Are you in an industry that handles sensitive client data or proprietary information? If you are, you know that you have to keep that data secure and confidential— an IT services provider in Southern California can help you with this. It is often a legal requirement, but also a moral obligation. Any security breaches can be catastrophic for you and your client.
What do you do when you need to share a file that contains sensitive information? If you are not using a secure file sharing solution, you are putting your clients’ data and your business at risk.
What is Secure File Sharing?
Secure file sharing is more than just encrypting a file and sending it by email. It involves an entire system designed to keep files secure.
- The files must be kept on a private network, hosted in a secure data center.
- Access to the private network must be through password authentication.
- Every person who requires access must have their own IDs and passwords.
- Before a file is uploaded to the secure file sharing network, it must be scanned for sensitive data. If it contains that type of information, it must be removed or the owner of the data informed.
- When sharing a file, the sender will provide a secured link via email to the receiver.
With the secure file sharing solution in place, your business’ workflow can happen without fear of a security breach.
The Importance of Securing Sensitive Data
Lawyers, banks, and insurance companies know the importance of data security from an IT services provider in Southern California. Their number one priority is protecting clients and keeping their information secure. Their reputation depends on a client’s trust. One breach of security and they will lose least one client. If word gets around about the breach, their reputation will be shot.
Sensitive documents actually represent value to both your clients and your business. A lot of hours were put into producing those documents, and if they get lost, that represents a lot of vanished work that must be reproduced. Documents containing sensitive information are of value to competitors as well. If sensitive information gets into the wrong hands, it can represent the power to alter stock prices or sabotage a product premiere.
Government and legal entities often require companies to secure client data by law. If the information is breached, the company can face stiff penalties. Plus, it will become known if a company is fined for such a breach, which represents a loss of reputation and trust with existing and future clients.
If your business handles sensitive and/or confidential information, you need to take proactive steps when it comes to file sharing. Setting up a secure file sharing system will let you work efficiently without compromising data and file security. If you want to learn more about securing your data and files, contact our IT services team in Southern California — contact ecasys.