Data must, of course, be password protected. The file-sharing system must be able to control access to sensitive data, authenticate user identities and encrypt data at rest, in use and in motion - from the core to the edge.

The application must also be compatible with both desktop and mobile devices so, that users can sync and share files no matter where they are. Because file sharing is likely to be a heavily used application, it must also include high levels of fault tolerance and be capable of quickly recovering from any problems arising from its use. Such applications must offer users the complete file-sharing experience, even while ensuring security. This need has only been exacerbated by the growth of work from home prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Obviously, government has a pressing need for a secure place to share and store content, with complete control over where data is located. Here are some factors IT managers must consider when selecting an appropriate solution for their agency’s needs. So the threat of accidentally leaking sensitive information is still very real even among seemingly security-conscious organizations.Īgainst that backdrop, some vendors are providing solutions that can limit the security threats posed by file sharing services in government. While Box is being used for government applications and complies with FedRAMP as well as HIPAA and other government standards, last year, a white-hat hacker was able to guess the vanity URLs users at many global companies chose for file sharing. In addition, Dropbox has still not been certified by the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, which means it is not suited for federal agencies when transferring government content between users. While many tools simplify file sharing, they are typically not up to the levels of security or regulatory compliance that agencies require. The guilty verdict earlier this year of Russian hacker Yevgeniy Nikulin for hacking Dropbox, LinkedIn and Formspring in 2012 is a timely reminder that file sharing can still pose legitimate security risks, particularly if government employees are considering commercial platforms.

Dropbox secure file sharing