One key feature of our Diplomat MFT secure managed file transfer solution is PGP automation for file encryption. Why do we make such a big deal about this? Because file encryption should be a part of every information security and data privacy program. In our view, the best way to make file encryption simple is to automate PGP encryption management.
What is Pretty Good Privacy (PGP)?
You could pay a lot more for PGP automation, but why would you?
The terms PGP (shorthand for Pretty Good Privacy) and OpenPGP are used interchangeably, with the default reference to PGP preferred because it is shorter. PGP is a popular public key cryptography standard, defined by RFC 4880, that provides strong data encryption for protecting sensitive information, and especially when sharing such information with other organizations. Because it is a commonly used open standard, it works well in a managed file transfer solution because it is compatible with security standards required by banks and is consistent for maintaining compliance with information security and data privacy regulations like HIPAA, GLBA, GDPR, and others.
One challenge that many organizations have with adopting PGP encryption is that it can be difficult to manage as a manual, command-line process. When complex actions are required, there is an increased risk of human error or an incentive for avoiding a task altogether. And so, rather than serving as an effective security measure, encryption has the unintended effect of undermining security since there may be an assumption that data is being encrypted before sharing when it is not. That is a dangerous—and potentially costly—situation to be in.
Why Use a PGP Automation Tool?
When tools that enable PGP automation are adopted, however, it virtually eliminates the risks associated with a failure to encrypt. And when a tool automates PGP encryption as a part of the entire managed file transfer process, it ensures security and compliance whenever an organization sends, receives, archives, or retrieves the files it needs to operate. That also keeps employees efficient, productive, and focused on their primary tasks rather than be a disruption. Let’s face it: in the digital age, every business still runs on files, and most of those files contain information you want to keep safe. Whether it is financial transactions, medical record transfers, research collaboration, product development, or confidential business plans, processes that can be executed and secured automatically should be.
Another challenge that businesses face when it comes to PGP automation tools is price. Some well-known PGP automation software products can cost more than $10,000 per year on their own. They may also incur additional costs as they are integrated into other processes (creating new challenges when essential business functions become more complex). Fortunately, Coviant Software helps organizations avoid both the cost and complexity of ensuring automated PGP encryption for vital managed file transfers.
Our Diplomat MFT managed file transfer solution automates PGP encryption simply and reliably, and at an ethical price that is a fraction of the cost of standalone PGP automation software, or other MFT products. Better yet, using Diplomat MFT to automate file transfers and PGP encryption couldn’t be easier:
- Select a secure, automated file transfer workflow
- Assign a PGP encryption key for outgoing files, or select a partner-provided key for incoming files
- Set workflow schedule for recurring jobs
- Launch
PGP Tools Should be Simple, Automatic
Now the workflow is established to include automated PGP encryption and to run on-time, no matter how many other jobs Diplomat MFT may be running. And because Diplomat MFT captures and archives job data, you are prepared should there be a need for an audit to prove that the file was sent and encrypted. That is an important factor when proving regulatory compliance.
Adding to the value that Diplomat MFT brings to your organization, our MFT solution integrates seamlessly with all the leading cloud storage providers (AWS, Azure, Box, Dropbox, Google Cloud, Oracle, Rackspace, and more) and whatever business service or application you use for human resources and benefits management, financial management, collaboration, and more. And because Diplomat MFT also supports secure file transfer protocols like SFTP, we comply with the file transfer standards of leading banks like JP Morgan, Citi Bank, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and more.
For more in-depth information on PGP encryption, and how Coviant Software makes it easy, watch this PGP tutorial, or check out our PGP Encryption Guide. If you are looking for a reliable way to automate PGP encryption and keep your file transfers secure without resorting to manual or ad hoc processes, or without installing separate PGP encryption automation software, give us a call. We can help.