File sharing
OTP Explained: How Do We Use it to Make File Transfers More Secure?
Learn more about making your file sharing routine a safer one
As more and more of our work is done in the virtual space, it only makes sense that larger files are being sent to everyone, from the starting intern to the CEO of your business. The problem is that traditional File Transfer Protocols (FTP) from the past don’t provide the secure file sharing and control needed, especially given how many of us are working remotely.
In most cases, you get a complicated email from your IT department explaining the numerous online FTP tools your company uses for file transfers. This involves setting up redundant procedures for every single different service or sharing passwords from protected file folders over text where they can be easily read by the wrong person.
This lack of file control can expose critical business documents like data-driven competitor research, new product launch details, or budgetary concerns to the wrong recipients. That is where the power and reliability of OTP come into play.
What is OTP?
You have probably already interacted with One-Time Passwords in the past. Anyone who does online banking must enter an OTP whenever they log in from a new device or location. Usually, that is a text message to your personal phone number with a numerical code to confirm your identity and protect your account.
The same idea can be applied to secure file transfers. An OTP is a one-time authorization code only valid for a single login session from your current device and location. It is typically a string of numbers automatically generated to provide access.
The goal of OTP is to reduce the risk of fraudsters, hackers, and people with malicious intent logging into your private accounts or reading your secure file transfers. By sending a document with OTP featured, you ensure the correct recipient is reading your latest report, insights, or suggestions.
Why Do We use OTP as a Safe Indicator?
The simple answer is that OTP has a short lifespan. You must have a unique token authorization code to gain access to your secure file sharing system or individualized documents.
These unique codes cannot be used a second time. Anyone from your team or IT contractor monitoring your cybersecurity will see a red flag from potential identity thieves trying to use an OTP repeatedly. That communicates there is a problem, automatically denies access to that user, and alerts your team to take further measures for your security.
Think of OTP as a protective layer around your critical documents, files, and ideas. With this additional layer of authentication, you help your team, clients, partners, and leadership stay ahead of potentially damaging cybercrimes that may have catastrophic consequences.
In 2022, cybercrime caused $6 trillion in damages to businesses, government agencies, and private users. OTP helps you avoid being a part of that jaw-dropping statistic.
OTP in file sharing — How it Works in C2 Transfer
The simple solution to replace out-of-date and high-risk FTP systems is by integrating secure file sharing through C2 Transfer. This is the same security features used by many in the tech, business, and government agency world to confirm the correct people are the ones given access to specific files. Think of how much easier privacy protections or sharing sensitive information about a client or patient will be when you have more reliable security features from OTP.
As an example, say you have a giant presentation for a new product launch that needs to get to your finance team to ensure all the numbers are accurate. Rather than risk this information falling into the hands of your competitors, you create a transfer task in C2 Transfer that automatically generates a link for the recipient. If they want to access your files already embedded with the link, they must successfully go through an identity authentication using OTP via email or SMS. This ensures they are the accurate recipient and the only ones who can complete the process.
With C2 Transfer, you don’t have to deal with copying down multiple passwords for FTP systems. There is no generic code that you have to remember because OTP generates a unique pass every time. That means less writing down of passwords in physical locations, more restricted access to important documents, and all wrapped in a clean and easy to follow user interface. Some people get turned off by the complex FTP systems and software, especially when a company is using numerous services. C2 Transfer unifies all of this into a simple dashboard with comprehensive file sharing options.
There are still plenty of users who love to write down their passwords somewhere physical next to their computers. Sometimes this includes even post-it notes sticking to the sides of monitors where everyone can read them. That creates a massive potential security breach where the flower delivery person brightening up you coworker’s anniversary is now able to access sensitive data because of a visible password that can be used over and over again.
With C2 Transfer, the shared files are better protected with a unique One-Time Password that only the recipient can access. Once they are confirmed, the password is removed and never used again. You effectively eliminate the concern of trying to write down passwords everywhere by having everything inside of a single tech ecosystem anyone can use.
Start protecting your file’s security with C2 Transfer
OTP is the best method to ensure right people are getting the properly secured documents. Not only does this integrated system act as a security indicator, but it can be applied in numerous scenarios involving transaction authorization codes, file sharing authentications, and even 2-factor authentications.
With an easy-to-use system, you add a safety net around your business operations and team members that protects against unwanted malicious attacks. This drastically reduces your risk of cyberattacks that can damage your company because you can ensure that privileged information is delivered to authorized personnel only while secure files access with download time limitations.
Ideas and data are the two most powerful assets of any company in today’s world. Startups live and die by the unique competitive advantages their teams create. If that information is shared with the wrong person and gets out, it can ruin a future lucrative business opportunity. The same is true for accountants, lawyers, doctors, and even the construction team developing a project for a major city. We all need more reliable security around our sensitive information just as much as a simplified method of file sharing that doesn’t involve complex FTP clients.
You can start C2 Transfer free trial today and immediately resolve those out-of-date FTP file sharing problems of the past with a next-level security. There won’t be any more endless account setups because all your documents can be uploaded onto the C2 Transfer server, where they are immediately encrypted for your safety.
Business is moving faster and the online world even faster. Time to up your security game and protect your critical files and team members with the power of C2 Transfer.
