Advanced Security Features

Security & Compliance

Malware detection, audit trails, and security monitoring

12 min read
Intermediate
Updated 3 September 2025
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Advanced Security Features

Advanced Security Features

Explore FileSeal's comprehensive security architecture including real-time malware detection, audit trails, and professional-grade monitoring systems.

What This Means for Your Practice

Think of FileSeal as having a security team working 24/7 to protect your documents:

  • Malware Protection: Like having a security guard who checks every visitor before they enter your office
  • Audit Trails: Like CCTV for your documents - you can see exactly who accessed what and when
  • Real-time Monitoring: Like having a security alarm that alerts you immediately if something suspicious happens
  • Professional Controls: Like having different security clearance levels for different areas of your building

Bottom line: You get enterprise-level security that normally costs thousands, included automatically with every FileSeal request.

Multi-Layer Security Architecture

Layer 1: Client-Side Protection

Real-Time Malware Scanning

What this protects you from:

  • Client accidentally uploads an infected CV from a compromised computer
  • Malicious actors trying to send you ransomware disguised as legitimate documents
  • Zero-day malware that hasn't been seen before (using behavioural analysis)
  • Documents with hidden malicious macros or scripts

How it works:

  • Pre-Upload Scanning: Files checked before encryption (like airport security before boarding)
  • Signature Detection: Known malware patterns identified (like having photos of known criminals)
  • Behavioral Analysis: Suspicious file behavior detection (spotting unusual behaviour patterns)
  • Zero-Day Protection: Advanced heuristic analysis (catching new threats we haven't seen before)

File Validation Systems

  • File Signature Verification: Prevents file spoofing
  • Content Type Validation: Ensures files match extensions
  • Size Limit Enforcement: Prevents oversized uploads
  • Format Compliance: Validates document structures

Layer 2: Transmission Security

Encryption During Transit

  • TLS 1.3 Protocol: Latest transport security standard
  • Certificate Pinning: Prevents man-in-the-middle attacks
  • Perfect Forward Secrecy: Each session uses unique keys
  • End-to-End Encryption: No intermediate decryption points

Network Security

  • DDoS Protection: Automatic attack mitigation
  • Rate Limiting: Prevents abuse attempts
  • Geographic Restrictions: Optional location-based access
  • VPN Detection: Identifies and logs VPN usage

Layer 3: Server-Side Security

Zero-Trust Architecture

  • No Plaintext Storage: Server never sees unencrypted data
  • Encrypted-at-Rest: All stored data encrypted
  • Key Isolation: Encryption keys never stored with data
  • Secure Key Management: Hardware Security Module integration

Infrastructure Protection

  • Secure Data Centers: SOC 2 certified facilities
  • Network Segmentation: Isolated security zones
  • Intrusion Detection: 24/7 monitoring systems
  • Automatic Updates: Security patches applied immediately

Advanced Malware Detection

Real-Time Scanning Engine

Detection Technologies

  • Signature-Based Detection: Known malware signatures
  • Heuristic Analysis: Behavioral pattern recognition
  • Machine Learning Models: AI-powered threat detection
  • Cloud Intelligence: Real-time threat database updates

Supported Threat Types

  • Traditional viruses and trojans
  • Ransomware variants
  • Spyware and keyloggers
  • Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs)
  • Document-embedded macros
  • Zero-day exploits

Professional Protection Features

Document-Specific Scanning

  • PDF Analysis: Embedded script detection
  • Office Document Scanning: Macro and exploit detection
  • Image File Validation: Steganography detection
  • Archive Analysis: Compressed file content scanning

Real-Time Response

  1. Threat Detection: Malware identified during upload
  2. Immediate Blocking: Upload prevented automatically
  3. User Notification: Clear explanation of detected threat
  4. Remediation Guidance: Steps to clean infected files

Comprehensive Audit Trails - Your Digital CCTV

Why This Matters

Like having a security camera system for your documents - you can prove exactly what happened and when, protecting you from disputes and demonstrating compliance to regulators.

What Gets Recorded (Everything!)

