File transfer is arguably the most common digital process we use today. People need to share information and move files across their devices.
About 3 billion people actively use Android devices globally, and the majority utilizes some sort of file transfer mechanism. Since you can now use your Android device for anything from photography to video editing, you’ll need a file transfer method to share your work with colleagues, friends, and clients.
Sometimes, you may have to send files to a colleague overseas, other times, you just want to transfer your videos to your computer.
In any case, one of the lingering concerns of sharing files using Android devices is security.
The platform has a 70% share in the mobile OS market. This position makes it a prime target for attackers. Its open-sourced nature also makes it easy for cybercriminals to create different types of specialized malware.
Users often download these malicious programs through the web. In some cases, they receive viruses from other devices.
In this article, we’ll be looking at Android security in file sharing. We’ll talk about secure file transfer and show you how to securely send files to people in remote locations.
WiFi Security Threats
File sharing through Android devices comes with security threats. For example, users can turn to WiFi, which often leaves their devices exposed.
For example, sharing files to other devices using your WiFi connection can be dangerous if the hotspot isn’t password-protected. In addition, some applications use WiFi to connect with other devices and platforms to perform high-speed file transfers and leave a security loophole. So, you must be careful.
Cloud Storage Security Issues
While most Android devices come with ample storage, they’re pretty limited. As a result, users turn to cloud storage solutions to save their files and back them up. They also use these services to share files with colleagues and across different devices.
Cloud solutions like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive have Android applications.
However, cloud storage options come with potential security risks that can result in data theft and permanent loss.
Indeed, most cloud sharing and storage services boast strong security. That said, they can suffer downtimes and breaches. Let’s break down common cloud security Issues you should be aware of.
Your Data May Not Be So Private
Storing your data in the cloud means handing them off to the cloud service’s servers. As a result, third parties could potentially view your files and gain access. It might also be unsettling to know that the cloud service may have unfettered access to your files’ contents.
External File Sharing Poses a Threat
Cloud storage services like Google Drive allow you to share your files and documents via links. Unfortunately, if you don’t put the proper security measures in place, anyone with the link can view and even edit your files. This can be potentially dangerous for sensitive files.
In some cases, manually approving access on an individual basis can be stressful, and you may want to allow anyone with the link to view and edit to save time. The problem is that the link can change hands to the point it gets to an attacker. This could spiral into many security problems once they gain access.
Account Loss
You’re at risk of an account hijack if you use weak passwords, reuse passwords, and share login credentials. Cybercriminals can cause severe damage through phishing attacks as they can use your password to access multiple accounts.
Once they gain access to your cloud storage account, they have access to your files and can get rid of them.
Accidental Credentials Exposure
Cybercriminals now use the pretext of file sharing to send unsolicited emails, asking you to click on a link and allow access to your cloud storage account. Once you confirm, you’re letting them have access to your credentials, which is enough ammunition to wreak havoc on your account.
Lack of Control
You have to rely on your cloud storage provider to fix any issue they face before you can have access to your files.
Cyberattacks
Securing files on your computer is easier than securing them on cloud storage. That’s because you’re not responsible for the cloud service’s security, and they’re bigger targets for sophisticated cybercrime groups. So, there’s a chance your data is at risk of exposure during a breach.
Misconfiguration
Sometimes, your cloud storage provider isn’t responsible for your security settings. While they provide resources to guide you on using these settings, you may make mistakes as the settings are often complex.
How to Securely Send Files Using an Android Device
You can send files securely via your Android device to a computer, another Android device, or a remote location by adhering to strict security measures.
For starters, always use strong passwords and don’t reuse them. You can use a password manager to keep your passwords strong, different, and secure.
Whenever you can, send files to your computer using a USB drive.
Next, always use a password for your device’s hotspot and change it as often as possible.
Use two-factor authentication to beef up security and disable your WiFi once you’re done.
You must also apply updates and security patches whenever they’re available.
Using FileWhopper
Thankfully, you can send large files securely to anyone worldwide using FileWhopper. The service uses military-grade encryption technology to protect your files against attacks. Using it also means you don’t have to worry about the security threats that come with other cloud storage services.
Only you and the recipient can decrypt your file, and even FileWhopper’s team and developers can’t open it.
Once you start the transfer process, the service encrypts the file and provides a password. A link will also be provided to download the encrypted file. However, your recipient needs to enter the password to access the file.
What’s more, your files only stay on the service’s servers for 14 days and are permanently deleted. This gives your recipient ample time to download it. You’ll be notified via email if you haven’t completed the transfer before the 14 days elapses.
FileWhopper also comes with loads of other benefits apart from its security perks. Let’s unpack them:
Unlimited transfer limit: You don’t have to worry about file size limits when using FIleWhopper. Whether you want to send 50 GB or 10 TB files, you can do that with ease using the cloud-sharing service.
Cost-effective payment options: Most cloud storage services require subscriptions and time-based payment plans. However, FileWhopper allows you to pay for what you need to transfer without a subscription. You can also share your first 5 GB of files without paying a cent.
Uninterrupted transfer: Understandably, your computer can turn off, or you may lose your internet connection during the transfer process. In typical situations, you may have to restart the transfer. That said, FileWhopper doesn’t have that limitation. You can always start from where you stopped as you don’t lose transfer progress unless you cancel it.
Speed: FileWhopper uses multi-threaded technology to ensure super-fast transfer speeds. The service uses multiple servers to transfer the files. This way, different parts of the files are transmitted simultaneously, speeding up the process. What’s more, your recipient doesn’t have to wait until you finish uploading the file before they can start downloading it. They can kickstart the download once you hit the Upload button, although they can’t open/access the file(s) until the download is complete.
[fwa-calculator]Keep Your Files Protected
While the Android operating system is a secure platform, you can’t be too careful. If your files are too large and sensitive, consider using FileWhopper to transfer them to your client to avoid potential security risks.
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