What Does Private File Sharing Mean?
Private file sharing is the process of sharing one or more files with other users or computers anonymously or privately over a network or the Internet.
It is used as a means to transfer computer files securely without being visible to anyone except the file sender, receiver and/or the underlying network.
Techopedia Explains Private File Sharing
Private file sharing typically requires setting up a private connection or network. This network can be:
- Peer-to-peer network
- Local or wide area personal/corporate network
- Virtual private network (VPN)
- Private or secure public cloud
The file sharer has the ability to allow or restrict individuals on preference. For example, when sharing a document on Google Docs, only users that are allowed by the file owner are able to view/edit the file. Private file sharing may also apply file encryption algorithms on the file being shared, so even if the underlying connection is compromised, the contents of the file are not revealed until correct cryptographic keys are provided.