Receive Secure Files as Your Business Grows

Working with colleagues, clients, or strangers is an integral part of doing business. You probably need to send and receive secure files daily. More and more work happens remotely, so the tried-and-true method of a company-wide network of shared folders no longer works well.

It’s challenging to collaborate when large files are involved. Your clients can’t email large files, nor should they want to send files through an unsecured system like email. Not to mention email threads getting out of order, cluttered with numerous replies, or losing an attachment along the way.

One excellent solution is receive folders from ExaVault. Our receive folders do just what the name implies — they are a folder or folders in your ExaVault account designed to receive secure files uploaded from clients and coworkers.

Locate a folder in the file manager. Go to the dropdown menu on the right. Select ‘Receive..’ from the menu. 

Once created, you can edit the settings of the receive folder to suit your exact needs, such as requiring an email address and/or password to access the receive folder. Or, get a link that you can send to others. Perhaps you could benefit from setting up delivery receipts so you or whoever you want receives an alert when there is activity in this receive folder. A final setting is deciding if/when the receive folder should expire and no longer be accessible.

Not only does utilizing receive folders allow you and your business to receive secure files, but it also gives you a multitude of options on how clients can send you files. One option is customizing the form the user fills out when sending you files. Then, you always get the information your business needs associated with the files that are uploaded.

You’ve successfully set up the desired receive folder. Now, you’re ready to customize your receive form. 

Under settings, choose ‘Customize Receive Form.’

Next, you’ll see the default form fields and layout. Simply drag and drop additional input fields where you want them in the form. Edit the field label, add a description for what you want in the field, change the field’s width, and even mark fields as required. 

When done editing, click the preview link to view the form.

Let’s look at a scenario of how one company uses receive folders as their business grows.

James runs a printing company named “10 PRINT ‘Shop'”. He doesn’t have basic file transfer needs; he requires some specific information along with the files that are coming into his ExaVault account. Having the necessary information allows the printing company to fulfill orders efficiently.

James has a receive folder in ExaVault and used the form builder to tailor what information he requires with each order submission. He also allows the customer to include any special requests with their order.

Fast forward a year, and James’ printing business has exploded. He has three times the amount of orders than he had the previous year. Now, he’s hired a software development house to build a new ordering system that leverages the business’s new infrastructure. He provides fulfillment from multiple locations and hired more staff to accommodate the growth.

James can still use ExaVault’s receive folders to store large print orders. Once processed and edited, the orders get sent along to the printers. Instead of using just an ExaVault upload form to receive order information, James’ developers have integrated the ExaVault receive form into their web application.

Customers do not need to leave the 10 Print “Shop” site or open another window to upload their files and order information. James can receive secure files directly from the form embedded on his website. Our embeddable receive forms provide a clean look and ease of use that allows customers to feel confident placing their orders with the print shop.

As James’ business continues to grow, ExaVault cloud storage service continues to support his needs. ExaVault even has an API where his web applications could directly upload files stored and collected on his company’s servers. 

Receive folders are more than just a place clients can upload secure files. They are an integral part of the file transfer process for many of our clients. Configure ExaVault receive folders to send automatic notifications when files are uploaded, along with other feature options that provide an additional layer of security.

If you’re ready to give receive folders a try, head here and sign up today!

A benefit for you and your clients. Set up receive folders, customize upload forms, and integrate into your website to receive secure files anytime.

Receive Secure Files as Your Business Grows | ExaVault Blog

Set up receive folders, customize upload forms, and integrate into your website.

SFTP Servers in Business: Approach and Benefits

Too many server solutions out there? We’re here to show you how an SFTP server can provide secure file storage for your business documents. We’ll give you the low down on SFTP servers and go over hosting options so you’ll know all the benefits.

In this tutorial, we’re discussing SFTP Servers.

What Is an SFTP Server?

First, a quick reminder on servers. A server is a computer that lives on the Internet and allows dozens or hundreds of people to connect to it. A server can store files, allow you to upload and download data, present a website or manage network resources. These are just a few examples.

An SFTP server provides secure FTP services so users can transfer and store data securely. You’ll connect to the SFTP server via popular SFTP clients like Filezilla, Cyberduck, or WinSCP and then you can upload and download as much as you need. Behind the scenes, your connection is secured with the SSH file transfer protocol. With SFTP both commands and your data are encrypted.

Now let’s talk about how you set up an SFTP server. You’ve got two options. You can either run one yourself in-house or opt for a hosted SFTP server.

