Private File Sharing

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.

Advertisements

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.

Advertisements

Related Terms

Latest Networking Terms

Related Reading

Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…