Professional Activities:

  • When you create document requests (like recording when you open a safe)
  • Email delivery confirmations to clients (proof the invitation was sent)
  • Client upload attempts and successes (recording who entered the building and when)
  • Your download activities (when you accessed the documents)
  • Automatic cleanup and deletion (when the security footage was archived)

Security Events:

  • Failed login attempts (recording attempted break-ins)
  • Suspicious upload behaviors (unusual activity patterns)
  • Malware detection events (security threats blocked)
  • Unauthorised access attempts (failed security breaches)

Real Audit Trail Example

What you see:

15 Jan 2025, 2:30 PM: Document request created for Sarah Client
15 Jan 2025, 2:31 PM: Secure email sent to sarah.client@email.com
15 Jan 2025, 4:45 PM: Client uploaded 3 documents (all clean)
16 Jan 2025, 9:15 AM: You downloaded documents (1 ZIP file)
16 Jan 2025, 9:16 AM: All documents automatically deleted from servers

Technical details (for compliance): Request ID: req_abc123 | IP: 192.168.1.100 | Browser: Chrome 120.0.0.0 | Security: High

Retention Policies

  • Active Requests: Full logging during lifecycle
  • Completed Requests: Extended retention for compliance
  • Security Events: Long-term security monitoring
  • Professional Records: Regulatory compliance periods

Security Monitoring & Alerts

Real-Time Monitoring Dashboard

Professional Security Insights

  • Active request security status
  • Recent threat detection summary
  • Client access patterns analysis
  • System security health indicators

Alert Categories

  • Immediate Alerts: Critical security events
  • Daily Summaries: Regular activity reports
  • Weekly Reviews: Trend analysis and insights
  • Monthly Reports: Compliance documentation

Automated Security Responses

Threat Response Automation

  1. Detection: Security threat identified
  2. Classification: Threat severity assessment
  3. Response: Automatic protective measures
  4. Notification: Professional and client alerts
  5. Documentation: Audit trail creation

Professional Notifications

  • Email alerts for critical events
  • Dashboard security indicators
  • Mobile push notifications (if configured)
  • SMS alerts for highest-priority threats

Professional Security Controls

Access Control Management

Authentication Security

  • Multi-Factor Authentication: Available for high-security accounts
  • Session Management: Automatic timeout protections
  • Device Recognition: Trusted device identification
  • Geographic Monitoring: Unusual location alerts

Authorisation Controls

  • Professional-only access to sensitive features
  • Client access limited to specific requests
  • Time-based access controls
  • IP address restrictions (enterprise feature)

Data Loss Prevention

Upload Restrictions

  • File type limitations for security
  • Size restrictions prevent abuse
  • Content scanning for sensitive data
  • Professional approval workflows

Download Protection

  • One-time download enforcement
  • Time-limited access windows
  • Download attempt monitoring
  • Unauthorized access prevention

Compliance & Regulatory Support

Professional Standards Compliance

Legal Profession Requirements

  • SRA Compliance: Solicitors Regulation Authority
  • Law Society Standards: Professional conduct rules
  • GDPR Compliance: Data protection regulations
  • Client Confidentiality: Professional privilege protection

Financial Services Compliance

  • FCA Requirements: Financial Conduct Authority
  • PCI DSS Standards: Payment card data protection
  • ISO 27001: Information security management
  • SOC 2 Type II: Service organisation controls

Regulatory Reporting

Compliance Documentation

  • Security incident reports
  • Data processing records
  • Client consent documentation
  • Professional obligation compliance

Audit Support

  • Complete audit trail provision
  • Regulatory inquiry assistance
  • Professional standard verification
  • Compliance certificate provision

Enterprise Security Features

Advanced Protection Options

Professional Tier Security

  • Enhanced malware detection engines
  • Extended audit trail retention
  • Priority security support
  • Custom security configurations

Enterprise Integration

  • Single Sign-On (SSO) support
  • Active Directory integration
  • Custom security policies
  • Dedicated security contact

Next Level: Explore GDPR Compliance or learn about Professional Customization.

Guide Stats

12 min read
Intermediate Level
Visual Guide
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