Jan 24, 2014

In many businesses, managers have to consider what benefits technology can offer and how to best implement it into their current infrastructure. Online file sharing is one example of an innovation that has made consumers and organizations rethink their strategies and create policies to ensure efficient operations. While there is growing interest for file sharing solutions, companies must ensure that they comply with industry standards and meet data protection needs.

Emerging revisions to industry standards have placed more restrictions on data and related programs in order to keep the information safe from unauthorized personnel. An article appearing on Business 2 Community noted that in addition to using a business-grade file sharing program, keeping software updatedand using password protection is important to protect documents. Secure file sharing will allow employees to effectively transfer documents and collaborate, while still giving management the safety features that they need. These capabilities are crucial to the successful integration of the system and the general satisfaction of the workers. By following the file sharing best practices, users can ensure that they’re not exposing the data to vulnerabilities and are helping to provide better insight into where the document is being used.

“Document sharing platforms developed for personal use have significantly fewer encryption and privacy features built in because the intended users are not typically sharing confidential information,” the source stated. “To ensure their data stays completely private, businesses should rely exclusively on professional-level document sharing and knowledge management software tools.”

Enhancing secure business sharing
More organizations are becoming interested in file sharing solutions due to growing capabilities and developing security features. For mobile sharing options, data protection will be especially important. Forbes contributor Yorgen Edholm noted that corporate investment for mobile software alone isexpected to hit $80 billion by 2017. In some businesses, these funds will go toward file sharing, but decision makers must look for aspects like encryption, multi-platform support and secure access for external users in order to be successful. These features, among others, will ensure that data remains secure and managers have reasonable oversight no matter what devices is being used.

“The typical mobile worker today is carrying two or three mobile devices, so your mobile security solution needs to work seamlessly on laptops, tablets and smartphones from multiple vendors,” Edholm wrote. “For smartphones and tablets, security controls must work reliably across iOS, Android, BlackBerry and Windows Phone. The same solution should work on desktop computers, as well.”