Get in touch
0808 178 8800
hello@atema.tech
Guide to Secure File Storage and Transfers
Tanya Wetson-Catt • 17 March 2025
File storage and transferring hold a very dear place in most people’s lives. However, the safety of files is really tough to maintain. In this guide, we are going to help you protect your files. We will explore ways to store and send files securely.
What is secure file storage?
Secure file storage protects your files. It prevents others from accessing your files or altering them in any way. Good storage grants protection to your files using locks. You alone can unlock such files.
Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks will always be in vogue. They make you give away your personal data. It may involve a phony message or fake websites. Always check the sender’s email address. Do not click on suspicious links.
Types of secure storage
Files can be stored securely in various ways, as listed below.
- Cloud
- Hard drives that are external
- Encrypted USB drives
Cloud storage saves files on the internet. External drives save files on a device you can hold. Encrypted drives use special codes to lock files.
Why is secure file storage important?
Secure storage keeps your information private. It stops thieves from stealing your data. It also helps you follow laws about data protection.
Risk of unsecured storage
Unsecured files can lead to huge troubles, including but not limited to the following:
- Identity theft
- Financial loss
- Privacy breaches
These risks give a reason why secure storage is important. You need to protect your personal and work files.
How Can I Make My File Storage Safer?
You can do so many things to make your storage safer, such as:
- Using strong passwords
- Enabling two-factor authentication
- Encrypting your files
- Keeping your software up to date frequently
Strong passwords are hard to guess. Two-factor authentication adds an extra step to log in. Encryption scrambles your files so others can’t read them. Updates fix security problems in your software.
Best practices of passwords
Good passwords are important. Here are some tips:
- Use long passwords
- Mix letters, numbers, and symbols
- Don’t use personal info in passwords
- Use different passwords for each account
These tips make your passwords stronger. Stronger passwords keep your files safer.
What is secure file transfer?
Secure file transfer is a way of sending files safely between individuals or devices. It prevents unauthorised access to files and prohibits modification of files while in transit. The better methods of transfer protect the files with encryption.
Common secure transfer methods
There are several ways to securely transfer files. They include:
- Secure FTP (SFTP)
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
- Encrypted email attachments
- Secure file-sharing services
Each of the above methods provides additional security when you transfer your files. They ensure your data is secured during transfer.
How to Transfer Files Safely?
Transfer of files safely can be done by following the steps outlined below:
- Select a secure method of transfer
- Encrypt the file before you send it
- Give strong passwords for file access
- Authenticate the recipient
- Send the access details separately
These steps will keep your files safer while in transit. This way, they can only be accessed by those whom they are intended for.
How to email attachments safely
Attaching to an email poses a risk. Here’s how to make it safe:
- Encrypt important attachments
- Use a secure email service
- Avoid writing sensitive information in the body of an email
- Double-check the recipient’s email address
These will help protect your email attachments from being viewed by others. Here are some of the common file storage and transfer mistakes:
People make a lot of mistakes when it comes to file safety. Here are some common ones:
- Poor password creation
- Forgetting to encrypt the files
- Sending sensitive information over public Wi-Fi
- Not updating the security software
- Giving out access information with the files
These can expose your files to unnecessary risks. Keeping off them means you are keeping your data safe.
How to avoid these mistakes
You will avoid these errors by:
- Setting up a password manager
- Setting up automatic encryption
- Using VPN on public Wi-Fi
- Allowing auto-updates
- Sending access info separately from the files
These steps keep you off the common security mistakes. They make the storage and transfer of your files safer.
Ready to Secure Your Files?
It ensures that your data is protected from thieves and snoopers. Use strong passwords, encryption, and safe methods of transfer.
Need help with secure file storage?
Feel free to reach out today and let us walk you through setting up safe systems for your files. Don’t wait until it’s too late; take the next step in protecting critical data.
