Check Off Your Security Needs for File Transfers

Many media companies now require partners to meet specific industry standards for collaboration, including secure file transfer solutions that ensure compliance and protect sensitive media content. Standards like the Trusted Partner Network (TPN) assessments, Motion Picture Association (MPA) security recommendations and SOC 2 Type 2 certification help companies maintain security, safeguard their assets and strengthen business partnerships in today’s competitive markets.

File transfer tools must employ standards-based security technology like Transport Layer Security (TLS) to secure data and information as it is transmitted, including advanced authentication, data integrity, and data confidentiality. End-to-end encryption in flight shields sensitive content from interception. Implementing these standards allows companies to protect intellectual property while fostering trust among collaborators, particularly in remote and distributed workflows where data often moves across various networks.

Chain of custody, file transfer history and automated alerts are critical for security and compliance as they not only prevent breaches but also provide vital audit trails in the event of an incident. By documenting every step of a file’s journey — who accessed it, when and what changes were made — companies can quickly trace how a breach happened and respond effectively. This transparency is crucial for mitigating damage, addressing vulnerabilities and maintaining trust in high-stakes media environments.

User authentication and access control are critical for secure and efficient file transfers, especially with the increasing reliance on external partners, freelancers and a remote workforce in today’s media productions. Robust systems ensure that only authorized individuals can access only the content required, reducing the risk of data breaches and leaks. Without these controls, companies face security vulnerabilities, making it difficult to stay both compliant and agile in managing modern media workflows.

Secure sharing with external partners is essential, but companies must ensure security on both sides of the transfer without exposing their storage or relying on one party for the entire process. Each company needs to protect its own assets while ensuring that files are securely exchanged. A solution that allows a secure cloud-based handshake ensures that parties don’t have to share passwords or sensitive network information to share content.

Storage independence is crucial for security because it eliminates reliance on third-party storage when sharing files. Many cloud tools route files through their storage, creating vulnerability. If their system suffers a breach or cyber-attack, your content, along with other customers’ data, is at risk. With file transfer storage independence, files move directly between your own storage systems or directly into your partners storage, reducing exposure to external threats and ensuring better control over sensitive media assets.