The increase in the availability of cloud storage services makes online file sharing easy and popular. What’s more, it has put an end to the traditional file-sharing method that involves burning large files into a disk and then mailing it to the recipient.
Although there are many ways to share files online, only a few of them are secure, especially when sharing big files. However, secure file sharing options, such as FileWhopper, provide end-to-end encryption that protects and ensures the privacy of any shared file.
The continual increase in cybercrime, revealing confidential and personal data from big-brand companies has increased people’s awareness of the need to protect their online data.
Although there are several direct methods to protect your files, such as SSH, SFTP, GPG, and PGP, that utilize public-key cryptography; however, they are technical approaches many home users aren’t familiar with and may struggle to implement. But if you’re a business it’s important to keep your data safe and get familiar with more technical approaches by using a secure solution, such as GoAnywhere file transfer software.
Therefore, we’ll examine existing popular file-sharing options that use end-to-end encryption to protect your online files in this guide.
Secure File Sharing Options
Cybercrime created many security concerns for companies and individuals. The following file-sharing options would help alleviate such problems.
1. FileWhopper
This is an online file sharing option that allows users to quickly and safely transfer their large files and folders. It does not provide cloud storage services; instead, it offers file-sharing services, making it possible to share unlimited amounts of data to another person on the internet. Also, users don’t need to store data on the web for an extended period.
The simple client software can transfer files from one person to another; however, you need to be clear on what makes this file sharing option unique before you sign up.
Foremost, to use it, you need to download its app rather than use a web browser. The app has unique features, enabling it to resume interrupted uploads and run in the background; thus, providing a smoother user experience.
The app can also auto-start when you restart your computer. Additionally, it deletes itself once it completes the transfer, leaving no trace on your system. Unfortunately, the app is only available for Windows users, preventing Mac OS users from using this file sharing option. Your recipient also needs a Windows OS to download the files .
Also, it only saves transferred files on the web for 14 days, giving your recipient a couple of weeks to download the files. You can extend the 14 days for an additional charge. However, you don’t get to access or synchronize the files during that period.
Besides, it uses end-to-end encryption to secure the files and folders transferred. Users can only access the data with a decryption key that they specified before initiating the transfer. Consequently, anyone who intercepts the files won’t be able to access them without the decryption key. Even the app’s developers do not have access to the decryption key.
Furthermore, the platform assigns a unique transfer ID to each file transfer, so it doesn’t store specific file and folders’ names. It also does not use two-factor authentication and thus adding extra protection to your account.
Also, it lets new users make their first file transfer for free as long as it’s not more than 5GB. Afterward, users get to pay per transaction. Besides, pricing depends on the size of the upload. That said, the pricing feature eliminates the need to spend every month, unlike many other sharing options.
If you need to occasionally transfer some files and don’t necessarily need a long-term cloud-storage subscription plan, then this secure file sharing option is the right choice for you.
2. SpiderOak
SpiderOak is a platform that allows users to access, share, and synchronize data using a cloud-based server. SpiderOak also places a strong emphasis on data privacy and security. It uses military-grade encryption to secure your files.
It offers sharing services, cloud storage, and online backups with a ‘zero-knowledge’ privacy environment, granting only the client access to all stored data. Not even the SpiderOak team can access your files.
Besides, SpiderOak has a user-friendly design, making all central device management and the admin console very straightforward to use. It also uses a “drag and drop” feature, which comes in handy when organizing your files.
The platform also offers users access to all applications, such as sharing and backup selection from its centralized device management dashboard. Users can also use the dashboard to set group permissions, manage their accounts, and gain insight into usage.
However, SpiderOak lacks essential collaboration tools that are available in other cloud storage tools.
3. Resilio
Resilio is another file sharing option that uses the BitTorrent protocol to synchronize files. The advantage of this file-sharing option is that unlike many other file sharing options that use cloud storage services, Resilio can sync files directly between two devices.
However, your device and that of your correspondence must be online for you to use Resilio. Resilio secures its file transfers with a 128-bit AES encryption. Resilio is an excellent way to share large files and folders since it uses the BitTorrent protocol design.
Besides, the platform provides three different service levels:
- Sync Home: This is particularly useful for individuals. It enables users to manage multiple devices for themselves and even family members. It is relatively easy to use. It has a free version for Windows, Linux, and Mac users. Its paid version grants users access to its unique features.
- Sync Business: This is designed for business to business transactions. It also offers several business-level plans that depend on team size. It has no bandwidth limits and uses end-to-end encryption. It also has data reduction and file-level duplication features.
- Resilio Connect: this connects enterprises and can handle multiple usages and large data transfers. It’s an enterprise-level platform that aims at providing global companies’ services.
However, Resilio is not open-source. Nevertheless, it’s an excellent and secure file sharing option.
Conclusion
The above file-sharing options will provide the necessary privacy and security for your personal and confidential files. Do you find these file-sharing options useful? If yes, please leave a comment below.
