It refers to every aspect of the status of files kept within the network of a company contributing to their better management and safety.
To fully cover the above topic, in the present article we are going to discuss about
– What file analysis is,
– What the benefits of file analysis are, and
– How to deploy a file analysis system at your business.
So, let’s start with the main definition.
What Is File Analysis?
File analysis is the analytic process used by IT tools in order to determine the status of files. To wit, a file analysis system
– Tracks the files kept within the network,
– Identifies their credentials,
– Analyses its content and attached metadata,
– Reports on their status, and
– Usually fixes any errors or vulnerabilities detected.
In this way, such a system enables each organisation to evaluate the condition of their files in the aggregate and to act accordingly to the evaluation outcomes. This “comes in handy” especially for businesses who have an extended network of devices and users and, thus, need to manage a large number of files.
However, in order to better understand what are the benefits of a file analysis system for a business, let’s take a closer look at them one-by-one.
What Are the Benefits of File Analysis?
The advantages of file analysis may vary depending on the size of each business and the volume of files kept within its IT infrastructure. However, the below mentioned ones undoubtedly apply to each and every case.
Benefit #1: File mapping
A file analysis system helps organisations gather their files in a common “storage” where every user of the network will be able to browse. Each file stored bears its own identification information including its owner and location within the network.
In this way, organisations can map the entirety of their files and monitor any transfers or deletions of them.
Benefit #2: File access monitoring
Besides the owner, a file analysis system may also identify the users who have accessed each file and its data.
This allows businesses to detect the possible source of a data-related issue and track any suspicious or unauthorised access to all network files or a part of them.
Benefit #3: Data efficiency
At the same time, most file analysis systems undertake the locating of hidden or non-business files, the deletion of duplicate files and the archiving of long unused files or bulk data.
As a result, only necessary files are kept and the digital storage of the network doesn’t get burdened with unneeded data. Moreover, the prioritisation of files by the extent of their use helps network users to access the files they are interested in more easily.
Benefit #4: Cybersecurity
Finally yet importantly, file analysis ensures data security and the prevention of data breaches.
By monitoring when and by whom each file has been accessed, it is easier to track down malicious users and cyber attack attempts. Simultaneously, fixing errors in file data through a file analysis system essentially serves patch management within a network by covering a certain kind of vulnerabilities.
Overall, file analysis contributes to both the organising of files and data kept within a company and its cybersecurity. Therefore, if you want to install a file analysis system in your IT infrastructure, let’s conclude with 4 simple steps on how to deploy such a system.
How to Deploy a File Analysis System at Your Business
Τhe steps that need to be followed to deploy a file analysis system are not many, but proper attention should be paid to each and every one of them.
Step #1: Evaluate your needs
Before installing a file analysis system, each organisation must assess the current status of its IT infrastructure and network.
For this kind of assessment,
– The number of network users and devices,
– File volume,
– File usage, and
– Budget capacity
are some of the factors that should be taken into consideration, so as to seek for the right features in a file analysis system.
If you are not aware of your current status, it is very probable that the final choice made will only merely adjust to your requirements concerning a file analysis framework.
Step #2: Install the right file analysis tools
For the implementation of a file analysis framework, it is imperative to choose the appropriate tools.
As mentioned in the beginning of this article, file analysis constitutes a task mainly performed by specialised IT tools, such as softwares or applications. And, this is obviously reasonable, since such an analysis must be carried out at large and automatically, in order to benefit the network users of a company.
For example, the N-able Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) software executes near real-time file analysis through time-intensive recurring file scans.
At the same time it uses integrated machine learning and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to identify suspicious patterns or changes in the files stored within the network.
When such an action has been detected, N-able EDR alerts its users for possible threats and takes over threat management even automatedly.
Step #3: Train your employees
However, no matter what tool you choose, it is of equal importance that your personnel are accustomed to its use.
Knowing how to manage each selected tool and how to take in-app action when needed allows employees to make proper use of them benefitting the daily operations of the company.
In this context, it is necessary to consider organising specialised employee training sessions that will adapt to the knowledge background of your staff and the characteristics of your IT infrastructure.
Step #4: Collaborate with an MSP
In winding up, collaborating with a managed service provider (MSP) is important in all the above mentioned steps.
Either in-house or outsourced, an MSP partner provides IT services including
– the evaluation of your IT status and IT needs,
– the design of IT solutions,
– the implementation of these solutions, as well as
– the guidance of your business members in the use of suggested IT tools.
In this way, you ensure that the selection of file analysis tool you will be making is the appropriate one and that you will be able to tackle any IT-related issue that may surface during the process.
That’s why, Orthology provides you with a full package of IT services, undertaking the design of a customised IT solution implementation plan and the training of your employees on any kind of IT tools.
Therefore, if you wish to learn more about our services or the installation of file analysis tools, such as N-able EDR, don’t hesitate to contact us so as to get the support adjusted to your needs!
