What Is Managed File Transfer (MFT)?

Managed file transfer (MFT) is a technology platform that uses administrative controls, support for security protocols (like HTTPS, SFTP, FTPS), and automation capabilities to help companies securely share various types of data, including sensitive or compliance-protected data as well as high-volume data.

Managed file transfer solutions provide a more secure method of file transfer than standard file transfer protocol (FTP) and usually includes an interface and functionality that enables control and visibility.

MFT can be beneficial if your business requires:

• The ability to securely and reliably exchange files with business partners, including secure file sharing and secure online web transfers
• Control and visibility over your data movements and IT infrastructure
• A replacement for high maintenance, outdated, or non-compliant file transfer methods
• Communication and engagement with any of the industry-standard protocols such as FTP, FTPS, HTTP, HTTPS, AS2, and SFTP

Secure, managed file transfer is used by organizations that recognize the need for sensitive or business-critical data to be protected both at rest and while in transit. MFT software supports multiple protocols so transfers in and out of the organization can be accomplished with a single, centralized tool, regardless of protocol.

Globalscape’s MFT platform gets sensitive or business-critical files from point A to point B while protecting that data at rest and in motion across networks and between endpoints. This protection is augmented by the ability to comprehensively manage or automate repetitive or unwieldly file transfer processes without the need for special programming or human intervention.

The solution’s user-friendly platform means that MFT can be adapted to internal and external needs for security, compliance, and integration with other business processes. Once installed, you can simply select the browser of choice to manage and share files securely.

You can define what protocols your users can use to connect to your server, help meet strict compliance mandates, and assure trading partners that sensitive information is protected end-to-end.

Whether an organization must adhere to stringent compliance regulations, needs to work within trading partner security parameters, or simply knows protecting business-critical and sensitive data makes good business sense, secure MFT can help.

Globalscape’s Windows-friendly platform allows administrators to determine which secure protocols your users can use to connect to your server, such as HTTPS, SFTP, FTPS, AS2, and more. Once connected, based on permissions granted, full control over what can be done with a file is possible.

Functionality includes 2FA (two-factor authentication via the HTTPS protocol) as well as RSA SecurID advanced authentication for strong access control. In addition, Globalscape supports robust security such as TLS v1.3 and can provide Denial of Services to prevent unauthorized or brute force attacks into the server.

Secure file transfers can be protected even further when MFT is integrated with the ICAP Gateway  for advanced threat protection and data loss prevention working to automatically scan and redact sensitive data or block malware.

Globalscape’s file security, simplicity and automation is the data transfer solution today’s organizations need. No matter which deployment is selected, ease of use is built in. Deploy on-premises, in the cloud, within your own hybrid environment, or even as MFTaaS, a cloud-based MFT service that provides the compliance and efficiency of MFT without the overhead of an on-premises solution. The following configuration options also provide the flexibility needed:

• Globalscape can respond to changing demands with EFT High Availability Active-Active configuration, allowing the addition of nodes to the cluster when demand is higher than usual.
• Additionally, there is integration support for Active Directory or LDAP, which allows EFT administrators to integrate with Windows to support user account creation or permission management.
• And Globalscape offers support for SAML SSO with Just in Time (JIT) that frees EFT administrators from creating user accounts and leverages the SAML system to provision users in EFT.

With workforces changing rapidly, knowing your secure MFT solution can adapt to your needs delivers peace of mind.