À propos de cette mise à jour

Les mises à jour comprennent plusieurs corrections de bugs, des améliorations dans la gestion des fichiers, l’optimisation des performances et d’autres améliorations dans toutes les versions prises en charge de Nextcloud Hub. Vous pouvez consulter la liste complète des modifications sur notre site web.

Les mises à jour sont disponibles pour :

• Nextcloud Hub 6 (version 27.1.9)
• Nextcloud Hub 7 (version 28.0.5)

Tirez le meilleur parti de votre plateforme avec Nextcloud Hub 8

Encore plus automatisé et optimisé, Nextcloud Hub 8 est là pour vous aider à reprendre le contrôle de votre temps. Passez à la version la plus récente pour bénéficier des nombreuses nouvelles fonctionnalités de votre plateforme préférée :

• Assistant Nextcloud : résumés des tchats, suggestions de réponses à un courrier électronique dans Nextcloud Mail, réponses basées sur vos données, et bien plus encore !
• Prévisualisation interactive des fichiers, dossiers, tableaux et événements
• Tchat fédéré et édition de messages dans Talk
• Mini-applications basées sur Tables
• Partage de Collectifs publics, prévisualisations et QR-codes
• Gérez les ressources de votre équipe comme un pro avec Nextcloud Teams
• Formulaires : synchronisation automatique avec une feuille de calcul
• Et bien plus encore

Obtenir Nextcloud Hub 8

Téléchargez Nextcloud Hub 8 ici et procédez à son installation

Obtenir Nextcloud Hub 8

Maintenez toujours votre serveur à jour !

Les versions mineures de Nextcloud se concentrent principalement sur la correction des vulnérabilités de sécurité et des bugs de fonctionnalité, en évitant les révisions majeures du système qui pourraient mettre en péril les données des utilisateurs. Il est essentiel de maintenir votre serveur à jour. Notre approche des tests et de la validation garantit que la mise à niveau vers des versions mineures se fait généralement en douceur et de manière fiable.

Pour les systèmes Nextcloud stratégiques dans les entreprises, envisagez de passer à Nextcloud Enterprise. Ce service vous assure un déploiement en toute confiance : accès direct à l’équipe d’ingénieurs de Nextcloud, assistance complète tout au long du déploiement et de l’intégration, et tranquillité d’esprit pour les administrateurs de système. Si vous êtes responsable de la maintenance de Nextcloud dans votre établissement, cette option peut être la solution idéale pour vous.

The post Les mises à jour de maintenance pour Nextcloud Hub 6 et 7 sont disponibles. appeared first on Nextcloud.

About this update

The updates include several bug fixes, enhancements in file handling, performance optimization, and other improvements in all supported versions of Nextcloud Hub. You can find the full changelog on our website.

Updates are available for:

• Nextcloud Hub 6 (version 27.1.9)
• Nextcloud Hub 7 (version 28.0.5)

Make the most of your platform with Nextcloud Hub 8

Even more automated and optimized all around, Nextcloud Hub 8 is here to give you back control over your time. Upgrade today to unlock multiple new features in your favourite platform:

• Nextcloud Assistant: Chat summaries, Nextcloud Mail reply suggestions, answers based on your data, and more!
• Interactive previews for files, folders, boards and events
• Federated chat and message editing in Talk
• Mini-apps based on Tables
• Public Collectives sharing, previews and QR-codes
• Manage your team resources like a pro with Nextcloud Teams
• Forms: automatically sync with a spreadsheet
• And much more

Get Nextcloud Hub 8

Download and install Nextcloud Hub 8 here!

Get Hub 8

Always keep your server up to date!

Nextcloud’s minor releases primarily focus on addressing security vulnerabilities and functionality bugs, avoiding major system overhauls that could jeopardize user data. Keeping your server up to date is vital, and our approach to testing and validation ensures that upgrading to minor releases is generally smooth and reliable.

For mission-critical Nextcloud systems in enterprise settings, consider switching to Nextcloud Enterprise. The tier provides you with ultimate deployment confidence: direct access to the Nextcloud engineering team, full assistance throughout deployment and integration, and peace of mind for system administrators. If you’re responsible for maintaining Nextcloud in your setting, this option may be the ideal solution for you.

The post Maintenance updates for Nextcloud Hub 6 and 7 are here appeared first on Nextcloud.

Ongoing public concerns over real-time video scams has been the spur to gain global attention as we witness new major incidents taking place increasingly more. Take a Hong Kong MNC recently falling prey to a scammer in a colossal $25.6 million heist — the deepfake technology has already evolved enough to bring on a whole new brand of fraud.

