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Accessibility Statement

Secure File Transfer Service

Office of the Chief Information Officer

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When you need to send or receive files that are too large for email, or that need a higher level of security, the Secure File Transfer Service (SFTS) offers an easy option to get files to their intended recipients.

You can securely share files with any individual or organization that has a valid email address, including ministries, trusted external partners and the public.

You upload the files you wish to send, along with the email address of the recipient. The system sends an email notification telling the recipient that a file is waiting for them. The recipient can then download the file to their own computer and use the same system to send files to you.

The system automatically deletes files after 35 days.

Use the Secure File Transfer Service to:

  • Send a package of files to an individual or a group
  • Receive files from those you authorize
  • Set up a secure folder and share access with one or more partners

Please note – the Secure File Transfer Service is currently not available via an Application Programming Interface (API). Exploratory work is underway with the Justice and Public Safety sector to provide a modern file transfer platform for BC Government and its partners.

Why should I use this

Ease of use

Simply log onto the system with an IDIR username and password and use a mailbox interface to assemble a package of files along with the recipient’s email address and a message.

BCeID integration

For added security and identity assurance, recipients can log in using their existing BCeID account

Security

Data is encrypted both at rest and during transit

About this component

Price

Paid

Price details

A monthly fee and per-GB storage consumption charges apply.

Service level support

The service is available for use on a 24×7 basis except during:

  • Change Windows: The OCIO has a three-hour change window on Sundays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. when service may be interrupted.
  • Scheduled Changes: A list of scheduled changes is available under Change Management Reports.
  • Emergency changes: Information regarding emergency changes and recovery management is available under Change Management

Additional technical information

Base Service

  • A secure (HTTPS) web-based service based on the product Ipswitch MOVEit DMZ
  • Provides an end-to-end encrypted method of sharing files
  • Requires 50 GB of disk space when ordered, with the option of purchasing more disk space in 50 GB increments. The need for additional disk space would depend on the size of files being transported as well as the timeout settings for file self-deletion
  • Provides a transient location for files. No data backup services are offered (This solution is an unsuitable choice for primary data storage purposes)
  • Basic reporting is available for your organization, with the option of requesting custom reports

Requirements and restrictions

Clients must have at least one person to act in the Secure File Transfer Service Group Administrator (GroupAdmin) role.

It is key that those people assigned to serve in the Secure File Transfer Service GroupAdmin role have the necessary rights to be able to administer IDIR Active Directory group creation and membership.

Primary Secure File Transfer Service GroupAdmin role and responsibilities include:

  • Add new users from your organization as IDIR group members and edit or delete existing group members in the IDIR Active Directory
    View group log files
  • Setup and configure system access for external users (BCeID accounts)
  • Create and maintain the folder structure for the Shared Folder file sharing methods
  • Support ad-hoc user accounts
  • Reporting capabilities are available to your organization’s GroupAdmin

Getting started

An iStore request is needed to order these services. For details and Service Request Form, please see How to Order – Secure File Transfer Service (SFTS).

https://ociomysc.service-now.com/sp?id=kb_article&sys_id=b4cdfc041b056c509230ba215b4bcbfc

Support

Support is provided to government clients during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Pacific Time, weekdays, excluding statutory holidays.