ALERT – FileDropper is yet another online file sharing site that allows users to upload files, in this case, up to 5 GB to a site and receive a URL which they can send to anyone. Joining the many other file sharing sites like Megaupload, RapidShare and MediaMax, these applications are filling the need for users who want to share big files and have no way to do so. Want to share a video with a friend, this is a great way to do it. Want to post a customer database without sending it through email? This is a great way to do it.
These applications are quietly becoming very popular and like many file transfer applications, they have clear legitimate business uses. But where does the line get drawn in terms of use? Is it ok to use these applications while at work and most likely, outside of the realm of IT control? The business risks associated with these applications rival those of P2P. Users upload a file, get a URL location of the file, and are free to send it to anyone they wish. In some cases to access the files require no password. This class of applications should be closely monitored and controlled within corporate environments. Palo Alto Networks will continue to monitor the development of applications like FileDropper and an App-ID for this application will be available soon.