What remains is a call to action. Are there ways to protect yourself and your organization against con men posing as your boss, your business partner, or even your own mother? Let’s find out!

First things first, let us start with the definition.

What is a deepfake?

In case the definition of a deepfake is still unclear to some, a deepfake is content generated using deep learning techniques that is intended to look real, but is in fact fabricated. Artificial intelligence (AI) used to generate deepfakes typically employs generative models, for example, Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) or auto-encoders.

Deepfakes are used not only in video content, but also in audio recordings and images. The purpose of a deepfake is often to depict an individual or a group saying or doing something that they never did in reality. To produce content that appears convincing, the AI must use large datasets in its training. It allows the model to recognize and reproduce natural patterns present in content it is designed to mimic.

While deepfake technology is a breakthrough with great potential in the film industry and game development, as well as a rising social media trend, it also opens dangerous opportunities for illegal use. The examples are numerous and include identity theft, evidence forging, disinformation, slander and biometric security bypass. In all cases, fraudsters typically leverage the depicted person’s authority over the targeted individuals or personal connection to them, depending on the setting.

Where can you encounter a deepfake?

Deepfakes are used to produce video, audio or image content, as a recorded media or a real-time stream. It can be a YouTube video, a ‘leaked’ recording in a social post, a phone call or a video conference – the opportunities are practically unlimited.

Depending on the purpose, the format is picked accordingly. For example, political disinformation works best where mass engagement is possible, meaning that spreading it publicly via social media is the best tactic. Whereas seeking a private gain from a company or or individual requires a more intimate setting and often a personal conversation.

When it comes to threats to your personal life, finance or security, we can narrow down the most dangerous deepfake scenarios to encounters with people you care about, trust , or report to. This can be a family member, a friend, or an authority figure at work such as your boss or a company executive.

The setting will most likely be private: whether over a phone call or a video meeting. Personal meetings are much easier to execute and give the faker much more control over the situation. The conversation, whatever the background is, will lead you to an action under a sense of urgency or fear – most likely to transfer a sum of money. The tactic is to deceive your logic and common sense using fear, compassion or even ambition.

As generative AI development drives a huge interest and investment, we are entering a dangerous zone: real-time video, the most sophisticated and convincing deepfake use case yet, still has a very little awareness.

Deepfakes in real-time video

Real-time video deepfakes generate manipulated video content in real-time for immediate application during live streams and video calls. Voice cloning and face swapping are the most frequently used techniques to compose a complete faked environment.

Face swapping

Face swapping is a common application of deepfakes, allowing the software to replace facial features of a target person with fake features, most often those of another person. With facial landmark detection and manipulation techniques, the blending appears seamless and hard to spot when caught unaware.

Voice cloning

In addition to looking convincing, a faker also needs to sound convincing. For this part, voice cloning is used. In voice cloning, the AI replicates the voice of the individual. A significant amount of high-quality audio data is required to train a voice cloning model, usually obtained from recordings of the target person speaking in various contexts and using different intonations.

Curiosity time: how does a deepfake setup actually work?

Deepfake technology is capable of impersonating real-life individuals and doing it in a real-time setting, making the result even more convincing (and terrifying!). But how does the software work in a way that we encounter deepfakes using familiar meeting platforms?

Deepfake generation software can be integrated with streaming platforms and video conferencing tools in many ways:

• It could function as a separate application that captures the video feed, processes it in real-time, and then sends the manipulated feed to the video conferencing software.
• Alternatively, it might be integrated directly into the video conferencing software as an optional feature or plugin.
• Another way, even more sophisticated and hard to detect is camera input, namely a virtual camera. Virtual camera intercepts the video feed from the physical camera of the faker. It then outputs the manipulated feed to the video conferencing software. The faker just picks the virtual camera as their camera input and voilà! (not funny, we know).

How to protect yourself against deepfakes?

Finally, to the most important part. How do you protect yourself against a deepfake, or at least get prepared to spot a fake boss making a sketchy request over video?

Privacy-first videoconferencing software is a key to safe meetings. Meet Nextcloud Talk, a powerful chatting and meeting platform that lets you regain control.

Learn more

Watch out for red flags

AI face swapping technology maybe advanced, but it’s not perfect. There are red flags you can spot, or at least learn to look out for when something seems off or unnatural:

• Unrealistic facial expressions or movements, including unnatural eye movements, inappropriate blinking, and/or weird lip sync.
• Inconsistencies in lighting and shadows that don’t match the surroundings.
• Unnatural head or body movements, as well as visible blurring or pixelation around the face or neck.
• Inconsistent quality in audio and video and mismatch between the picture and the sound.