More from our blog
Ransomware has now become a big problem for many people and businesses . It can lock up your files and make you pay money to get them back . This article will show how one can protect themselves from ransomware and what to do in case of an attack. What is Ransomware? Ransomware is a type of bad software. It penetrates your computer, locks up your files, and then they ask you to pay money to unlock your files . This can be very scary and costly. How does ransomware work? Ransomware usually comes in through email or bad websites. It can also spread through networks. Once it’s in, it starts to lock up your files with strong codes. Then you see a message asking for money. How does Encryption Work? Encryption uses algorithms and keys. An algorithm is a set of rules for solving problems. A key is somewhat like a password that unlocks the secret message. How can you prevent ransomware attacks? There are many ways to stop ransomware before it hurts you. Here are some key steps: Keep your software up to date Always keep your computer and programs up to date. Updates often fix problems that ransomware uses to get in. Use good antivirus software Get strong antivirus software. Keep it turned on and updated. It can detect many kinds of ransomware. Be careful with emails Don’t open emails from people you don’t know. Don’t click links or download files unless you are sure they’re safe. Back up your files Copy your most important files, and store them on something other than your primary computer. That way, if ransomware locks your files, you’ll still have copies. What do you do if you get ransomware? So you think you have ransomware? Don’t panic. Here’s what to do: Disconnect from the network Immediately disconnect your computer from the internet. This may prevent the ransomware from spreading or worsening. Don’t pay the ransom Experts say you shouldn’t pay. There’s no guarantee you’ll get your files back. Plus, paying encourages more attacks. Report the attack Tell the police about the attack. Also, report it to your country’s cyber security centre. They can help and use the info to stop future attacks. Use your backups If you have backups, then you can restore your files from them. That is what backups are for, after all. How can businesses protect themselves? Businesses will want to take a few additional steps to remain safe. Here are some suggestions: Train your employees Train your employees about ransomware. Give them examples of what to watch out for, and what to do in case they encounter something suspicious. Limit access to key files Not everyone needs access to every file. Provide access only to those needed to perform the job. This may limit how far ransomware can spread. Have a plan ready Have a strategy in place, in case you become a target of ransomware. Exercise it. Preparation will make you swift, and thereby contain the damages. How is ransomware evolving? Ransomware is getting newer tricks all the time. Watch for this:
Malware is bad software that can hurt your computer or phone. It can also make your device run slow and steal your info. Here is how you can spot hidden malware on your devices. What is Malware? The word “malware” is short for “malicious software.” It is a program that tries to harm your device or data. The most common types of malware are created by hackers looking to cause trouble. There are lots of different types of malware. Viruses Viruses will spread from device to device. They can destroy your files or make your computer run really slow. Trojans Trojans act like they’re good programs, but they actually aren’t. They might steal your information. Ransomware Ransomware will lock your files. It will then ask you for money in exchange for your files. How Does Malware Get on Your Device? Malware can creep onto your device in so many ways: Downloading Bad Files Sometimes you might download a file that has malware in it. Be careful what you click on! Visiting Bad Websites Some websites can put malware on your device when you visit them. Opening Weird Emails Hackers can send emails with malware attached. Don’t open emails from people you don’t know. What Are Signs of Hidden Malware? Malware can be sneaky. But there are some signs to look out for: Sluggish Device If your device is acting really slow, it may have malware. Suspicious Pop-ups Malware may be draining your battery. Data Usage High If your internet speeds seem slower or you are using more data than normal, it may be malware. How Can You Check for Malware? There are several ways to search for malware on your device: Use Antivirus Software Antivirus programs can scan your device for malware. They can find and remove bad software. Check Your Apps Look at all the apps on your device. Delete any that you don’t remember installing. Look at Task Manager On a computer, open Task Manager. Look for programs that use a lot of resources or have weird names. Check Your Browser Check your browser extensions. Remove any that you do not use or recognise. What to Do If You Discover Malware? If you think you have malware, don’t panic! Here is what you should do: Run a Full Scan Use your antivirus to run a full scan of your device. Update Your Software Make sure all of your programs and your operating system are current. Change Your Passwords Change the passwords to all your valuable accounts. Backup Your Data Back your important files up to a safe location, such as a cloud service. How to Avoid Malware? Better not to let malware onto your device at all. Here’s how: Keep Everything Up-to-Date Keep your operating system and applications updated at all times. Be Careful What You Click Avoid clicking on any link or downloading a file unless you are sure it is safe. Use Strong Passwords Make your password long and hard to guess. Use different passwords for each account. Use Antivirus Software Keep good antivirus software on your device and run scans often. Stay Safe Online! Malware can be scary, but you can protect yourself. Always be careful online and keep your devices safe. If you need help with malware or want to learn more about online safety, contact us today . We’re here to help you stay safe in the digital world!