Running it yourself means you have to buy the server hardware and install commercial or open-source SFTP server software. Popular software options include ProFTPD on the open-source side and Cerberus on the commercial side. You’ll be responsible for managing and maintaining the physical SFTP server.

In-house SFTP servers require a budget for infrastructure, backup systems, and support staff to maintain the server but does give you local control of your data. Additionally, the server can live behind your internal firewall.

Hosted SFTP is a way to get the benefits of a secure SFTP server without all the overhead costs. You pay a simple monthly fee. Often less than what your infrastructure and backup costs would be for your own server. And you no longer have to deal with the setup, maintenance, management and so on.

Opting for a hosted SFTP server like ExaVault comes with clear business advantages:

Secure infrastructure with a business-class firewall

Fully redundant storage and built-in backup

Fast uploads and downloads with no file size limits

Web-based file management or SFTP client compatibility

These benefits make ExaVault an ideal solution for businesses that want reliable, secure file sharing without hosting their own servers. As your file workflows grow more complex, Files.com offers a seamless way to scale. It builds on your secure foundation with:

Automated file routing and scheduled workflows

Detailed audit logs for security and compliance

Real-time sync with cloud and on-prem storage

Integrations with enterprise tools and APIs

Files.com extends your SFTP operations into a fully integrated platform—without disrupting what’s already working. It’s the next step for businesses that need more control, visibility, and automation in their file sharing processes.

Find out more about SFTP Servers. Starting with a technical overview, In-house vs Hosted SFTP Servers, and review businesses benefits.

SFTP Servers in Business: Approach and Benefits | ExaVault Blog

Find out more about SFTP Servers plus a review of businesses benefits.

When it comes to transferring files between systems, FTP and SFTP remain two of the most widely used protocols. Though the acronyms are similar, the underlying technologies, security features, and use cases are notably different.

This guide walks through the basics of each protocol, highlights how they operate, and offers perspective on which might best serve your current and future file transfer needs.

FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is one of the oldest ways to move files between computers over the internet. It connects two systems—a client and a server—so files can be uploaded, downloaded, or managed remotely.

FTP uses two channels: one for sending commands and another for transferring the actual files. However, because FTP sends data in plain text, it doesn’t provide built-in security unless paired with encryption protocols like SSL/TLS.

That said, FTP is still widely used today in secure internal environments or legacy systems where simplicity and reliability are valued.

At ExaVault, FTP remains a dependable solution for businesses that need straightforward, controlled file access, especially when integrating with existing software and infrastructure.

SFTP stands for SSH File Transfer Protocol. It’s a more secure way to move files over the internet and is based on SSH, which stands for Secure Shell.

Unlike FTP, SFTP encrypts everything: your login credentials, the file data, and even the session itself. That means no one can easily intercept or view the information being transferred.

SFTP also uses just one connection (usually on port 22), making it simpler to set up through firewalls and easier to manage in secure environments.

Because of its built-in encryption and reliability, SFTP is often chosen for file transfers that involve sensitive, regulated, or confidential information.

Though both protocols help move files between systems, they work in different ways and are used in different scenarios.

FTP sends data in plain text and operates over two separate channels. This makes it efficient for certain tasks but less secure unless extra protections are added.

SFTP, on the other hand, uses a single, encrypted channel that secures every part of the file transfer process—from authentication to transmission.

Security: FTP does not encrypt data by default; SFTP encrypts everything.

Connections: FTP uses two channels (which can complicate firewall setup); SFTP uses one.

Ease of setup: SFTP tends to be more firewall-friendly and secure out of the box.

Use cases: FTP is still great for internal systems and trusted networks. SFTP is better suited for environments where data protection and compliance matter.

Both protocols remain useful, and many platforms—including ExaVault—offer support for both, giving organizations flexibility to choose what best fits their needs.

You can use the same FTP client application to make your SFTP connections. With SFTP, the connection is encrypted, and the file transfer process is more secure. To make a connection via SFTP, change the appropriate connection setting in your client software. Most, but not all FTP client software also supports SFTP.

The decision between FTP and SFTP depends on what you’re transferring, who you’re sharing with, and the level of security you need.

FTP might be a good fit for sharing large files within a secured internal network or integrating with older systems. It’s fast and familiar.

SFTP is better when data must be encrypted, such as in industries like healthcare, finance, or anywhere regulatory compliance is required.

ExaVault supports both protocols and simplifies file transfer management with:

When choosing a provider, it’s helpful to ask: How many users do we need? What kind of permissions should we set? Do we need automation or audit logs?

