Sending files securely isn’t as hard as it may seem.
With the right tools and some savvy, you can lock down those documents in no time!
In this article, we’ll discuss how to send files securely, so you can rest easy knowing your data is safe and sound.
What are Secure Files?
Secure files are any type of file you want to protect from unauthorized access or modification.
These files can include any of the following:
- Videos
- Images
- Documents
- Spreadsheets
To protect these files, you’ll need encryption software or tools that scramble your data, so even if someone does gain access to it, they won’t be able to make sense of it.
Top Ways to Securely Send Files
There are many ways organizations can share files securely.
Some of these include the following:
- Secure cloud services
- Simple file-sharing system
- Password managers and 2FA
- End-to-end file encryption
- Use an encryption software
Secure Cloud Services
Cloud services are one of the most secure and popular methods of sending files.
This method ensures that your files are protected with the highest level of encryption available while giving you convenient access from any device.
Cloud services can also be used to store large amounts of data, making it a great option for sending documents that need to remain confidential.
Since the cloud service takes care of this, these services allow you to share files easily without worrying about file compatibility.
Finally, when using secure cloud services, all data transfers are kept private and secure from anyone who might attempt to intercept data mid-transfer.
Here are some tips on choosing a cloud storage option and help get you started.
Simple File-Sharing System
Another great way to securely send files is by using a simple file-sharing system.
This type of system allows you to select the files you want to share and then generate a link that can be sent via email or text message.
The recipient clicks the link and the file downloads directly to their device.
You can also set up permissions so only those with access can view or download your files, making it an ideal solution for organizations that need extra security when sharing sensitive information.
Password Managers and 2FA
Password managers are increasingly popular tools that not only help keep your passwords secure but they can also help protect your data from unauthorized access when sending files.
You can generate random, secure passwords for each file sent using a password manager.
Additionally, two-factor authentication (2FA) is another great way to add extra security to your files.
With 2FA, users must enter a password and a code sent via SMS/email before accessing the file.
End-to-End File Encryption
End-to-end file encryption is one of the most secure ways to send files because it ensures that no one but the recipient can view or access the data.
This type of encryption works by scrambling data during transmission, so no one else can gain access.
Plus, the recipient will need a special key to decrypt and view the file.
Use an Encryption Software
Finally, to ensure your files are as secure as possible when sending them across the internet, consider using encryption software.
This type of program encrypts data in transit so that it’s unreadable until it reaches its intended destination.
It also works by scrambling files before they’re sent over the internet, making it virtually impossible for anyone to access or modify them without having a key.
Our Chosen Method: File Encryption
At the end of the day, if you want to ensure that your files remain secure and confidential when sending them over the internet, then file encryption is the way to go.
This method keeps your data safe from unauthorized access and guarantees that only those with the correct key can view or download the files.
Plus, it’s easy to use and requires no additional setup – just type in your password, and you’re done!
So if you want to keep your data secure when transferring over the internet, then file encryption is always a great option.
What is File Encryption?
File encryption is the process of transforming a file into an unreadable format, typically through an algorithm.
This transformation makes it nearly impossible for a third party to decrypt the data without access to the correct encryption key or password.
File encryption ensures that files can only be accessed by those who possess the key and provides users with greater security and privacy when sending files over the internet or storing them on their hard drives.
Encryption algorithms usually rely on techniques like symmetric-key cryptography, public-key cryptography, and hashing to protect content from unauthorized access.
It is important to note that while encryption provides strong protection against unauthorized access, it does not guarantee absolute security since there are still methods available to break it.
Benefits of File Encryption
There are many benefits of using file encryption to protect your data when sending or storing files.
These include the following:
- It’s cheap to encrypt files
- Save you from regulatory fines
- Protect remote workers
- Increase consumer trust
- Promotes data integrity
It’s Cheap to Encrypt Files
File encryption is a relatively inexpensive way to protect your data when sending or storing files. Most encryption tools are free or low-cost and easy to use, making them ideal solutions for individuals and businesses of all sizes.
Plus, they require little additional setup, allowing users to encrypt their files almost immediately.
Save You From Regulatory Fines
Encrypting files helps you avoid costly fines if you’re subject to industry-specific regulations like HIPAA or GDPR.
Using file encryption, you can demonstrate that reasonable steps were taken to protect personal data from unauthorized access and comply with relevant regulations.
Protect Remote Workers
File encryption is especially useful for remote workers since it ensures their data is kept safe when transferring files between their devices and the company servers.
Plus, it can help prevent data leaks since it ensures only authorized users have access to sensitive documents and prevents them from being shared with unauthorized third parties.
Increase Consumer Trust
Encrypting files is a great way to show customers that you take their privacy seriously and are doing everything possible to secure their personal information.
