, domain, user, and group level.
• The Ability to Share Files: MFT servers can provide file-sharing functionality in addition to file transfer. Features such as password protection, expiration dates for links, and user authentication can boost security and control over shared files.
• Easy Integration: MFT software is designed to integrate with your existing IT infrastructures, including storage systems, Active Directory, and SIEM tools.
• Scalability: FTP may only meet the needs of smaller businesses, while MFT solutions can support data exchange needs for organizations of all sizes. Serv-U MFT can scale to meet the needs of organizations of all sizes, thanks to its unlimited domains, file transfer users, and concurrent sessions.
• Audit and Compliance: Secure file transfer and storage is mandatory in most regulatory requirements, including PCI, DSS, HIPAA, SOX, and FISMA. A managed file transfer solution can help you meet compliance and auditing standards.

File transfer protocol (FTP) and managed file transfer (MFT) are used to transfer files between systems, but they differ significantly in functionality, security, and management capabilities.

FTP is a widely used standard network protocol for transferring files over a TCP/IP-based network, such as the Internet. It operates on a client-server model, where an FTP server hosts the files, and FTP clients connect to this server to upload or download files. FTP provides basic capabilities for uploading, downloading, and managing files on remote servers.

As its name suggests, managed file transfer software has the added functionality of management features beyond simple file transfers to make data movement more secure, reliable, and efficient.

One of the primary differences between FTP and MFT is the level of control MFT software offers. FTP provides basic functionality for transferring files between a client and a server with limited options for controlling the transfer process. However, MFT solutions come equipped with a range of advanced features that let you manage and monitor file transfers. MFT solutions will feature extensive monitoring, logging, and reporting capabilities and offer advanced error handling and notification features to track file transfers, detect and resolve issues, and help ensure successful delivery.

MFT software also offers more advanced security features than FTP. These include encryption, support for more secure protocols (such as SFTP and FTPS), and additional layers of authentication. This added security is important for organizations to comply with various regulatory requirements like PCI, DSS, and HIPAA.

Additionally, MFT platforms usually include tools for automating and scheduling file transfers, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing human error. They are also more likely to integrate with your existing IT infrastructure.

While FTP may suffice for simple, non-sensitive file transfers, MFT is preferred for secure, reliable, and compliant data transfer requirements, particularly in business environments where data integrity and security are crucial.

Managed file transfer software helps ensure data security by combining encryption methods, access controls, and monitoring and reporting capabilities.

MFT software uses secure protocols like FTPS and SFTP, which provide end-to-end encryption of data during transfer. This encryption prevents interception and tampering, securing file transfers during internal, external, and ad hoc data transfer. Other security features of managed file transfer software include user authentication and access controls, automatic IP lockouts, and the ability to set passwords and expiration dates for individual files. Automation, including scheduled transfers and automated encryption, reduces human error and helps maintain consistent security protocols. Monitoring and logging features enable IT administrators to monitor file transfer sessions in real-time and identify and address any suspicious behavior. Real-time notifications and alerts about transfer status, failures, and security incidents help organizations respond quickly to potential security threats.

All these features of MFT software prevent unauthorized access and protect sensitive data throughout its lifecycle—from initial transfer to storage and eventual deletion.

When choosing managed file transfer software, you’ll want to consider your business needs, including security features and usability. You’ll want to look for a tool that can offer:

• The ability to configure automatic expiration and deletion of files
• Optional password protection for files
• Support for various encryption options (including SSH, SSL, and TLS 1.2 protocols and FIPS 140-2 validated cryptography)
• Access control and authentication based on individual, role, and time constraints, including the use of X.509 certificates
• Integration with your existing IT infrastructure, like Active Directory and LDAP authentication
• Real-time monitoring of file transfers
• Detailed reporting on transfer activity and access
• Notifications about transfer status and failures
• Automatic IP blocking (anti-hammering) to combat brute force attacks

Ensure the secure MFT solution can handle your current file transfer needs and scale as your business grows. This list of needs includes supporting large file transfers, maintaining protocol fidelity, and offering utilities like compression to optimize bandwidth usage and transfer speeds.

An FTP software solution like Serv-U FTP Server can deliver quick, easy, and reliable data transfer, particularly for small businesses. MFT software can meet the needs of businesses of any size. Serv-U MFT supports unlimited domains, file transfer users, and concurrent sessions.