What is Secure File Transfer?
Secure File Transfer is the process of transmitting data between systems or users using encrypted protocols to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity. Unlike standard file transfer methods such as FTP, which send data in plaintext, secure file transfer methods like SFTP, FTPS, HTTPS, and SCP protect files during transit by encrypting both the payload and session. Secure file transfer is a core function in cybersecurity frameworks, especially in critical infrastructure environments where data exchange must meet stringent regulatory and operational requirements.
Why is Secure File Transfer Important?
Secure file transfer is vital for protecting sensitive data from interception, tampering, and unauthorized access, especially when files are exchanged across organizational boundaries or remote networks. In critical infrastructure environments such as energy, manufacturing, and transportation, improperly secured transfers can result in data leakage, ransomware propagation, or compromise of control systems.
Regulations like IEC 62443, NERC CIP, TSA SD02E, and Saudi OTCC-1:2022 require encrypted communications, audit trails, and access controls for any data exchanged with operational systems. Traditional file-sharing tools or legacy FTP solutions often fall short of these requirements. Secure file transfer not only addresses the technical need for encryption but also supports compliance through features like role-based access, session logging, and administrative oversight. This makes it a foundational control for both secure operations and regulatory alignment.
How Does Xona Help with Secure File Transfer?
Xona delivers secure file transfer capabilities purpose-built for Operational Technology (OT) environments. Unlike traditional file-sharing or PAM-integrated tools, Xona enables moderated, policy-controlled file transfer directly within the secure session context, enforcing security without requiring users to switch platforms or tools.
Files are transferred through Xona’s hardened gateway using encrypted channels, and every transaction is authenticated, monitored, and logged in real time. Administrators can enforce file-type restrictions, malware scanning, and real-time approvals, ensuring operational safety and compliance with standards like IEC 62443 and NERC CIP.Because Xona operates in a disconnected access model, no direct network path is created between endpoints and critical systems during a file exchange. This eliminates the risk of lateral movement or data exfiltration while enabling users, whether remote OEMs or internal engineers, to quickly and securely transfer files needed for diagnostics, patching, or configuration updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What protocols are commonly used for secure file transfer?
Secure file transfer typically uses encrypted protocols such as SFTP, FTPS, SCP, and HTTPS to protect data in transit and prevent unauthorized access or tampering.
How does secure file transfer differ from standard FTP?
Unlike standard FTP, which transmits data in plaintext, secure file transfer methods encrypt both the control and data channels, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and authentication during transmission.
Why is secure file transfer critical in operational technology (OT) environments?
What compliance standards require secure file transfer for critical infrastructure?
How does Xona enforce security during file transfers?
Can Xona prevent lateral movement during file transfer sessions?
Yes, Xona uses protocol isolation and disconnected access to eliminate direct network paths, ensuring that file transfers cannot be used to move laterally or access unauthorized systems.
