Managed File Transfer (MFT) Axway Managed File Transfer Digital Security Managed Cloud: MFT

What makes a secure cloud MFT solution?

MFT Security: What makes a secure cloud MFT solution?

Data exchange between businesses and their partners has become an essential part of many companies’ daily operations. But with billions of dollars at stake to keep valuable and sensitive data secure, news reports of hackers exploiting vulnerabilities that can affect even on-premises servers are understandably frightening.

It’s true that data transfers bring the risk of cyberattacks, and ransomware attacks in particular – which is why it’s more important than ever to trust that your managed file transfer solution is reliable. Here’s a look at how you can ensure the security of your cloud MFT.

 

 

Growing adoption of cloud MFT

Modern managed file transfer (MFT) provides a reliable way to transfer critical business data internally and externally, with built-in security features like data encryption.

Cloud MFT solutions are owned and operated by third-party providers, requiring less maintenance and upgrades from internal IT teams. Cloud MFT is faster and more cost-effective to set up and can be configured in flexible cloud deployments.

In a world of digital transformation, cloud-based managed file transfer solutions simply make sense from a scalability, flexibility, and cost standpoint. Yet there is a common hang-up in the adoption of cloud MFT solutions, as with other cloud solutions: questions around security.

Is cloud MFT secure?

Many businesses see information as safer stored on premises than it is in data centers managed by large cloud providers.

But the reality is that data stored on a laptop, which can be easily stolen, is more at risk for a breach than data hosted on major cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure.

That’s because these providers are backed by the work of world-class security experts to create an infrastructure that meets today’s most stringent security standards. And with a managed cloud service, the managed cloud MFT provider has a team of experts actively involved in protecting your enterprise against the latest threats.

Modern managed file transfer solutions include end-to-end encryption, audit trails, and access controls that make it harder for cybercriminals to access sensitive information.

Built-in alerts also provide an addition layer of security. Your IT team can configure the real-time alerts on file transfer completion based on a set of rules that your company creates.

Possible alerts could include:

  • Sending
  • Sent
  • Receiving
  • Received
  • Failed
  • Canceled
  • Temporary Failed
  • Permanently Failed

Every event, whether it’s the commencement of a transfer, its completion, or failures, should be logged to a central database by your MFT solution. It’s just another feature that adds to the security of cloud MFT solutions.

Monitoring file transfer activity from a single administration console offers end-to-end visibility that makes it easier to detect recurring patterns in file transfers (for better or for worse) and prevents blind spots that can ultimately lead to cybersecurity breakdowns.

Intelligent cloud MFT solutions provide the analysis and context that is needed for IT personnel to properly assess vulnerabilities at a glance. So, whether the solution is to submit a ticket or call an API, that decision and action can be made fast.

A proven track record is the greatest MFT security benchmark

Enterprises can’t afford to gamble with security of their critical infrastructure – and that’s precisely what MFT is for many organizations today. IBM’s Cost of a data breach 2022 report found ransomware attacks cost an organization $4.54M on average – not to mention damage to their reputation.

And with 17% of enterprises reporting that they recently experienced a data breach because a business partner was compromised, it’s always a good time to reevaluate the strength of your MFT security.

Pie chart showing 17% of enterprises report that they recently experienced a data breach because a business partner was compromised.

One of the surest markers of trust for an MFT product is if the provider has a long track record of security and resiliency in large enterprise cloud file transfer.

Axway started managed cloud operations for MFT more than ten years ago, serving government agencies like the IRS. This mean it was essential for our personnel to have high security government certifications, and that same DNA fueled our expansion to more government, financial services, and healthcare organizations that have the highest levels of security provisions.

Today, Axway manages hundreds of thousands of connections and partner access points securely, processing millions of files per day – without any major breach or security issue.

This level of secure service capability should be the benchmark for any MFT solution.

Furthermore, a trusted vendor should be committed to staying up to date with the latest security threats and will take proactive steps to mitigate these threats. They will be transparent about their security practices and will work with customers to ensure that the solution is as secure as possible.

Beyond choosing a reputable provider with a strong track record of security, some best practices for cloud MFT security include:

    • Implementing access controls and encryption
    • Conducting regular security audits and assessments
    • Training employees on cloud MFT security best practices
    • Adopting a Zero Trust approach to enterprise security.

Take security concerns off the table with Axway MFT

When it comes to cloud adoption for managed file transfer, businesses set out to check several boxes. They want convenience, they want lack of friction, they want security.

With the choice to be hosted on AWS or Microsoft Azure, Axway’s cloud MFT solutions provide businesses with the experience they want without the weight of security concerns. Businesses also have the choice between a multi-tenant cloud, a hybrid cloud approach, or a single-tenant, private cloud.

Building on the security capabilities included in major cloud providers’ infrastructure, Axway delivers a centralized command and control layer that makes it easy to visualize file transfer activity in a non-technical manner. Without having to write any sophisticated code, business users can manage file transfer setup in a self-service way and access proactive insights before an impact is felt.

With a managed cloud configuration, we operate server space storage on AWS or Azure for you, in any region, allowing businesses to comply with cloud sovereignty requirements as well as security concerns. Axway protects your enterprise against the latest cloud-based security threats, vulnerabilities, and intrusions with the most robust security accreditations available.

See also: Ensuring your data stays protected from cybercriminals targeting MFT vendors

Our secure managed file transfer systems are designed to easily integrate with your day-to-day business operations. This simple integration adds to MFT security because it gicves you even more control over your solution.

From day one, Axway’s suite of MFT solutions act as if they have been part of your company’s IT infrastructure, supporting a complete ecosystem that is built for reliability, security, and cost-effectiveness. And it’s hard to beat platinum-level SLAs with 99.99% availability.

Let us help you simplify your approach to managed file transfer, and we’ll develop a secure MFT solution that is right for your organization.

Discover the new capabilities of Axway MFT: SecureTransport

 

Join us on LinkedIn for our next MFT Talks event on crucial steps to safeguarding your customers.

Key Takeaways

  • A secure cloud MFT solution should have end-to-end encryption, meet stringent security standards, and offer proper access controls to ensure data security and integrity.
  • Modern MFT should also provide audit trails, alerts, and end-to-end visibility to help meet regulatory requirements and prevent unauthorized access.
  • Managed cloud deployments provide the additional security of a dedicated team of specialists to ensure the success of high value transfers.
  • Ultimately, a vendor's proven track record is the greatest MFT security benchmark.