Legacy File Servers Threaten Security
Once a mainstay for data resource sharing, the traditional file server is now a barrier to collaboration and productivity and a target for hackers. Everything necessary to operate in today’s remote environments and dispersed workforces is limited by legacy file servers.
In an effort to ensure security, traditional file server access is often restricted to on-premises connections or problematic virtual private networks (VPNs). These restrictions unnecessarily burden employees by requiring time-consuming processes to access files and documents. Employees get frustrated and bypass the restrictions. Instead of saving to the encrypted shared drive, they store data in private folders and on their desktop, where it’s much easier for them to access. Now, data security is limited to a simple network password, and locally stored files and documents are not available on shared drives. Productivity, security, and accessibility are all diminished with legacy file servers.
Cloud File Services for Business Enablement
Cloud-enabled file services eliminate the issues of traditional file share servers with access anywhere collaboration in the cloud. Migrating on-premises file share servers to the cloud means employees have unobstructed access to shared data on any device. There are no more VPNs, no required software, and no long processes to access files and documents. Just easy and encrypted sync and share capabilities that drive productivity and collaboration across teams.
Don't Be Fooled by Free
Work from anywhere (WFA), remote work, and hybrid environments have increased the adoption of cloud file services like file sync and share (FSS) solutions — but they are not all created equal. Managed service providers (MSPs) need to educate clients on the limitations and risks of free solutions that cannot meet the needs of businesses. They can be appealing with a zero-dollar price tag, but these tools are designed for at-home users, not the small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) MSPs protect.
Today’s cybersecurity landscape demands business-grade sync and share solutions. Comprehensive backup and disaster recovery (BDR) must be central to data sharing to ensure business continuity and survival after a cyber incident. Data availability and collaboration are necessary for business growth, but negating the security demands of those functions could be fatal. This is especially important for highly regulated industries that cannot meet HIPAA and GDPR compliance standards with free sync and share products.
Exceptionally Secure File Sync and Share (FSS)
Axcient x360Sync was created to give MSPs and their clients functionality, flexibility, and security for maximum productivity with cloud file services. In addition to anytime data access from any device, businesses are protected with compliant, best-in-class BDR for endpoint devices (including PCs and Macs) and cloud files.
Built-in, always-on FSS features include:
- Axcient Snapshot for point-in-time restores from ransomware or accidental data deletion
- Team Shares with Secure Share file and folder locking, Microsoft 365 online document editing, Outlook add-in, and native mobile apps for iOS and Android
- Axcient Thin Client to conserve local storage while providing data access with or without a network connection.
- File server enablement to sync on-premises file servers to the cloud while preserving employee network share drives
- Pooled storage (per our Fair Use Policy) and secure retention with trim, purge and backup retention
- In-motion and at-rest data encryption, remote wipe, in-depth auditing, proactive alerting and activity logs, policies for password changes, and MFA enforcement
- Axcient is SOC 2 certified, and can help partners be HIPAA and GDPR-compliant
“We’re utilizing x360Sync in ways that maybe people aren’t thinking about. Having a file sync and share (FSS) product that is more than just file secure makes it really attractive to clients. The fact that it is compliant is another big thing to focus on because it’s absolutely necessary for those clients.”
Ransomware Rollback
Data loss is so prevalent that Axcient takes a proactive, security-first approach to disaster recovery. Instead of thinking it won’t happen to me, we assume that it will and make sure MSPs are ready to recover client data fast. With the Snapshot feature included in x360Sync, MSPs can immediately recover from ransomware and other cyberattacks.
The x360Sync Snapshot feature enables complete recovery of infected content by copying data as it existed during a specific point in time — including content that was deleted, recreated, or changed. MSPs can immediately roll back ransomware by instantly restoring the data state to the point in time before the ransomware hit. Snapshot even recovers the version history of restored content so that clients can get back to work quickly with little to no downtime. This is possible because x360Sync continuously backs up files to the Axcient Cloud, allowing restoration to any point in time. Through the restore deleted functionality, MSPs can also quickly restore data files that have been accidentally edited or deleted.
Secure Share Data Locking
Axcient’s Team Shares are folders that can be accessed by groups of users who have been subscribed, or invited, to access that data. Share links give direct access to any number of users, regardless of if they are part of the internal organization or not. Upload and delete permissions can be customized for each recipient of a share link to limit access when necessary. These functions are valuable when sharing outside of the business with third-party services and vendors. Secure Share takes data sharing security to the next level. Secure Share requires file and folder recipients to use their login credentials before gaining access to the data.
