Spot the Red Flags: GDPR File Transfer Service Needed

Published {$created} by Viggo

Let's be honest, managing file transfers can be a headache. Whether you’re dealing with video surveillance footage, large datasets, or critical business documents, ensuring secure and compliant sharing is paramount. But are you relying on a setup that's leaving you exposed? Here are some telltale signs it's time to seriously consider a GDPR compliant file transfer service.

1. Password-Based Authentication is Your Norm

Using passwords for authentication? While it might seem convenient, it's a massive security risk. Plain FTP authentication is practically begging for trouble. Are you constantly worried about compromised credentials? It's time to move to key-based authentication – like SSH-ED25519, which we highly recommend. See our tutorial on creating SSH keys to get started.

2. You're Using FTP (Plain) - And You Know It’s Risky

Let's cut to the chase: plain FTP is insecure. It transmits data in plain text, leaving it vulnerable to eavesdropping. While FTPS attempts to add SSL/TLS, it often faces compatibility issues. SFTP, using the secure SSH protocol, offers a much more robust solution. If you're still using plain FTP, you're playing a dangerous game. We're seeing more and more move from plain FTP – see why here.

3. Compliance Concerns Are Keeping You Up at Night

GDPR compliance isn't just a checklist item; it's a fundamental aspect of responsible data handling. Are you confident that your current setup adheres to GDPR's requirements, particularly regarding data residency and access control? If you're unsure or actively worried about non-compliance, it's a significant red flag. We host in the EU and adhere to GDPR principles – no data scanning, sharing, or resale.

4. You're Dealing with Large File Transfers Frequently

Sharing large video files from security cameras or significant data sets can be a real bottleneck. Are transfers slow and unreliable? Do you lack control over bandwidth usage? A dedicated, managed solution—like ftpGrid—can significantly improve speed and efficiency, especially when combined with our fast CDN.

5. Self-Hosting is a Constant Time Sink

Maintaining your own FTP server is a lot of work. Server maintenance, security updates, SSL certificate management… it all adds up. Are you spending valuable time on server administration instead of focusing on your core business? Managed services like ours handle all the technical heavy lifting. Check out our managed FTP hosting guide to learn more.

Need a better alternative to WeTransfer for business? We offer secure, compliant, and manageable file sharing. See how here. And if you're curious about the technical differences between SFTP, FTPS, and FTP, this guide will help. With our free tier, you can experience the benefits of a secure and reliable service firsthand.