This gives them peace of mind and encourages them to trust your business more.
Promote Data Integrity
File encryption also helps promote data integrity by ensuring your files remain unaltered during transmission or storage.
This is important, especially if you’re dealing with sensitive information, as any changes made can disrupt the entire process.
By using encryption, you can guarantee that all the data is kept safe and secure and remains unaltered throughout its journey.
Now that you know the benefits of file encryption and why protecting your data is important, let’s look at some of the best tools to do just that.
Some popular file encryption and sharing tools include:
- AxCrypt Premium
- MyFax
- CryptoForge
- NordLocker
AxCrypt Premium
AxCrypt Premium is an all-in-one privacy and security solution for encrypting and sharing confidential files.
It provides secure encryption of sensitive data, ensuring your documents are kept safe from prying eyes.
With AxCrypt Premium, you can protect files on your computer, network, or cloud with 256-bit AES encryption—the highest level of encryption available.
It also allows you to securely share files with others, even if they don’t have the program installed.
Why We Picked It
We chose AxCrypt Premium for this list because of its ease of use and security features.
It’s user-friendly and allows you to quickly encrypt any file with just a few clicks—perfect for those who don’t have a lot of experience with encryption.
It also offers secure storage and sharing, making it ideal for businesses or individuals who must keep their data safe from unauthorized access.
Pricing
AxCrypt Premium has two plans available, Premium and Business.
Premium
- $5/month
Business
- $12/month
Pros
- Easy to use
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Secure file-sharing
Cons
- No free version available
MyFax
MyFax is a cloud-based file-sharing solution that provides secure encryption and transfer of documents, images, and emails.
It allows you to easily send large files without having to worry about privacy or security.
Why We Picked It
We chose MyFax because it’s one of the most secure and reliable ways to share confidential files online.
It encrypts all data with 256-bit AES encryption—the highest level of encryption available—and ensures only authorized users can access sensitive documents.
Plus, it’s easy to use and offers a range of features that make it perfect for businesses of any size.
Pricing
MyFax has three plans available. These are Home Office User, Small Business User, and Power User.
Home Office User
- $12/month
Small Business User
- $25/month
Power User
- $45/month
Pros
- Easy to use with a simple, intuitive interface that allows users to quickly get up and running without extensive training
- Provides secure encryption for files that are being shared, ensuring that confidential information stays protected
- Supports multiple file types, allowing users to send a variety of documents quickly and easily
Cons
- The free trial version is limited in terms of features and capabilities compared to the paid versions
CryptoForge
CryptoForge is a powerful encryption tool that securely stores and shares sensitive data. It uses advanced cryptography algorithms to protect your data from unauthorized access and malicious agents.
With military-grade strength encryption, CryptoForge provides the highest level of security available for your files.
Whether you are an individual or an enterprise, CryptoForge can protect your confidential information and make sure only those who are authorized to view it can access it.
Why We Picked It
CryptoForge is an excellent file encryption and sharing tool that provides top-level security for your data.
It’s easy to use, with a simple interface that makes it ideal for anyone new to encryption.
Plus, its military-grade strength encryption ensures that only authorized users can access your files.
Pricing
CryptoForge offers pricing based on the number of users. Their plans start at $39.70 for a single user.
Pros
- Easy to use with a clean and intuitive interface
- Supports multiple file types such as PDFs, images, and more
Cons
- Some of the pricing plans might be out of reach for smaller businesses or organizations
NordLocker
NordLocker is a secure file-sharing and encryption tool that protects your data from unauthorized access.
It uses end-to-end encryption that makes sure only you have the key to unlock your files.
It also allows you to securely share files with others, even if they don’t have the program installed.
Why We Picked It
We chose NordLocker for this list because of its ease of use and powerful security features.
Its user-friendly interface allows you to quickly encrypt any file with just a few clicks—perfect for those who don’t want the hassle of setting up complex encryption protocols.
Plus, it offers seamless file-sharing, making it ideal for businesses or individuals who need to collaborate on projects.
Pricing
NordLocker offers three plans: Business, Business Plus, and Custom.
Business
- $12.99/month
Business Plus
- $18.99/month
Custom
- Varies based on the needs of your business
Pros
- Simple, intuitive interface that makes it easy to use for anyone
- Supports multiple file types, allowing you to encrypt any kind of data
- Offers secure file-sharing with other users who don’t have the program installed
Cons
- No additional features like cloud storage or real-time collaboration available in the free version
- Slightly higher price point compared to some of its competitors
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many ways you can securely send your files in 2023.
Whether you choose cloud services, password managers and 2FA, end-to-end encryption, or encryption software, you can be sure that your data will remain safe and secure.
Do you have any questions? Let us know in the comments below!