Our devices are a big part of our daily lives: work, fun, and staying in touch. Still, sometimes they make us less productive. In this article, you will learn how to organise your device. You’ll learn ways to boost your productivity and get more done. Why is device organisation important? Messy devices slow us down and make it tough to find what we need. An organised device makes for a faster, much more productive experience. It also reduces stress and preserves time. How does clutter impact productivity? Clutter on devices adversely influences productivity. It forces you to waste precious time searching through files. It could make computers run slower, too, building frustration and making less work being done. What are the benefits of organised devices? There are several benefits when using organised devices. They help us find things quickly, work efficiently, feel less stressed, and have more free time. Now let’s look into 8 ways how to organise your device for better productivity. 1. How can you declutter your home screen? Remove unused apps Look at your home screen. Remove the applications you never use. This makes it easier to find the ones you need. Group similar apps Gather similar apps into folders. This keeps your home screen neat and clean. You can find applications much quicker this way. Use a minimalist wallpaper Use a simple wallpaper. This helps you focus on your apps and tasks. 2. How do you organised your files and folders? Set up a Logical Folders Set up file types in folders. Label them appropriately. This would make access easier and faster. Naming your files descriptively Clearly label the name of the file. Attach dates or names of projects for easy location of files. House clean now and then Trash the old and irrelevant files. Get some space cleared out to reduce clutter. 3. How could you organise your email? Create Folders and Labels Create folders for emails of different kinds. Label them and categorise them accordingly. This helps to keep your inbox organised. Unsubscribe to Unwanted Emails Remove your name from email lists you never read. This cleans up your inbox. Use the Two-Minute Rule If an email can be handled within two minutes, then handle it immediately. This helps you avoid the piling up of small tasks. 4. How Can You Optimise Your Browser? Organise Bookmarks Sort your bookmarks into folders. Delete ones you don’t use. This makes finding websites easier. Use browser extensions wisely Only keep extensions you use often. Too many can slow down your browser. Clear your cache regularly This helps your browser run faster. It also frees up space on your device. 5. What are good ways to manage passwords? Use a password manager This tool securely vaults all your passwords. You only have to remember one master password. Generate strong, unique passwords Use a different password for every account. Make them long and complicated. This will keep your accounts secure. Enable two-factor authentication This adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts. It makes them harder to break into. 6. How can you streamline your notifications? Turn off unnecessary notifications Only retain notifications from important apps. This decreases distractions. Set specific times to check notifications Don’t view notifications throughout the day. Decide on certain times of the day to view notifications. In this way, you will be able to concentrate on your work. Use ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode Switch this on when you really need to focus on something. This blocks all your notifications for a certain period. 7. What is the best type of data backup? Utilise cloud storage Store important files in the cloud. This keeps them safe and easy to access. Set up automatic backups Make your device backup files on a regular basis. This ensures you don’t lose important data. Keep multiple copies of important files Store critical files in more than one location. This protects against data loss. 8. How can you maintain your device’s health? Update software regularly Keep your applications and operating system updated. This will enhance the performance and security. Run virus scans regularly Run virus scans using antivirus software to check for threats. This will keep your device safe from any kind of threat. Clean your device physically Dust and dirt can slow down your device. Cleaning it regularly will help in keeping it in good shape. It takes some time and effort to organise your devices, but it is really worth the investment. You’ll be more productive and less stressed. Try at least one from this list and then, once you get comfortable, try some more. Remember, everybody has different needs, so do what will work best for you . If you need help organising your devices, feel free to reach out to us. Contact us now for personalised advice on boosting productivity .