Best Practices for Cloud MFT

Best Practices for Cloud Managed File Transfer

Data is the lifeblood of modern business.  And most modern organisations rely to some extent on the Cloud as they transfer files between employees, trading partners, and customers.

To help you guard against cybercrime, here are best practices for safeguarding your data on its way to, from and in, the Cloud.

Some Clouds are Better than Others

Cloud computing comes in three basic flavours… Public, Private, and Hybrid. Each offers differing degrees of security and risk.

Of the three, a Self-Hosted Private Cloud solution offers considerable advantages through enhanced levels of control and protection. It:

• Is ring-fenced inside your organisation’s security perimeter, enjoying the same protections and security posture as the rest of your IT environment.

• Can be integrated into your network with AWS VPN / Azure Express route links.

• Has access to your internal systems through appropriate firewall controls to better suit interfacing requirements (aka “lateral movement of data”).

• Ensures internal file and data transfers never leave your secure local network.

Public and Hybrid Clouds

Permitting your precious data to go “off-prem” inherently increases the risk it may be intercepted or accessed by cybercriminals. However, leading MFT solutions - in combination with a trustworthy Cloud provider, appropriately configured - can mitigate these risks, and provide MFT-as-a-service.

Choosing with the Best Cloud Provider

Cloud providers come in all sizes, capabilities … and risk profiles. 

1. Ensure your Cloud provider uses robust security protocols and safeguards.  Do they utilise the latest encryption protocols, and offer strong user authorisation and access controls?   Do their data transmission and storage approaches meet the regulatory requirements for your industry?

2. What performance levels does your Cloud provider commit to? Can they quickly and reliably receive, store and transmit your business-essential files?

3. Can your Cloud provider easily integrate with your existing systems?

4. Can your Cloud provider offer an appropriate level of technical support when you need it?

At Generic Systems Australia, we would be happy to share with you our significant experience with and expert perspective on locally-available Cloud providers,  detailing and how well they meet the requirements for safe, efficient and effective MFT.

Meet Industry Compliance Requirements

Some industries are subject to heightened regulatory requirements regarding data storage and transfer. 

Even when using an “off-prem” Cloud provider, you remain responsible for meeting those requirements. Failing to utilise an appropriately compliant Cloud environment can lead to fines, law suits, loss of customers, loss of supplier trust, and reputational damage.

Maintain Control and Data Sovereignty

Governments increasingly require organisations to maintain authority and control of data within their jurisdictional boundaries – aka, “data sovereignty”.

Private and Hybrid Cloud environments provide inherently greater authority over where data is stored, access permissions, and retention policies. In this way, they enable organisations to better navigate myriad data sovereignty mandates and evolving compliance standards.

Utilising Managed File Transfer as a Service (MFTaaS)

MFTaaS is an approach which can help organisations streamline their file transfer processes, while offering robust security, scalability, reliability, anywhere access and cost-effectiveness.

However, be sure to confirm your MFTaaS solution offers robust encryption and security protocols, can scale grow with your organisation's needs, and complies with the industry regulations relevant to your business.

Technical Best Practices for Cloud File Transfers

Ensure secure and efficient transmission of data in a Cloud environment by observing these technical requirements:

1. Data Encryption at Rest and in Transit: Utilise encryption protocols like SSL/TLS for data in transit and encryption solutions provided by your Cloud provider for data at rest. In private Cloud settings, you can also leverage approaches like Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) or Hold Your Own Key (HYOK).

2. Data Loss Prevention (DLP): A robust DLP solution helps prevent unauthorised data transfers and leakage by monitoring data in real-time and preventing it from being transmitted outside of your organisation.

3. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): By monitoring and alerting IT security teams to any suspicious file transfer behaviour, IDS helps nip security breaches in the bud.

   
   
   
   

Employee Best Practices

Having your team follow best practices is also essential to secure data transfer and storage.

1. Staff Training: Teach your employees to recognise data security risks, and how to avoid them. Place special focus on phishing and social engineering – two of the most prevalent cybercriminal threats.

2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enforce MFA for file transfers, and utilise phishing-resistant techniques.

3. Access Control: Restrict access to files and systems, and provide users with only the minimum level of access necessary to perform their role. Implement a regular cycle of access permission reviews.

Audit, Backup and Recovery Best Practices

Continuous monitoring and auditing of Cloud file transfers not only maintains the security of your data, it also helps identify and mitigate potential threats, while monitoring on-going compliance.

Log Analysis and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) proactively monitor transfers, and enable your IT team to react quickly to emerging threats and incidents.

Data backup and disaster recovery are the final critical components of your comprehensive safeguards against data loss in Cloud file transfers. They ensure that, if a disaster occurs, your organisation can provide business continuity by maintaining the availability and integrity of data.

Making the Cloud Safe for File Transfers

By following these best practices, the Cloud can be an efficient, reliable and secure element within your organisation’s overall data transfer approach.

At Generic Systems Australia, we use and recommend the class-leading (link) managed file transfer solution, GoAnywhere MFT, for the way it integrates with the Cloud and embeds best practices. Providing peace of mind, by securing sensitive files in transit and at rest, GoAnywhere automates and encrypts data between an organisation and its trading partners, protecting it from unnecessary vulnerabilities while improving efficiency and reducing costs.

If you’d like to learn more about GoAnywhere MFT, check out our resources at Generic Systems Australia.  Our Business Manager, Bradley Copson (bradley@gensys.com.au)would also be happy to offer you an obligation-free discussion, a no cost trial, or even a Proof of Concept for your business.

Simon Keunstner, Senior Technical Consultant, Generic Systems Australia

“Local Experts in Secure Managed File Transfer”