Suspicious? Be proactive

There are methods to help you fish out the red flags that generally won’t make the conversation awkward if the person is in fact real.

First, there’s nothing more natural than a casual conversation. Engage in small talk: ask about their day, routine, questions about people you both know, etc. A complete stranger will struggle to be spontaneous and maintain the same personal connection. It’s also easier to catch one off guard when they lose a sense of control.

You can also use other video conferencing features: ask the person to share their screen and show you something related to your common tasks. This will be very difficult to replicate without access.

Finally, once they make a suspicious request, you have more freedom to be alert openly — politely ask them to confirm their identity by providing some exclusive information or send you a confirmation message via a different channel.

Set up a passphrase

One more way to ensure confidence when it comes to sensitive topics is setting up a password or passphrase. This is an easy way to confirm the identity of the people you know, both at work and between family members, and it is equally effective via voice, video and text communication.

Verify identity outside of the meeting

If a faker poses as a person you know well, chances are you have more than one communication channel to reach out with. Use email, a messenger or a personal phone number to contact them and raise a question — the reason is valid.

Don’t let them harvest your data

To replicate and manipulate a person’s voice or image, AI needs a massive amount of data. This data is often gathered beforehand, during online calls and meetings. Features like Recording Consent in Nextcloud Talk may help you protect yourself and others from such a data haul.

Use company software

It’s unlikely for your real boss to set up a meeting via a platform you never use for work. And if they do, they must have a good reason! Don’t be afraid to stand up to suspicious activity.

Using company software means better control over the data and compliance with privacy regulations. Even better — if you run it on-premises! Should an incident happen, the company IT team can run an audit to retrieve the relevant data and investigate.

Ensure secure access to your videoconferencing platform with settings like 2FA, strong passwords, data encryption, activity monitoring, and login restrictions. This applies to your personal settings and administrative controls.

Nextcloud Talk: video and chat with privacy in mind

Using a privacy-oriented, unified workspace with admin control in all apps makes sure your security protocols are in place to detect and prevent breaches. Nextcloud Hub provides a user friendly videoconferencing platform that keeps users happy to stay within company IT.

How Nextcloud Talk protects your data:

• AI-powered suspicious login detection
• Multi-layered encryption with end-to-end encrypted communication
• Brute-force protection
• Fully on-premises, 100% open source

Nextcloud is an open-source project backed by a strong community with proactive approach to vulnerability research and patching. It is designed to let you stay compliant with GDPR, CCPA, and the upcoming EU ePrivacy Regulation.

Get Nextcloud Hub

Download and install Nextcloud Hub here!

Get Hub

The post How to protect yourself against deepfake scams in video calls appeared first on Nextcloud.

In our final round of sponsor announcements for the Nextcloud Enterprise Day, we are delighted to highlight plusserver as one of our sponsors!

plusserver stands as a prime example of cloud innovation “Made in Germany.” In partnership with Nextcloud and HKN, they provide open-source workplace solutions that align with the strictest data protection standards, ensuring data security and autonomy.

Their most recent innovation, plusAI, is a dedicated platform for sovereign and secure AI, highlighting the importance of data sovereignty across their solutions. In cooperation with HKN, plusserver will be showcasing the advantages of their data sovereign cloud platform pluscloud open as a base for your Nextcloud installation and dive into the possibilities that future integrations and add ons will provide.

Circle April 24 in your calendar and register today to learn more about the innovation developed by plusserver and HKN at Nextcloud Enterprise Day.

About plusserver

plusserver is recognized for its commitment to data sovereignty and digital autonomy, establishing itself as a cornerstone in the German cloud services market. With a history rich in innovation and security, plusserver offers GDPR-compliant cloud solutions, offering customers complete control and security of their data. As a founding member of Gaia-X, which aims to create a secure and reliable data infrastructure for Europe, plusserver champions open-source technologies and digital sovereignty.

Their sponsorship of Nextcloud Enterprise Day reflects their dedication to fostering a secure, open, and self-reliant digital ecosystem, alongside sovereign workplace solutions.

About Nextcloud Enterprise Day

Nextcloud Enterprise Day brings together the leaders and decision makers in the enterprise IT landscape. For one day, it provides a platform to foster innovation, exchange experience, and present unique stories behind Nextcloud implementation in various industries.

