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File Sharing in 2017: What You Need to Know

File Sharing in 2017: What You Need to Know

For a modern business to properly function, it needs to utilize technology safely and effectively at every level of the organization. Properly implementing new and improved technologies is an exciting process, but comes with certain inherent roadblocks and challenges as well.

Working in a cloud-friendly environment has plenty of perks; collaboration is easier than ever, since colleagues can share files and operate in a shared workspace. It also allows your business to expand beyond the confines of the office, opening the door to remote work, telecommuting, and increased integration of freelance and contracted employees. File sharing, however, also raises some legitimate concerns regarding security.

Your organization almost certainly uses cloud technology in some capacity already, but as you continue to grow and further integrate technology into your operations, it’s important to do so responsibly. Here are some of the things you need to know going forward.

Your Employees Aren’t Safeguarding Company Data

The people in your organization probably aren’t trying to sabotage you, but when your business engages in extensive internal file sharing it’s important to realize that your employees aren’t going to be naturally vigilant all day, every day.

According to an article from the Harvard Business Review, IBM found that 60 percent of cyberattacks are carried out by insiders, and of that, 25 percent are unwittingly caused by employee negligence. It could be as simple as logging on to an unsecured wireless network while working remotely, or accessing their employer’s secured network on a personal device that’s been infected with some kind of malware. These breaches are rarely intentional or malicious, but honest and common human error can leave the front door wide open for hackers to enter your network and wreak havoc.

One such instance occurred in the infamous Target data breach of 2013. Target allowed a third-party HVAC contractor to access its network for unknown reasons. Later, hackers managed to access the retail giant’s network through one of their contractor’s unsecured devices, since Target failed to cordon off network access once the contract work was complete. Within days, malicious parties infected Target’s cash registers nationwide and began collecting the credit card information of millions of customers. By the time the problem was identified and corrected, the damage was done.

That’s the thing about data breaches: they don’t require malice or even negligence. That’s why it’s important to work with a professional when building your network and training your employees. It’s impossible to completely eliminate the possibility of cyber crime, but with a proactive approach, you can drastically reduce the chance of becoming a victim.

Only You Can Prevent Data Breaches

When it comes to preventing cyber crime, the leadership of your organization has an ethical obligation to your clients to take cybersecurity seriously. Start out with the basics, like dual-authentication to access sensitive data and taking steps to cut off former employees from your internal file sharing system. Educate your employees on the dangers and warning signs of phishing and ransomware and make sure to keep your infrastructure up-to-date at all times. After all, failing to update a firewall was a major contributing factor in the recent notorious Equifax data breach.

If your business is one of many that has largely neglected cybersecurity and file sharing best practices, it’s time to make a change – especially if you find yourself working with sensitive customer information. At PCH Technologies we take safety and security seriously. Get in touch today if you’d like to learn more about what we can do to keep your business secure.