FAQ

General FAQs

    Why should I use ShareFile®?

    ShareFile provides your organization a modern client experience with a secure, easy-to-use interface that streamlines document and client-facing workflows. It also allows users to reduce app switching and consolidate their tech stack.

     

    If you’re in a highly regulated industry such as accounting, financial services, insurance, healthcare, or legal, ShareFile can help you meet federal, state, and industry standards. ShareFile was built with compliance in mind, and helps take the guesswork out of HIPAA, HITECH, FINRA, CFBP, and other standards.

    How secure is ShareFile?

    ShareFile uses advanced encryption methods when sending and storing your files, which is much more secure than email attachments and standard cloud storage. You can also limit on how many times clients can download a file and set an expiration date for your secure sharing links.

    What’s the difference between an employee user and a client user?

    Employee users refer to anyone who works for your company. Client users refer to anyone outside the company. The latter is usually clients or customers, but could also refer to contractors, vendors, or other partners.

     

    Employees and clients have access to most of the same features, with a couple of differences. First, client users can’t create root-level folders. (Although they can create subfolders if you give them permission to upload documents to your main folder.) Second, only employee users can use the Send a File and Request a File features in ShareFile.

    What file formats does ShareFile support?

    You can upload any file type to ShareFile. And because each user gets up to 1TB of cloud storage, you can send and receive large files without running into limit constraints. From lengthy contracts and case files to high-definition videos, share it all quickly and securely.

    Feature FAQs

      Can I send ShareFile documents from my email?

      Our Gmail and Outlook plugins let you insert links to files, upload and send new files, and request files directly from your email messages. With secure ShareFile links, you can avoid email bounce back or annoying file-size restrictions.

      How do integrated e-signatures work?

      Our integrated e-signature feature lets you capture legally-binding electronic signatures on any document at no extra cost. All you have to do is pick where recipients need to sign or initial. Once signed, files are automatically saved to their respective ShareFile folder so you don't have to follow up with clients or chase down documents.

      Can I automatically sync desktop files to my ShareFile account?

      Yes. Just download and sign in to the ShareFile desktop app. We’ll automatically sync the folders on your PC to your ShareFile account in real time. It’s the easiest way to keep files up-to-date on all of your devices.

      How can I access ShareFile on the go?

      Use the ShareFile iOS or Android app for anywhere, anytime access to all your documents, folders, and features. You can send and request files, set folder permissions, answer client questions, and more — it will all be synced in real-time to your ShareFile account.

      Can I brand ShareFile with my company logo and colors?

      Yes! We encourage you to customize your ShareFile account to match the look and feel of your company branding. We want you to show off your brand — not ours. Headers, colors, and other details can all be changed to match your website or logo.

      How do client portals work?

      Client portals allows you to create a custom portal for each client, customer, or partner. It gives each client their own space to access documents, share files, complete tasks, ask questions, and more. It also improves the experience for both you and your clients. No more worrying about losing important attachments — make document changes once, and everyone will have instant access to the updated version your portal.

      Security FAQs

        What kind of encryption does ShareFile use?

        Documents in transit are encrypted using 256-bit SSL — the same security used by banks and many e-commerce sites.

         

        Files uploaded to ShareFile servers are saved with 256-bit AES encryption, and each file has a unique encryption key. The file encryption keys are not stored on the same server as the files themselves, to ensure anyone with physical access to our storage servers will not be able to access the files contained on their hard drives.

         

        Best of all, this encryption happens automatically each time you share or send from a browser, desktop, or email — no software downloads or installs needed.

        How are documents kept secure when they’re uploaded and downloaded?

        We use Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) to encrypt documents as they’re uploaded to (or downloaded from) ShareFile. These are the same encryption protocols and algorithms used by e-commerce sites and online banking.

        How do you keep my account safe?

        ShareFile uses several advanced access controls methods to keep your account safe from preying eyes.

