No More FTP

I've long tried to get all of our clients to stop using FTP. FTP is one of the oldest protocols still in use on the Internet and it is inherently insecure. When it was invented there were only 13 computers on the Internet and everyone knew each other. Today there are billions and some of those are specifically out there looking for unsecured transmissions to read or worse - alter.

An old virus has been resurrected whose purpose is to quietly go through and change a single number in a random selection of Excel documents. It can do the same with unencrypted files stored on your FTP site.

So take a look at SkyDrive. It's online, free, file storage technology for up to 5GB's of files smaller than 50MB each. If this fits your file sharing needs, then visit here to setup your account.  http://skydrive.live.com

The files are stored encrypted and sent encrypted. You get to specify access to the files by folder, email address and whether they can read or edit the contents of the folder. Edit gives them permission to upload or download the content. Read, let them open the file but not download or edit it.

It is very simple to use. Create a folder. Choose who has access to it. Choose what type of access they will have. (reader or editor) Add files.

When you give a person access to a folder they will automatically receive an email inviting them to start using the folder that you created.

When your customer logs in they will see every folder that you have created but they will only have access to the folder that you gave them permission to use. If you don't want your customers to know who your other customers are, use a customer # for the folder names or some other unique identifier.

SkyDrive is one of the many new applications being developed as part of the Windows Live family. In fact I use Live Writer to post to this blog. As we discover more useful Live applications I'll be sure to let you know about them.

If you'd like help setting up your SkyDrive please contact your technician and they'll help you get started securely.