Managed File Transfer (MFT) Solution

Managed file transfer (MFT) is a secure solution that helps organizations meet all aspects of inbound and outbound file transfer. “Managed” describes one of the main draws of managed file transfer solutions: its ability to automate, simplify, and streamline data transfers, whether across your organization, within a private network, or to external users.

Why is MFT Needed?

Getting files from one place to the next is a business essential, and there are many applications that help users do just that. Managed file transfer (MFT) is a secure way to centralize, simplify, and automate your data movements. Organizations incorporate secure MFT software to:

Several managed file transfer solutions also assist in your file transfers by letting you set up bulk or repeating transfers, using auto-resume to ensure files make it to their destination with no need for troubleshooting, and creating logs to get a global look at transfers months after they’re complete.

Keep Reading 

Features of a Robust MFT Software Solution

Maximize the use of MFT at your organization with advanced features:

Secure MFT, or Secure Managed File Transfer, is a robust, full-featured solution that has as its base secure file transfer. However, Secure MFT, such as GoAnywhere MFT, include additional functionalities that take it beyond sending files from point A to point B. Features that round out Secure MFT include:

• Automation: Processes can be streamlined with multi-step workflows to automatically process and move data as indicated with built-in schedulers, triggers, and more to customize how data flows through an organization after transfer. Plus, automation can help reduce human error risk and increase productivity.
• Centralization: A single, dashboard-style interface can make secure MFT easier to use and manage.
• Integration: A more robust secure MFT solution can integrate with Threat Protection and Secure Collaboration solutions to provide additional layers of security to sensitive data wherever it travels.
• Auditing and reporting: These features can help track all file activities, helping to meet compliance requirements.

Discover how organizations are using secure MFT today: The GoAnywhere Book of Secure File Transfer Project Examples 

SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol), is one of the top file transfer protocols. Organizations utilizing SFTP get a high-level of protection around their file transfers as the protocol uses the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol to encrypt connections.

Like MFT, the SFTP protocol authenticates trading partner connections with a combination of user IDs, passwords, or keys, and helps satisfy compliance requirements for data security, including for PCI DSS, HIPAA, and the GDPR. SFTP also implements AES, Triple DES, and similar algorithms to encrypt files being transferred between systems.

For details on the differences between MFT and SFTP, read Which is Better: SFTP vs MFT?

While both file transfer protocols can get data from point A to point B, there are some key differences to consider if security is a top concern for exchanging sensitive files. In general, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is the more basic of the two network protocols, while MFT (Managed File Transfer) is a more robust, secure file transfer solution. Here are four key differences:

Encryption

• FTP: User credentials are sent as plain text, tunnels used for sending and retrieving files are not encrypted, and files are not encrypted when transferred:
• MFT: Utilizes industry-standard network protocols and encryption including Open PGP and AES methods to ensure sensitive data is secured both in transit and at rest.

Security:

• FTP: While FTP requires an authenticated username and password for access, files are transferred “in the clear” meaning information is not encrypted and vulnerable to breaches.
• MFT: Extensive security controls and features such as the ability to authenticate users and set password policies, as well as other identity and access management provide the security needed for modern file transfer needs.

File Transfers:

• FTP: Without a second solution, FTP cannot automate file transfers. In addition, the solution is not updated for new security features, so it is quickly outgrown security-wise. Integrating securely with the cloud or with cloud computing platforms also require an additional solution.
• MFT: Managed file transfer eliminates the need for custom scripts or additional solutions. It’s a singular, centralized solution to automate file transfers, provides robust auditing and reporting capabilities, auto-retries and more.

Compliance:

• FTP: Does not meet compliance requirements for sensitive data transfers
• MFT: The security features and controls meet compliance requirements such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR and more.

Learn more about how FTP and MFT differ and how your organization can benefit from a secure file transfer solution.

When it comes to file transfer and data sharing, most organizations want to know that their data is secure at all steps in the process. Using secure software can help with that, but cost may be a factor. When considering free or open source software to transfer your sensitive data, consider the pros and cons of the solution.

Free file transfer tools can be great for sending small, one-off types of documents that don’t require any privacy or security precautions. But for moving sensitive information, free software isn’t the way to go; data breaches, inability to audit, and failing to meet compliance requirements can put your organization on the line for more money than the cost of secure software. While free is good in some venues, safeguarding your valuable data is worth budgeting for.

Keep reading: What is Wrong With Free File Transfer? 

Open source solutions can have more security protections than free tools but are not necessarily up to the task of fully protecting sensitive data. While most open source MFT software can go head-to-head with paid options, they tend to lose in three areas:

1. Limited functionality. With open source software, you may have to find multiple products to make up the features that a single MFT option has. This could include security, auditing, or automation features. And if your organization starts to need more out of the solution, you may start to quickly outgrow an open source version.
2. Limited support. Just because the software is free, there is no guarantee that support or other resources for using the software, like documentation, user support forums, or support calls, will be free as well – or exist at all.
3. Uncertainty. Open source software isn’t just free – it’s wild and free. If the developer decides to call it quits, or the company that offers the software you rely on withdraws the free version, you could be left in a lurch with no MFT application at all.

Keep reading: The Pros and Cons of Open Source MFT Software 

Next Steps: Diving into Managed File Transfer Research

Because it is important to understand software, functionality, and support before committing to MFT as your secure file transfer solution of choice, check out how other organizations use MFT and try the software out yourself:

1. First, discover five easy projects you can take on with an MFT trial: 5 Projects You Could Tackle with a GoAnywhere Trial.
2. Then, see what organizations in all industries use MFT for: 20 Managed File Transfer Projects You Can Copy.
3. For an in-depth look at organizations’ journey from other file transfer methods to MFT, review case studies.
4. Check the return on investment with a handy MFT ROI calculator, or review the white paper: No Such Thing as Free File Transfer: Maximizing ROI with a Managed File Transfer Solution.
5. If you learn by doing, take the solution for a spin! Find the software’s free trial option and test out a project.
6. If you prefer to watch or get a walkthrough, consider watching a brief demo, or sitting down with an expert to get an in-depth look into the software of your choice.

Bonus: Go further than the managed file transfer basics. See what other benefits an MFT solution can bring to your organization with Going Beyond File Transfer.

A cursory search for “managed file transfer software” results in many options: free, paid, “best of” lists, and “perfect for your industry.” But how do you know which MFT solution is best for you and your organization?

1. Determine your "must haves." Whether that’s file transfer volume, file size, how much time you’d like to reduce manual file transfers by, or another component, list out the things you’d like your secure MFT solution to do. Then, during your research and conversations with the vendors, ensure that the software accomplishes those goals.
2. Recognize your industry-specific requirements. Higher education, healthcare, and banking and finance, among others, are subject to stringent regulations for file sharing and data security. Consider requirements that apply to your organization when considering MFT solutions.
3. Choose your deployment options. Some organizations prefer their software on-premises, some prefer cloud solutions, and still others have hybrid setups in place. Your MFT software should fit into your organization’s software deployment preferences.

Keep reading: How to Evaluate MFT Vendors

There are some key players in the secure MFT space, and you’ll find a variety of ways to compare them. One of the best ways is to look at testimonials and reviews on your favorite software review website, like Gartner Peer Insights, Capterra, or G2, among others. You can also examine aggregated reviews, such as Info-Tech’s MFT Category Report to get a closer look at the specifics that interest you.