The Hidden Cyber Risks in File Transfer Platforms – and How to Protect Your Organisation

In today’s digital economy, organisations are exchanging sensitive data at an unprecedented rate. Whether it’s financial records, legal documents, intellectual property, or personal information, file transfer platforms have become indispensable tools. However, with convenience comes risk – and cybercriminals are increasingly targeting these platforms as a gateway into your business. Penetration testing can play a crucial role in identifying vulnerabilities before attackers do, offering a proactive layer of defence. 

If your organisation relies on file transfer platforms like MOVEit, Accellion, WeTransfer, Cleo Communications, or others, understanding the cyber risks and implementing the right controls is not optional – it’s critical. 

Read our latest post on ASIC Takes Legal Action Over Cybersecurity Failures 

Why File Transfer Platforms Are Prime Targets 

File transfer systems are attractive to attackers for several reasons: 

• High-value data: These platforms often handle sensitive or regulated data, making them a rich target. 

• External exposure: File transfers typically involve users outside your network, increasing the attack surface. 

• Misconfiguration risks: Poorly configured platforms or lax access controls are easy entry points. 

• Zero-day vulnerabilities: As seen with MOVEit, Accellion, and Cleo Communications breaches, attackers exploit unknown vulnerabilities before vendors can patch them. 

• Insufficient monitoring: Many organisations overlook logging and alerting on these systems, making it easier for intrusions to go undetected. 

Real-World Examples of Compromised Platforms 

What You Can Do to Secure Your File Transfer Platform 

Here’s a practical checklist to help ensure your file transfer platform doesn’t become your weakest link: 

Assess the Platform’s Security Posture

• Is the platform actively supported and updated by the vendor? 
• Has it had a recent history of vulnerabilities? 
• Does it offer end-to-end encryption, audit trails, and multi-factor authentication? 

Patch and Update Regularly

• Apply security updates and patches as soon as they become available. 
• Subscribe to the vendor’s security bulletins and threat advisories. 
• Conduct penetration testing by reputed cybersecurity companies. 

Enforce Strong Access Controls

• Use least privilege principles – restrict access based on job roles. 
• Enable MFA for all users, especially external collaborators. 
• Disable unused accounts and enforce strong password policies. 

Enable Logging and Monitoring

• Monitor for suspicious access patterns and data downloads. 
• Integrate file transfer logs with your SIEM or security analytics platform. 

Review Data Flow and Classification

• Understand what data is being transferred – is it personal, sensitive, or regulated? 
• Apply data loss prevention (DLP) policies where appropriate. 

Conduct Regular Penetration Testing

• Engage qualified external cybersecurity consultants to perform penetration testing on your file transfer platform and its integration points. 
• Penetration testing helps identify vulnerabilities that may not be visible through internal reviews, including business logic flaws, access misconfigurations, or emerging threats. 
• Testing should be part of a broader security assurance programme and conducted quarterly or after significant system changes. 

Use Secure Alternatives for Sensitive Transfers

• For highly sensitive data, consider using secure file sharing services with additional layers of encryption and compliance certifications (e.g., ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA). 

Have an Incident Response Plan

• Develop a response playbook specifically for file transfer platform compromise. 
• Include procedures for data breach notification, isolation of affected systems, and forensic investigation. 

Also, read Cybersecurity Consulting: A Smart Investment, Not an Expensive Luxury 

Final Thoughts 

File transfer platforms can streamline operations and improve collaboration – but they can also become a cyber liability if not managed properly. Your organisation’s data is only as secure as the weakest link in your file-sharing chain. 

By taking a proactive approach to securing these platforms – from vendor evaluation and configuration hardening to external penetration testing and continuous monitoring – you can significantly reduce your risk exposure and protect your most valuable data assets. 

Stay ahead of cyber threats, don’t let them catch your business off guard. Safeguard your data with a certified cyber security consultant in Australia. Connect with Cybernetic Global Intelligence at https://www.cyberneticgi.com or call 1300 292 376 today.