Sometimes, supporting FTP or SFTP alone isn’t enough—especially as businesses grow and file sharing becomes more complex.

This is where platforms like Files.com can help.

Files.com supports both FTP and SFTP, but also brings:

Automated workflows that run on schedules or triggers

Detailed access logs for compliance and audits

Real-time sync with cloud storage and on-prem systems

Integrations with popular enterprise tools

Built-in support for security standards like HIPAA and SOC 2

Teams that start with FTP or SFTP on ExaVault often move to Files.com when they need deeper automation, stronger compliance controls, or broader integration across their tech stack.

FTP and SFTP are both important tools for moving files securely and efficiently. The right choice depends on your workflow, infrastructure, and data security needs.

ExaVault offers dependable FTP and SFTP access in a simple, hosted environment. It’s a great option for businesses that need fast, reliable file transfers without managing their own servers.

And when your needs evolve—toward automation, compliance, and broader system integration—Files.com is ready to help take your workflows to the next level.

FTP client for fast file transfers. Connect through SFTP for secure file transfer protocol. It's FTP vs SFTP and how to upload and download with hosted FTP.

FTP vs SFTP: What, How, and Why? | ExaVault Blog

Have you ever asked a question online and gotten so many answers you ended up more confused?

Online Storage: 3 Ways It Can Cut Your Clutter

Declutter Your Digital Life with Smart Online Storage

When house hunting, people obsess over storage space – closets, garages, basements. The same is true when choosing a file transfer or storage solution. If you don’t have a place to keep your digital files organized, chaos builds fast.

Just like physical clutter in your home, digital clutter – scattered files, unsorted photos, misplaced documents – can slow you down and create stress. That’s where online storage and FTP solutions come in.

What Does Online Storage Have to Do with a Tidy Closet?

Think of your digital life as a home. Each app or storage platform is like a room: your photo-sharing app is the living room, your business documents might live in the home office, and your FTP server? That’s your secure file cabinet – sturdy and structured.

Online storage helps you organize and access your digital “rooms” from anywhere, and when done right, it gives you the same satisfying feeling as a perfectly organized closet.

Here are three big reasons to get serious about online storage:

Cloud access means your files are available wherever you are – no more being chained to a desktop or digging through old hard drives. Whether you’re on a laptop at work, a tablet at home, or your phone while traveling, your documents and media are just a few clicks away.

For businesses, this mobility is critical. Need to pull a file during a meeting? Share a contract with a partner? Get feedback on a project? Cloud-accessible FTP and online storage systems let your team collaborate from anywhere.

It’s even easier when your storage solution includes tools like:

Custom naming conventions for easy file retrieval

Just like color-coding your closet, structure and searchability keep things efficient.

Check out ExaVault for these key file sharing features and more.

Most of us have photos scattered across phones, laptops, and random cloud accounts. Storing them all in one place means you’ll actually be able to find that perfect shot when you need it – whether it’s for a holiday card or a client presentation.

Share albums with friends, family, or clients via links

Photographers, marketers, and design teams benefit especially from storage solutions that support large previews, drag-and-drop uploads, and custom sharing links.

Many services such as ExaVault let you share with just a link. Quickly create a shareable link for the folder of images you want to show friends or clients. Then share that link via chat, email – any way you want.

Data security is the digital equivalent of a fireproof safe – but better. With secure online storage, you can store sensitive files and client assets without worrying about physical theft, hardware failure, or unauthorized access.

Strong encryption during transfer and at rest

Compliance with standards like GDPR and HIPAA

Whether you’re storing financial reports, client contracts, or vacation photos, secure storage lets you focus on your work – not your worries.

If your business wants total control over infrastructure, an on-premise solution like ExaVault’s FTP appliance delivers powerful file transfer capabilities right in your server room.

If you’re looking for a cloud-hosted FTP and online storage solution that scales effortlessly and eliminates hardware management, Files.com is a great option. With secure protocols, automation tools, user permissions, and full web access, Files.com brings powerful FTP functionality to the cloud.

Online storage is always on, always available, and gives you full control over your digital life—just like a good closet system gives you control over your home.

Whether you’re clearing out old paper files or organizing a decade of digital photos, now’s a great time to simplify. Your files will thank you – and so will your future self.

Ready to get organized? Start by choosing the storage solution that works best for your workflow.

Keep your home free of paper clutter, boxes of printed photos that you’ll never have time to sort through, and find what you need to when you need it with online storage.