         

        Once logged in, employees or clients can only view folders they’ve been granted access to. Everything else will be invisible to them. You can also keep tabs on user activity in the reporting section, where you’ll find details on logins, uploads, downloads, shares, deletions, and more. 

         

        All passwords are hashed, which means not even ShareFile employees can access them. Security alerts are sent to employees or client users for events like unusual access or too many failed attempts. Employees can take immediate actions to mitigate risks like disable a user. You can add additional layers of security like requiring people to reset their passwords at regular intervals.

        How does authentication work?

        When using ShareFile on a browser, your session will timeout after a set period of time and you will be prompted to login again. ShareFile Enterprise customers can opt to integrate with Active Directory and redirect this login process.

         

        Apps built using the ShareFile API are not allowed to capture or store credentials and typically only need limited access. For this reason, the ShareFile API uses an oAuth token instead. That way, the desktop app can sync your files in the background without having to ask for a password every time a change is made. And because the token has access to ShareFile only, there’s less security risk compared with storing your username and password.

         

        If you’re using the AD integration, we redirect you to configured IdP for the initial authentication. Once you’ve successfully authenticated, the secure web form provides the application with an oAuth token. If you lose access to the device where the ShareFile application was installed, you can manually expire the oAuth token in the ShareFile web application under My Settings.

        How do you handle storage?

        ShareFile accounts are stored on servers maintained by Amazon Web Services in multiple locations across the globe. Physical access at these SSAE 16 Type II certified data centers is tightly controlled, and double verification is required to proceed to any areas housing data. Our servers are firewall protected and regularly updated to ensure that all of the latest security patches and updates are in place.

        What about ShareFile employees?

        All ShareFile employees undergo full background checks prior to beginning work. All logins by ShareFile Support are logged in your account activity reports.

        Billing FAQs

          When will I be billed?

          Billing cycles vary by country:

           

          For customers in the UK and Germany: All billing cycles start on the day of your order. You’ll continue to be billed on this same day each month on an ongoing basis. If a month is shorter in duration than your typical billing date, your account will be billed on the final day of that month. If you cancel, your account will continue to be active through the final day of your current billing cycle and you will continue to have service through this date. Your subscription will not renew following the end of your current billing cycle.

           

          Fees for extra services or features, such as additional employee licenses, will be billed at the time of the order. You will initially be charged a prorated amount for the upgrade based on the number of days left until your regular billing date. After that, you’ll be billed for all subscription charges on the normal billing date for your account. If you choose to cancel the extra features after your card has been billed for the month, you will not be reimbursed for the days you did not use the features. If you believe ShareFile has billed you incorrectly, you must contact ShareFile no later than 60 days after the closing date on the first billing statement in which the error or problem appeared to request an adjustment or credit.

           

          For all other customers: Billing cycles will start on the 1st of the month. ShareFile will prorate your first charge based on the number of days left in the current month and your billing cycle. All subsequent charges will be billed on the 1st of the month based on your billing cycle. In the event of account cancellation, you will not be billed further.

           

          Fees for extra services or features, such as additional employee licenses, will be billed at the time of the order. You’ll initially be charged a prorated amount for the upgrade based on the number of days left until your regular billing date. Subsequently, you will be billed for all subscription charges on the normal billing date for your account. If you choose to cancel the extra features after your card has been billed for the month, you will not be reimbursed for the days you did not use the features. If you believe ShareFile has billed you incorrectly, you must contact ShareFile no later than 60 days after the closing date on the first billing statement in which the error or problem appeared to request an adjustment or credit.

          How do I change my credit card information?

          If you’re an account administrator or have "Edit Billing Information" permission, you can update your billing information in the app. Go to Admin Settings > Billing > Edit Billing Info.

          How can I change my billing plan?

          Go to Admin Settings > Billing > Request Plan Changes. Only employee users with the request plan changes permission can alter your billing plan.

          Still need help?