3 SFTP Alternatives to Securely Transfer Files

Transferring files securely is crucial for any business handling sensitive information. While SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) has long been a trusted solution for encrypted file transfers, it can be cumbersome, especially for users without technical expertise. Thankfully, there are several modern alternatives to SFTP that offer strong security, improved usability, and additional features that make managing file transfers easier for businesses of all sizes. We’ll cover three alternatives to SFTP: Secure Email Gateways, Managed File Transfer (MFT) solutions, and Cloud Storage Services with encryption. We’ll also introduce SendTurtle, a simple yet secure platform designed to make file transfers seamless and safe.

Problems with SFTP and Why People Still Use It

SFTP, or Secure File Transfer Protocol, has been around since the late 1990s and is still widely used for transferring files over secure, encrypted channels. Despite its longevity, SFTP comes with significant challenges that make it less user-friendly than modern alternatives. Yet, many businesses continue to rely on it, especially for legacy systems or highly technical environments. Let’s explore the issues with SFTP and why it remains relevant despite its shortcomings.

Problems with SFTP

• Complex Setup: SFTP requires technical knowledge for initial configuration, including setting up SSH keys, user permissions, and server configurations. This can be a daunting task for businesses without dedicated IT teams.
• User Unfriendliness: The protocol isn’t designed with non-technical users in mind. Interacting with SFTP often requires specialized software or command-line interfaces, making it difficult for non-technical employees to use effectively.
• Manual Process: For many businesses, SFTP lacks automation features. Tasks such as uploading and downloading files, managing permissions, and monitoring transfers often require manual intervention, which is time-consuming.
• Limited File Management: SFTP focuses purely on file transfer, offering little in the way of file management features, such as expiration dates, file tracking, or recipient notifications, which are now common in modern file transfer solutions.
• No Expiration or Revocation: Once a file is transferred via SFTP, there is no native mechanism for revoking access or setting expiration dates on the data. This can lead to sensitive information lingering longer than necessary.

Why People Still Use It

• Proven Security: SFTP uses SSH for encryption, which is a well-established and trusted security protocol. Many businesses stick with SFTP because of its strong encryption capabilities and proven track record of keeping data secure during transit.
• Compliance Requirements: Some industries, especially those with strict compliance needs (like healthcare and finance), continue using SFTP because it’s a well-understood protocol that meets the security standards required by regulatory bodies such as HIPAA or GDPR.
• Legacy Systems: Many businesses with legacy IT systems still rely on SFTP because it integrates easily with older systems that may not support more modern alternatives. Switching away from SFTP might require costly upgrades or migrations.
• Widespread Adoption: SFTP is a standard protocol supported by many file transfer applications and IT infrastructures. Businesses that already have SFTP integrated into their processes may not feel an immediate need to change, especially if the system is working for them.

Despite its challenges, SFTP remains a solid choice for businesses that prioritize security and have the technical capabilities to manage it. However, modern alternatives offer more user-friendly, automated, and flexible approaches to secure file transfers.

Alternative 1: Secure Email Gateways

Secure Email Gateways (SEGs) are a popular choice for businesses looking for a straightforward way to transfer files securely via email. These gateways provide encryption and advanced security features to ensure that sensitive files are transmitted without risk. SEGs can be integrated into existing email systems, making them a convenient option for organizations that need to quickly share confidential documents without adding significant overhead.

Pros

• Ease of use: Since SEGs work within familiar email environments, there’s little learning curve for employees.
• Encryption: Most SEGs offer end-to-end encryption, ensuring files remain secure from sender to recipient.
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP): SEGs can prevent accidental or malicious leaks of sensitive data by blocking unauthorized file sharing or external access.

Cons

• Size limitations: Many email systems and SEGs impose limits on file size, which can be restrictive for businesses transferring large files.
• Email vulnerabilities: Email remains a common target for phishing and malware, and while SEGs protect attachments, email-based threats can still pose risks.
• Compliance challenges: Depending on the industry, email gateways may not provide the level of compliance required for stringent regulations.