Online storage for photographs, make file sharing easier, provides data security for your files and photos. See how cloud storage can help with clutter >>

Online Storage: 3 Ways It Can Cut Your Clutter | ExaVault Blog

The thought of having stuff with no place to store it can cause anxiety. The resulting clutter when there is not enough online storage is just as bad.

How to Access an FTP Server from the Browser

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) has been around since long before “the cloud” or tools like Dropbox. It remains a foundational way to transfer files over the Internet, from businesses, government agencies, and software providers alike.

While many organizations now turn to modern cloud-based file sharing platforms, FTP is still trusted for tasks that demand stability, control, and compatibility. Whether you’re downloading a software package from the IRS or uploading a file to a vendor, FTP is likely in the mix.

So how do you access an FTP server today? Let’s break it down.

An FTP server stores files and provides access via FTP client software. You connect to it either with a dedicated FTP client (like FileZilla or WinSCP) or, in some cases, through your operating system’s file manager.

While web browsers used to support FTP directly, most modern browsers – including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge – no longer support FTP natively. That means using a dedicated FTP client is now the recommended approach for accessing FTP servers.

Different organizations configure FTP access based on their goals:

Anonymous FTP: No credentials needed. You may simply enter “anonymous” as the username, and your email as the password. Common for public downloads.

Username-only access: Often used by schools or partners. You log in with a username but don’t need a password.

Username + Password: Most secure and widely used. You’ll need login credentials to access the server.

No matter the type of access, an FTP client allows you to connect, upload, download, and manage files securely and efficiently.

How to Access an FTP Server (the Modern Way)

To connect to an FTP server today, follow these steps:

Choose an FTP client:
Popular choices include:

Port (default is 21 for FTP, 22 for SFTP)

Username and password (unless anonymous access is allowed)

Connect and manage files: Once connected, you can drag and drop files between your local system and the FTP server – just like managing files on your computer.

Note: For frequent access, you can also map an FTP server as a network drive in Windows or macOS.

While older tutorials may recommend using your browser to connect to FTP servers, this is no longer practical. Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge have all removed support for FTP due to security limitations and low usage.

If you're looking for convenience and security, dedicated FTP clients – or platforms with modern web interfaces – are the way to go.

If your business needs a dedicated FTP solution, the ExaVault FTP Appliance provides a secure, on-premise platform with:

A web-based interface for user-friendly file management

This makes ExaVault an excellent fit for organizations that want full control over infrastructure while offering FTP access for employees, partners, or customers.

If your team prefers not to manage infrastructure and wants a fully cloud-hosted FTP alternative, Files.com offers FTP, SFTP, and FTPS access via a cloud-native platform.

Need secure file transfer without managing hardware

Want web-based access alongside traditional FTP client compatibility

Require integrations, automation, and audit controls built-in

FTP remains a reliable and powerful way to move files between systems. Whether you’re accessing a public FTP site or uploading mission-critical data to your internal server, understanding how FTP works – and how to connect properly – is key.

For a robust, on-premise FTP solution, explore what the ExaVault FTP Appliance has to offer.
For a hosted alternative, take a look at Files.com to see if a cloud-native approach fits your business needs.

How to Access an FTP Server: A Beginner-Friendly Guide

If you're having trouble connecting to an FTP site, it could be due to a few common issues:

Your FTP client settings may be incorrect.

Your firewall or antivirus software could be blocking the connection.

The server you're trying to reach might be offline or have restricted access.

Try using a dedicated FTP client like FileZilla or WinSCP, and make sure you have the correct hostname, port number, and login credentials.

Possibly. The default FTP port is 21 (or 22 for SFTP), and some firewalls or network configurations may block these ports.
Check your firewall or router settings to ensure outbound connections on those ports are allowed. You can also consult your IT administrator for help configuring firewall exceptions.

Does FTP still work in Chrome or Firefox?

No. FTP support has been removed from all major browsers, including:

To connect to an FTP server, it’s now recommended to use a dedicated FTP client, not a browser.

How can I connect to an FTP server with an IP address and port?

You can use an FTP client like FileZilla or WinSCP. Here's how:

Enter the server's IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100) and port number (usually 21 for FTP or 22 for SFTP).

Enter your username and password, then connect.

You can also map FTP as a network location in Windows Explorer for frequent access.

Use an FTP client to connect to the server.

Navigate to the folder where the file is stored.

Drag the file to your local machine or click "Download."