Most file sync tools do not allow users to secure a file or folder using login credentials. Instead, the only protection provided is a single — and therefore shareable — password. The problem with simple password-protected files is that passwords are easily distributed and can be used by anybody. However, with Secure Share, you can be positive that the only one accessing data is the intended recipient.
Thin Client Local File Access
Thin Client provides Windows file access without consuming much local storage. Clients can access all of their x360Sync cloud files within the local Windows file explorer like regular local files. When a file opens locally, the Thin Client automatically and instantly downloads the content from the cloud. Video playback is immediate, so users can skip forward or back in real-time without interruptions or having to wait to download the entire file. As long as users have a network connection to the cloud, all file content is accessible and can be used collaboratively. For users needing offline access — such as field-based employees — local copies can be saved and removed on any device as needed. Accessing content locally will automatically download and store a copy in the local cache, so it is temporarily available for offline usage.
Thin Client ensures instant file recovery, even from mobile devices, and removes the risks of local storage where files can be accessed across public Wi-Fi connections or via lost, stolen, or destroyed devices. It gives clients an extra layer of security with instant access to files from the cloud, rather than downloading and storing sensitive information on mobile devices and laptops. Clients get built-in theft protection with limited to no file storage on devices and remote wipe capability. In addition to uninterrupted business continuity, Thin Client also reduces monthly costs for clients by eliminating the need for additional local storage.
Choice and Flexibility
With Axcient’s cloud file services, businesses can choose to synchronize or completely migrate file servers to the cloud. Both approaches allow managed service providers (MSPs) to reduce the number of on-premises file share servers for their clients, regardless of their environment. Without expensive hardware, on-site maintenance visits, support costs, and overall device management, MSPs can lower their total cost of ownership (TCO) and pass those savings onto clients.
While on-premises performance is still needed, Axcient can support a hybrid approach instead of complete file server migration. Hybrid environments let businesses maintain an on-premises file server and synchronize files to the cloud. Many organizations prefer a hybrid approach when working with large files or low network bandwidth.
“Some of these users aren’t as technically savvy and they just want what they need – they’re not worried about anything else. With x360Sync, all they have to do is open a file folder, look for the info and pull it up quickly. As opposed to having to pull out a laptop – which they really don’t like to do—sign on to a hotspot, put in a number of passwords, and do all this extra stuff. X360Sync is helping speed up business in a really critical time.”
Flat Fee Pooled Storage and Secure Retention via Chain-Free Backup
x360Sync utilizes the industry’s only chain-free, image-based backup technology. Axcient created Chain-Free backup technology so that each recovery point is independent, verifiable, and bootable for more efficient storage, greater reliability, and most importantly, faster recovery.
Unlike legacy chain-based recovery, Axcient’s chain-free backup isolates bad data blocks if corruption or malware occurs. As a result, those data blocks can be independently deleted without risking data integrity, while previous backups are recovered almost instantly, and new incremental backups start immediately. As a result, Axcient Partners avoid the stress of consolidation or multi-year retention limitations.
Plus, Axcient’s chain-free BDR technology eliminates data bloat and enables secure retention with
- 30% greater storage efficiency and affordability compared to chain-based backup
- No need to perform time-consuming reseeding
- No annual data migration and additional storage
- No loss of granularity in point-in-time backups and restores
- Near-instant recovery without the complexity of starting new chains
- Data pooling is permitted per our Fair Use Policy
Proven Security and Compliance
Through independent third-party assessments, regular penetration testing on critical features, and pooled storage and secure retention by default, Axcient proves the security and compliance of our cloud file services. As a result, SecurityScorecard consistently rates the Axcient ecosystem of business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) solutions with the highest ratings against security risk factors like Network Security, DNS Health, Patching Cadence, Endpoint Security, IP Reputation, Application Security, Cubit Score, Hacker Chatter, Information Leakage, and Social Engineering.
Axcient is SOC 2 certified, and can help partners be HIPAA and GDPR-compliant. As new and evolving breach notification regulations are passed, Axcient continues to work with MSPs and their insurance carriers to gain coverage and avoid penalties.
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