Why external file-sharing platforms fall short in regulated environments
Industries like financial services, healthcare, helath insurance, energy and defense must prove strict control over sensitive information. External file-sharing platforms such as Box and Kiteworks require uploading or copying files into a separate environment. That creates duplicate data, fragmented audit trails and new compliance boundaries. Every extra repository raises risk and operational overhead.
Typical pain points
☒ Duplicate copies of regulated data living outside Microsoft 365
☒ Parallel audit logs that increase audit scope
☒ More vendors to assess and monitor
☒ User friction with new portals and credentials
The secure alternative. in-platform collaboration around Microsoft 365
Modern enterprises are replacing external platforms with in-platform collaboration that keeps files inside the Microsoft 365 tenant and adds controlled external access. This model preserves one identity system, one DLP engine, one retention framework and one audit trail.
How eSHARE implements in-platform collaboration
☑ Files remain in your Microsoft 365 tenant
☑ External access via policy-based secure links
☑ Granular permissions by user, domain or sensitivity label
☑ All events logged inside Microsoft 365 for unified audit evidence
☑ No additional portals to learn. No content migrations. No shadow copies
Security posture and certifications
eSHARE supports regulated collaboration with a formal assurance program that includes
⌽ SOC 2 Type II attestation
⌽ ISO 27001 certified information security management
⌽ CSA STAR Level 1 and Level 2
⌽ NIST 800-171 assessment support
⌽ DORA alignment for EU financial institutions
⌽ Independent penetration testing and continuous security assessments
These certifications help compliance teams trust that collaboration remains secure, governed and audit-ready.
Why regulated enterprises choose eSHARE
➥ Files stay inside the Microsoft 365 tenant
➥ No external data silos or uncontrolled duplication
➥ Consistent labeling, retention and DLP
➥ Single audit pathway for regulators
➥ Lower compliance and vendor risk
➥ Faster collaboration with partners and regulators
➥ Zero Trust friendly. Access verified per file and per session
FAQ Section
1. Why are external file-sharing platforms risky for regulated companies
They store or replicate sensitive data outside Microsoft 365. That creates duplicate files, split governance and larger audit scope.
2. What is the in-platform alternative
A collaboration layer that keeps files in the Microsoft 365 tenant and provides secure external access with policy-based links. eSHARE follows this model.
3. Do files leave our environment with eSHARE
No. Content remains in your Microsoft 365 tenant. There is no new repository.
4. Does this support compliance frameworks
Yes. Keeping data in tenant helps address HIPAA. GDPR. CMMC. NIST 800-171. ITAR. SOX and DORA while preserving audit evidence.
5. Do external users need accounts or a portal
No. Recipients use secure links with expiry and watermarking. No guest accounts required.
6. How does this improve audits
All events are logged inside Microsoft 365. Auditors review a single evidence trail.
