Cloud convenience: Rethinking filesharing security
Cloud storage and filesharing solutions have become essential tools for business collaboration. From Dropbox and Google Drive to OneDrive and Box, organisations have endless options to streamline workflows and enhance productivity. However, as the demand for easy-to-use solutions grows, security often takes a back seat to convenience.
A 2024 study uncovered severe security vulnerabilities in many leading cloud providers, raising an important question: What does it really take to be a truly secure filesharing platform? And how can businesses balance security with usability?[1]
The hidden risks of popular filesharing platforms
While mainstream filesharing platforms prioritise accessibility and ease of use, many fall short in security. A report from TechTarget highlighted critical gaps in encryption, data sovereignty, and protection against file-borne malware.
Some common security risks include:
- Weak encryption standards: Many platforms rely on basic encryption that doesn’t meet enterprise security requirements.
- Lack of control over data location: Businesses often don’t know where their files are stored, raising concerns about regulatory compliance and sovereignty.
- Exposure to file-borne threats: Even if a platform restricts unauthorised access, it may not prevent malware from entering through seemingly legitimate files.
- File-sharing phishing attacks: According to the Cloud Security Alliance’s 2024 report, there was a 350% increase in file-sharing phishing attacks, where cybercriminals exploit trusted platforms to deliver malicious content.[2]
The value of protecting critical data assets
Data is a critical asset for any organisation, often more valuable than financial assets or physical property. Think of it as the crown jewels of your company, containing sensitive information about your operations, customers, finances, and intellectual property.
Just as you would protect your most valuable possessions, you need to shield your data from unauthorised access to prevent:
- Financial loss: Data breaches can lead to significant financial losses due to theft, fraud, regulatory fines, and legal liabilities.
- Reputational damage: A data breach can severely damage your company’s reputation and erode customer trust.
- Operational disruption: Unauthorised access to data can disrupt your operations, leading to downtime, lost productivity, and service interruptions.
- Competitive disadvantage: Losing sensitive data to competitors can undermine your competitive edge and market position.
SureDrop: security without compromise
For businesses that need both strong security and simple collaboration, SureDrop is built from security-first principles.
A 2025 Wired article reported on the rise of malware attacks through trusted platforms like Google Calendar, where attackers embed malicious links in event descriptions, underscoring the necessity for zero-trust content security.[3]
Unlike conventional cloud storage solutions, SureDrop ensures that organisations retain full control over their data while maintaining high usability.
Key Differentiators:
- AES 256 encryption standards: Protects data with industry-leading encryption.
- Secure encryption key management: Ensures that only authorised users can decrypt sensitive information.
- Additional file fragmentation security: Reduces risk by fragmenting files into multiple pieces, making unauthorised access nearly impossible.
- 100% control over file location and data sovereignty: Allows organisations to determine where their data is stored to meet compliance requirements.
Striking the right balance between security and usability
Security is critical, but if a platform is too complex or restrictive, employees will turn to personal apps like Dropbox, WeTransfer or Google Drive, creating shadow IT risks.
A truly secure filesharing solution must also be intuitive and efficient to encourage adoption. SureDrop strikes this balance by providing enterprise-grade security without compromising user experience. With seamless integrations and an intuitive interface, organisations can enforce security policies without disrupting workflows.
What to look for in a secure filesharing solution
If security is a priority for your organisation, here are key factors to consider when evaluating filesharing platforms:
- Strong encryption: Does the platform encrypt data when it’s stored and in transit according to industry best practices?
- Data sovereignty control: Can you choose where your data is stored?
- Threat prevention: Does the platform offer zero-trust content security?
- User experience: Is the platform easy to use, or will employees resort to unsecured alternatives?
Secure collaboration starts here
With growing cyber threats, businesses can no longer afford to compromise on security for the sake of convenience. SureDrop offers the best of both worlds: enterprise-grade protection with an intuitive, user-friendly experience.
Ready to secure your filesharing? Request a demo today and experience secure collaboration without compromise.