Depending on the permissions set by the server administrator, you may also be able to upload or modify files.

Looking for a business-grade FTP solution?

ExaVault supports any FTP client and provides a user-friendly web interface for managing files, users, and permissions.
It’s an on-premise appliance designed for businesses that need secure, reliable file transfers with complete infrastructure control.

Do you need an FTP site to help facilitate FTP transfers for your business? ExaVault supports any FTP client and has an intuitive interface for file and user management.

There are many ways to transfer files – FTP being one of them. While web browsers once supported FTP, modern best practice is to use a dedicated FTP client for secure, reliable access.

How to Access an FTP Server from the Browser | ExaVault Blog

There are many ways to transfer files—FTP being one of them. While web browsers once supported FTP, modern best practice is to use a dedicated FTP client for secure, reliable access.

Choosing the Right FTP Hosting: On-Premise vs. Cloud

Nearly every business today relies on file transfer in one form or another – whether it's collaborating with partners, automating workflows, or exchanging data between systems. A reliable FTP hosting solution helps streamline those transfers securely and efficiently.

At ExaVault, we offer a powerful on-premise FTP appliance built for businesses that want complete control over their infrastructure and security posture. But for some teams, a fully cloud-hosted solution may be the right fit – and it’s important to understand the difference.

FTP hosting allows businesses to offload file sharing, transfers, and access management to a centralized solution – whether that’s a physical appliance on-site or a platform hosted entirely in the cloud. Either way, the goal is to simplify and secure the movement of files.

The ExaVault FTP Appliance: A Feature-Rich On-Premise Solution

With ExaVault, customers get a dedicated, on-premise FTP appliance designed for performance, control, and security. Features available include:

Support for secure protocols like SFTP and FTP-SSL

An on-premise solution is ideal for organizations that require local control, have specific compliance needs, or want their data and infrastructure to remain behind their own firewall. The ExaVault appliance provides the power and flexibility IT teams need to configure, manage, and scale secure FTP services on their own terms.

Looking for a Fully Cloud-Hosted FTP Alternative?

For businesses looking for a fully cloud-native solution, Files.com is a great complement to the space. Files.com provides FTP, SFTP, and FTPS access via a cloud-hosted platform—no hardware required.

Cloud-hosted solutions like Files.com can be ideal for companies that prefer not to manage infrastructure, or for teams that need flexible access from anywhere, without managing upgrades or backups. With Files.com, all storage, scaling, and maintenance are handled for you.

Whether you choose a dedicated on-premise appliance like ExaVault or a fully managed cloud solution like Files.com, the key is aligning the solution with your business’s infrastructure strategy, compliance needs, and team workflows.

Need full control with all the power of a dedicated FTP environment? ExaVault’s appliance is a proven, robust solution trusted by thousands.
Prefer a cloud-native approach? Files.com offers a compelling hosted alternative.

Explore your options – and choose the FTP solution that fits your business best.

Explore the differences between on-premise FTP appliances like ExaVault and cloud-hosted solutions like Files.com to find the right fit for your business’s file transfer needs.

FTP Hosting Solutions | ExaVault Blog

Investing in a secure FTP hosting solution enables you to unburden your in-house PC or laptop and mobile devices by uploading everything off-site to a reliable cloud infrastructure.

As we head into July, we wanted to pass along a few tips and trick to make searching for files in your account easier. Use our file search tricks to find what you need faster.

By default, searching for files in your account will search your entire account. Sometimes, that’s not what you’re looking for, so there’s another option for you.  To restrict a search to your current folder (and the folders inside it):

Check the box for Search only this folder and subfolders that appears underneath the search box.

Type your search in the search box and press ‘Enter’.

Instead of seeing every possible matching file from your entire account, the results will show only matching files from within the current folder (and its subfolders).

Finding The Biggest Files In Your Account

When your account starts getting full, and it’s time to do some housekeeping, you may find it helpful to find your biggest files to clear up some space fast.  To find the largest files in your account:

Make sure you are in the ‘Home’ folder.

Type * in the search box and press ‘Enter’.

The largest files in your account should appear at the top of the list of results.

Gathering Different Types Of Files With Search

Here’s an advanced trick for when you need to collect groups of different things, such as to download all of the pictures (jpegs, bmps, raw and png, for example), but not the documents (such as .docx) in your account:

Do a file search to get the first group of matching files.

Tips and trick to make searching for files in your ExaVault account easier. Use our file search tricks to find what you need faster.

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