Secure Client Document Exchange with SFTP & HTTPS

Published {$created} by Carsten Blum

Many businesses struggle to maintain secure and controlled file sharing with clients. Email attachments pose security risks, while traditional FTP setups often lack robust access controls. Controlling precisely who can access what and tracking their activity is critical for compliance and protecting sensitive information. ftpGrid offers solutions leveraging SFTP and HTTPS sharing to address these challenges.

SFTP: Layered Access and Permissions

SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) uses an SSH tunnel to encrypt data in transit, providing a substantially more secure transfer method compared to standard FTP. With ftpGrid, SFTP isn't just about encryption; it's about refined control. We offer several key features designed for businesses requiring granular permissions.

• Account Isolation & Chroot: Each client can be assigned a dedicated storage account, further isolated from other users. The "chroot" feature restricts accounts to a specific folder, preventing unauthorized browsing or modification of files outside their designated area. This is particularly valuable for agencies managing multiple client projects.
• Read-Only (RO) vs. Read-Write (RW) Access: Define access privileges on a per-account basis. Some clients might only require read-only access to view documents, while others need to upload and modify files. Our flexible access control system lets you manage these differences easily from the dashboard.
• Account Suspension: Need to temporarily revoke a client’s access? Suspending an account instantly prevents logins and file transfers without deleting their data. This allows for swift action in case of disputes or security concerns. Our full feature list is detailed here.

HTTPS Sharing: Simplified Client Collaboration

For scenarios requiring straightforward file delivery without needing full FTP/SFTP access, our HTTPS sharing feature provides a secure, user-friendly alternative. Think of it as a business-grade WeTransfer replacement. It’s ideal for sharing large marketing files, contracts, or other documents with external stakeholders who don't require login credentials.

• Password Protection (Optional): Add an extra layer of security by requiring a password for download.
• Expiry Dates: Set an expiration date for the shared link, ensuring files are automatically removed after a defined period.
• Download Limits: Control the number of times a file can be downloaded.
• CDN Acceleration: Downloads are served via our global CDN, ensuring fast and reliable delivery, even for large files. For more information on comparing our HTTPS sharing with popular alternatives, see https://ftpgrid.com/wetransfer-alternative-for-business/.

Comprehensive Audit Logging & Monitoring

Security isn't solely about preventing unauthorized access; it’s also about knowing what has occurred. ftpGrid maintains detailed audit logs for all file transfers, including timestamps, user accounts, IP addresses, and geographical locations.

• Activity Timeline: Review a chronological record of all file uploads, downloads, and deletions.
• Real-time Storage & Bandwidth Monitoring: Track resource usage to optimize performance and proactively address potential bottlenecks.
• Individual Account Usage: Monitor each client's storage and bandwidth consumption.