Uploading files is a crucial feature of many applications and services. File uploads are common in content management systems as well as other business applications. However, allowing unrestricted file uploads open to hackers could expose your clients to security breaches of their personal data.

To ensure safe uploading and downloading, a system must be implemented which checks uploaded file’s contents against the whitelist of approved file types and scans for viruses. This is particularly important if you handle customer data and must be compliant with regulations such as HIPAA or GDPR for EU citizens.

A good system for uploading files should also encrypt data when it is in http://firedataroom.com/why-do-lawyers-love-working-on-a-virtual-data-room transit and while at rest. This prevents data from being easily read by third party and could save your business from costly lawsuits and fines for non-compliance.

It is also recommended to upload files to designated storage locations in your database, server, or cloud storage service and provide a hyperlink back to the file for the user. This will decrease the likelihood that hackers will gain access to your server and also steal sensitive information from customers.