Secure Data Rooms and online document sharing platforms – are they secure?

The way businesses and individuals manage their data has changed dramatically as a result of the widespread adoption of cloud-based storage and online document sharing platforms. As these networks have become more popular, worries regarding the security of private data have also grown. Notwithstanding what secure data rooms and other online document sharing services say, their document protection still has flaws.

Insufficient encryption:

To secure sensitive data, online document sharing services rely on encryption. Although certain encryption techniques are more secure than others, not all of them are created equal. Certain platforms might employ flimsy encryption techniques that are simple for attackers to crack. Furthermore, improper management of the encryption keys can lead to the breach of even robust encryption. In some situations, businesses may store encryption keys alongside data on the same servers, making it simpler for hackers to access both.

Human error:

 Like with any system, online document sharing services are susceptible to human error. Workers may fail to set the proper permissions on documents or accidentally share them with the incorrect individuals. Furthermore, individuals might be duped by phishing scams or other social engineering assaults, giving attackers access to private information.

Vulnerabilities in the platform:

Online document sharing services have numerous potential vulnerabilities because they are complicated systems. To access confidential information without authorization, hackers can take advantage of platform flaws. They might, for instance, perform SQL injection attacks to access the database or take advantage of holes in the platform’s authentication system. Third-party plugins and integrations might pose new vulnerabilities even if the platform itself is secure.

Lack of data control:

When using online platforms for document exchange, businesses are entrusting their data to a third party. Businesses have limited control over how their data is stored and safeguarded, even though the platform may have certain security safeguards in place. The organization might not even be aware that their data has been stolen if the platform suffers a data breach until it is too late.

Weak audit trails:

Due to the limited audit trails offered by many online document sharing platforms, it is challenging to determine who has viewed sensitive material and when. In the event of a data breach, this can be a serious issue because it can be difficult to identify what data has been exposed and who may be at fault.

Lack of user awareness:

Even if the online document sharing platform has robust security protections, users may unintentionally expose sensitive data if they are not aware of security best practices. Employees might, for instance, reuse the same passwords across various accounts or use weak passwords. Additionally, they might use unsafe networks or devices to access private information, raising the possibility of a data breach.

Inadequate access controls:

To regulate who has access to sensitive information, online document sharing platforms offer a variety of access controls. Access controls can, however, cause system vulnerabilities if they are not properly configured. For instance, if a worker is granted access to information they shouldn’t, they may unintentionally or maliciously reveal important information to strangers.

Data leaking:

When confidential information is mistakenly or knowingly disclosed to unapproved parties, data leakage takes place. Platforms for exchanging documents online might not have adequate safeguards in place to stop data leaking. An employee might unintentionally share private information with a third-party service that interfaces with the platform, for instance.

Compliance and regulatory issues:

Sensitive data handling is subject to stringent rules in many businesses. Platforms for exchanging documents online could not be compliant with these rules or offer the functionality required for compliance. This may result in compliance and regulatory concerns, which might have a negative impact on businesses’ legal and financial standing.

Lack of transparency:

Internet document sharing services might not be completely honest about their security procedures. Due to this, it may be challenging for businesses to evaluate the platform’s security and establish whether it satisfies their security needs. However, if a data breach occurs, businesses could not receive enough information about it, making it difficult to assess the damage and implement the necessary corrective action.

Insider dangers:

The security of sensitive data can be seriously jeopardized by insider dangers. Workers with access to the online document sharing platform have the potential to accidentally or purposefully disclose information. For instance, a worker might sell confidential information to a rival or share information with unauthorized people for private gain. Platforms for sharing documents online might not be equipped with enough safeguards to recognize and stop insider threats.

Risks associated with third parties:

Several online platforms for document sharing incorporate third-party services, such as file converters or productivity applications. These third-party services could add more security holes to the system. For instance, a third-party service may have lax security controls, making it simpler for attackers to access confidential information. Sensitive data may also be jeopardized if the third-party provider experiences a data breach.

Restricted accessibility:

To give users access to data, online document sharing systems rely on internet connectivity. Users might not be able to access crucial data if the platform goes down or the internet connection is disturbed. Businesses who depend on the platform to manage their data may suffer serious implications as a result.

Lack of user privacy:

Platforms for sharing documents online may gather user information for a variety of reasons, such as enhancing the user experience or delivering more relevant advertising. Users might not be informed about the information that is gathered or how it is utilized, though. Users may be concerned about privacy because they do not want their information to be gathered or shared with outside parties.

Expense and complexity:

Setting up and maintaining an internet platform for document sharing can be expensive and difficult. Small companies or individuals could lack the funding necessary to set up and maintain a secure platform. Due to a lack of security precautions, the platform may become increasingly susceptible to data breaches.

Conclusion

While online document sharing platforms have many advantages, they also have a number of security holes that compromise the security of the documents they host. The risks associated with online document sharing platforms are numerous, ranging from insufficient encryption to human error, vulnerabilities in the platform, lack of control over data, limited audit trails, lack of user awareness, insufficient access controls, data leakage, compliance and regulatory issues, and lack of transparency.

Because of this, businesses need to be proactive about security and put in place a thorough security strategy that takes into account people, technology, and processes. When adopting online document sharing platforms to manage sensitive data, it is crucial to properly assess their security features. Businesses should search for platforms that include robust access controls, audit trails, and encryption mechanisms. Additionally, they should make sure that the platform complies with all applicable data protection laws and guidelines, including GDPR and ISO 27001.

To reduce the dangers related to online document sharing, businesses must put additional security measures in place after selecting a platform. The usage of two-factor authentication is one of these security measures, as are restrictions on who can access critical information, user activity monitoring, and regular security audits. To lower the danger of human error, companies should regularly train their staff on data security best practices.

Companies should think about their alternatives for data backup and disaster recovery in addition to putting security measures in place. Having a backup strategy in place can assist guarantee that important data is not lost when using online document sharing services, which may encounter outages or data breaches.

In the end, safeguarding sensitive data necessitates diligence and a pro-active security strategy. Businesses must be prepared to spend money on the people, technology, and processes required to secure their data. Companies can reduce the risk of data breaches and assure the protection of sensitive data by adopting a thorough security strategy.