Cloud-based file sharing has lower costs. It enables end users to access files from anywhere at any time; all they need is an internet-enabled device, like a smartphone, laptop, or tablet.
The term “cloud-based file sharing” refers to a range of services that let users store, sync, and share files in the cloud.
The advantages of cloud-based file sharing are highlighted in this article, along with the best practices for keeping your data safe. We’ll also examine typical cloud file-sharing problems and outline a balanced approach to accessibility.
Table of Contents
What is Cloud-based File Sharing?
A system called cloud file sharing, commonly referred to as Internet file sharing, gives users access to server-based cloud storage and lets them read and write files remotely. By leveraging networked devices and cloud file sharing, end users can access their data from anywhere.
The fact that cloud computing is almost invisible to your company is one of the main advantages of cloud–based file sharing. Because you have access to your file system from everywhere you have Having access to the internet wherever you are, including at work and home.
Therefore, the correct option is B. it allows multiple users to update and add to the same file simultaneously.
Benefits of Cloud-Based File Sharing
Cloud-based solutions have many benefits over traditional physical storage methods:
Reduces Costs
Businesses have been able to lower their costs thanks to the cloud. Business owners do not need to invest in costly machinery and equipment because files can be shared directly over the Internet instead of this other method. Cost savings of any kind are always advantageous to businesses, and they are also advantageous to the average person who wants to share files via their home computer.
Saves Time
Sharing files via the cloud can save both business owners and the average person a ton of time. Now, accessing the files no longer requires saving them to a device, moving that device, and then plugging that device into a computer. Files can be shared immediately with just a few mouse clicks. What a significant time saver.
Better Accessibility
Even if files are stored on-premises, the cloud makes it much simpler to share and access them. In essence, anyone using a cloud network can share their files with other people who are also using that network. It follows that anyone can easily access files from anywhere and that sharing files is also a simple process.
Improved Security
Files can be accessed and shared without a VPN by using the cloud. Since no VPN access is required for internal network resources, potential security gaps are closed, which enhances security. When combined with accessing files in a browser, downloading of files can prevented while allowing access to prevent data leaks
Files Can Be Accessed Anywhere
As long as you are on the cloud, you can send and receive files from any location with an internet connection and a basic web browser. This includes your phone, tablet, desktop in Peru, and anywhere else you can access the internet.
While using the public cloud for file sharing has many advantages, in larger businesses the costs and security risks of file sharing may outweigh the advantages.
Best Practices for Cloud-Based File Sharing
Although 94% of enterprise organizations already use cloud services, the loss, theft, or compromise of cloud-based data is a possibility due to a lack of comprehensive security measures.
When it comes to cloud-based file sharing, it’s a common misconception that security is solely the responsibility of the cloud service provider (CSP). This unfounded assumption may be a factor in the 83% of businesses that don’t encrypt their cloud-based file storage, making them prime targets for cyberattacks.
In actuality, both the user and the provider share responsibility for cloud security. You are in charge of how your company’s data is stored and who has access to it. While CSPs employ a number of industry-standard procedures to secure the cloud, you must take additional steps.
Use the following best practices to keep your company’s data safe:
Managing Configuration Settings
You have control over the cloud operating environment due to your configuration settings. Although the default settings for these environments are secure, you can manually alter them. Misconfigurations can nevertheless result from oversights, mistakes, and bad judgment.
As an illustration, your IT department is working to make internal processes and workflows simpler. To allow anyone in the company with the right credentials access to files, they modify the permission settings.
Due to the increased number of people who have access to the data as a result of this new level of exposure, the attack surface for data breaches and other cyberattacks is increased. As access permission settings are lowered, there is a higher chance that data will be compromised, whether it be due to unintentional human error or a hacker stealing a user’s login information.
Security researchers estimate that misconfigurations are to blame for 70% of all cloud security problems, and that 90% of businesses have vulnerable misconfigurations. To avoid such blunders and oversights, establish precise standards and policies for the security of files.
Encrypting Your Files
Anyone who intercepts data that is not encrypted can access and read it. End-to-end encryption is frequently used by CSPs, but it only protects data as it is transferred from one end system or device to another. Individual files can be protected by file-level encryption for more granular security measures.
Without the right password or decryption key, file encryption renders data useless. As a result, data is kept secure as it moves among users, gadgets, and systems. However, 83% of businesses don’t use encryption, and about 40% of staff members use unsecured personal applications to access company data.
Incorrect encryption of compromised files could have negative legal and professional repercussions for your company. Unencrypted files can be disastrous in the event of a data breach, causing everything from lost revenue to customer turnover and compliance violations.
Monitoring File-Sharing Activity
Monitoring file and data movement enables IT administrators to identify and address behaviors that might point to malicious online activity. Use an access control list to make sure users aren’t accessing information unrelated to their position or function.
For instance, more than 50% of organizations allow all employees to access 1,000 or more sensitive, unencrypted files. Organizations are four times more likely to experience a data breach when they grant full access to all business data.
Your organization can lessen the likelihood of data theft by maintaining the principle of least privilege (POLP) with user access permissions. The process of restricting data access to only that which is required for a user’s particular job role or functions is known as the principle of least privilege. Permission-based user roles enable you to monitor unusual or dangerous behavior. Insider activity accounts for about 43% of data loss, whether intentional or unintentional.
Regular access control reviews are also crucial. Access requirements can change over time because permission-based user roles are dependent on variables related to a job role or project assignment. Reviewing access controls ensures you turn off unused credentials if a user no longer needs access to specific files or systems.
See more about Best Cloud Storage For Music
Conclusion
Cloud storage services have become so popular over the past ten years in the software industry that they are now offered by all major tech companies. Everyone needs a cloud storage service to store their data because data is the new super weapon, regardless of how big or small their business is. The potential for the cloud to completely transform the way that data is stored and communicated is why big tech is investing heavily in this sector.
The main advantages of cloud storage, as well as any drawbacks, should now be more clear to you, and you should be better prepared to choose the best cloud provider for your needs.
Read about