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Alternative 2: Managed File Transfer (MFT) Solutions

Managed File Transfer (MFT) solutions are designed for businesses that require secure, large-scale file transfers, along with automated workflows and regulatory compliance. MFT platforms are robust, often featuring detailed tracking, reporting, and auditing capabilities, which are essential for organizations handling sensitive data such as financial institutions and healthcare providers. These solutions usually support encryption, file expiration, and compliance with data security standards like HIPAA and GDPR.

Pros

• Comprehensive security: MFT solutions provide multiple encryption layers, ensuring the security of data in transit and at rest.
• Automation: MFT solutions can automate repetitive file transfers, making them ideal for businesses with ongoing file-sharing needs.
• Compliance: Built-in compliance features help organizations meet industry regulations for data protection and secure file sharing.

Cons

• Complexity: MFT platforms can be overly complicated for small businesses or teams without dedicated IT staff.
• Cost: Many MFT solutions are enterprise-grade and come with a significant price tag, making them less accessible to smaller organizations.
• Setup: Initial setup and configuration of an MFT system can require considerable time and expertise.

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Alternative 3: Cloud Storage Services with Encryption

Cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive have become widely adopted for file sharing, particularly for remote teams. However, many of these platforms now offer encryption options to ensure files are secure during transfers. Business versions of cloud services provide features such as file access control, encryption, and audit logs, making them suitable for businesses looking to share files securely without investing in complex infrastructure.

Pros

• Convenience: Cloud storage services are highly accessible and easy to use for both technical and non-technical users.
• File sharing control: Users can control who has access to files and for how long, adding an additional layer of security.
• Collaboration tools: These platforms allow real-time collaboration, which can be beneficial for team-based workflows.

Cons

• Transparency: Some cloud providers do not offer full transparency into their encryption methods, raising concerns about third-party access.
• Vendor lock-in: Once a business chooses a cloud provider, it can be difficult to switch due to data migration challenges.
• Limited file expiration: Cloud services do not always allow users to specify when shared files expire, which can be problematic for businesses wanting tighter control over data.

Bonus: Introducing SendTurtle: A Simple and Secure File Transfer Solution

If you’re looking for a secure alternative that combines the simplicity of cloud services with the encryption benefits of MFT and SEGs, SendTurtle might be the ideal solution. SendTurtle is designed specifically for businesses that need a fast, secure way to transfer sensitive files without the complexity of traditional MFT platforms.

With end-to-end encryption, you can ensure that only the intended recipient can access your files. One of SendTurtle’s key features is its file expiration settings, which allow you to control how long a file is available after being sent. This ensures sensitive information doesn’t remain accessible beyond its necessary use, adding an extra layer of security.

Pros

• Ease of use: SendTurtle’s simple interface makes it easy for non-technical users to securely send files with minimal effort.
• File expiration: Users can set expiration dates on files, preventing them from lingering in digital limbo.
• Data Access Tracking and Auditing: SendTurtle lets businesses know who accesses the data as well as when and if they downloaded it.
• Robust Link Management: Even if you forgot a security setting when a link is sent, you can easily change it afterwards without sending a new link.
• End-to-end encryption: Ensures that sensitive files remain secure from the moment they are sent until they are received.

Cons

• Limited automation: While SendTurtle is ideal for ad-hoc transfers, it does not offer the same level of automation as full-fledged MFT solutions.
• File size limits: Depending on your plan, there may be file size restrictions for transfers.

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While SFTP remains a tried-and-true method for securely transferring files, businesses now have several modern alternatives. Secure email gateways, managed file transfer solutions, and cloud storage services with encryption all offer different advantages depending on your needs.

For those seeking an easy-to-use yet highly secure solution, SendTurtle provides a modern, lightweight approach to secure file transfers, making it an excellent option for businesses that need simplicity without sacrificing security.

Learn About Secure File Transfers and More With Phalanx SendTurtle

To learn more about how Phalanx can help you securely transfer documents easily, contact us for a demo today. 

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