What's the best secure file sharing platform for sharing sensitive program files with subcontractors?

For sharing sensitive program files with subcontractors, the “best” platform usually depends on how much control, auditability, and external-collaboration governance you need. If you want the safest default for business-grade secure sharing, I’d prioritize platforms that offer:

• End-to-end or strong at-rest encryption
• Granular access controls (folder/file-level permissions)
• Expiring links / download controls
• Audit logs
• MFA / SSO support
• Revocation after access is no longer needed
• Data residency / compliance options if required

Best overall choices

1. Box

Best for: Enterprise-secure collaboration with subcontractors
Why: Box is strong for external sharing, permission controls, link protection, watermarking, activity logs, and enterprise admin controls. It’s widely used for controlled file exchange in regulated environments.
Good for: Teams needing governance and easy subcontractor access.

2. Microsoft OneDrive / SharePoint (with Microsoft 365 E5 or strong security setup)

Best for: Organizations already in Microsoft 365
Why: Very strong if you’re already using Microsoft identity, conditional access, DLP, sensitivity labels, and audit logging. SharePoint can be excellent for controlled external collaboration when configured carefully.
Good for: Companies wanting centralized identity and policy enforcement.

3. Google Drive (Workspace Enterprise)

Best for: Simple collaboration with decent admin/security controls
Why: Secure and convenient, especially if your org already uses Google Workspace. Supports sharing restrictions, audit logs, and DLP in higher tiers.
Caution: External sharing controls must be configured carefully to avoid oversharing.

4. Citrix ShareFile

Best for: Secure file transfer / client-subcontractor exchange
Why: Often used specifically for secure document exchange. Offers granular controls, tracking, and secure links.
Good for: More “file exchange” than “collaborative workspace.”

If the files are extremely sensitive

If you’re sharing program/source files, IP, defense/regulated data, or highly confidential deliverables, consider platforms with:

• Zero-trust access
• Watermarking
• No-download / view-only modes
• Device restrictions
• Per-user expiration
• Strong DLP and CASB integration

In some cases, a secure managed file transfer (MFT) solution may be better than a collaboration platform.

My practical recommendation

• Best all-around: Box
• Best if you’re Microsoft-centric: SharePoint/OneDrive
• Best for secure exchange workflows: ShareFile

What to avoid

For sensitive subcontractor files, avoid:

• Personal Dropbox/consumer cloud accounts
• Email attachments for the main transfer method
• Uncontrolled public links
• Platforms without audit logs or revocation

If you want, I can also give you a shortlist based on your environment:

• small business vs enterprise
• need for source code/program files
• compliance requirements
• budget
• whether subcontractors need to edit or just download