The agenda encompasses exclusive talks and workshops. Topics include digital sovereignty, the future of AI in business, building a secure and resilient cloud infrastructure, and more.

The April 2024 edition comes to Munich, a city in the heart of Bavaria famous for it’s unique mix of urban ambition, modernity and historical legacy.

The post Enterprise Day 2024 sponsor announcement: plusserver appeared first on Nextcloud.

What’s new

The updates bring several fixes and performance improvements in all supported versions of Nextcloud Hub. Version 26 meets its end of life and will no longer receive the updates. The Nextcloud desktop client has also been updated to version 3.12.3, and we highly recommend updating to this version due to important bug fixes.

Find the full changelog on our website, or read the update summaries below.

Version 26.0.13

This is the final update before the end of life of version 26. The update involves a mixture of enhancements and fixes across various components. Notable enhancements include:

• Collaboration, MailPlugin: Protect access to a potentially missing array component by ??
• Docs(config.sample.php): Warn that updatedirectory will break updates if set to a value within the installation folder
• Feat(share): save date and time for expiration
• Fix: Avoid clear cache with prefix
• Fix(api): Ignore “parsed” link and icon URLs when deleting
• Fix(caldav): add EXDATE and EXRULE to confidential object
• Fix(config): Make sure user keys are strings
• Fix(mail): Use parsed action label in email notification
• Fix(settings): posix_getpwuid can return false which should not be accessed like an array
• Fix(UpdateNotifications): Handle numeric user IDs

Note: There will be no more releases of Nextcloud Hub 4 (26.x.x and older). Upgrade to Nextcloud Enterprise to continue to get security and stability updates or move to Nextcloud Hub 6 or Hub 7. Don’t forget that running web-facing software without regular updates is risky. Please stay up to date with Nextcloud releases of both the server and its apps, for the safety of your data! Customers can always count on our upgrade support if needed.

Version 27.1.8

Recent updates encompass various improvements and fixes across different modules. Key enhancements affecting security, data integrity, user experience and overall performance include:

• Add recursive detection/prevention
• Docs(config.sample.php): Warn that updatedirectory will break updates if set to a value within the installation folder
• Fix: Avoid race condition that may initialize a document twice on the clients
• Fix: No password set for new mail shares
• Use the proper path to check if a file needs to be copied/moved to the actual target storage
• Fix: Allow to disable multipart copy on external s3 storage
• Fix: Avoid clear cache with prefix
• Fix: Fetch custom app store URL without internet connection
• Fix: Don’t return null for SharedStorage::getWrapperStorage with share recursion
• Fix: Ensure nested mount points are handled in the correct order

Version 28.0.4

The update includes multiple enhancements. Among those, the following focus on fixing issues related to security, data integrity, and functionality, ensuring smooth operation and improved user experience:

• Add recursive detection/prevention
• Fix: Avoid clear cache with prefix
• Fix: Avoid race condition that may initialize a document twice on the clients
• Fix: Catch exception from LogIteratorFactory, throw a clean error when log_type is not file
• Fix: No password set for new mail shares
• Fix(admin role): fix old and wrong way to determine whether user is admin
• Fix(backend): Accept pushes with only step1 messages by read-only clients
• Fix(config): Make sure user keys are strings
• Fix(settings): posix_getpwuid can return false which should not be accessed like an array
• Fix(UpdateNotifications): Handle numeric user ids
• Fix(user_ldap): Early failure for empty password login attempt
• Fix(user_status): Fix status update request not being sent
• Improve files version listing
• Use the proper path to check if a file needs to be copied/moved to the actual target storage

Desktop client 3.12.3

Recent updates 3.12.1 and 3.12.3 include several important bug fixes to tackle issues reported by customers.

In version 3.12.1, there are multiple improvements in end-to-end encryption functionality and a fix to a data loss issue that affects the users when group folders and files are moved from one location to another. Find the full changelog on GitHub.

The biggest part of version 3.12.3 is improvements for Windows users with a crash issue fixed and a much faster contextual menu performance. The crash could happen depending on the user workflow with the Windows file manager and its Nextcloud client integration. It also includes an important fix for users of group folders. Find the full changelog on GitHub.

Always keep your server up to date!

Nextcloud’s minor releases primarily focus on addressing security vulnerabilities and functionality bugs, avoiding major system overhauls that could jeopardize user data. Keeping your server up to date is vital, and our approach to testing and validation ensures that upgrading to minor releases is generally smooth and reliable.

For mission-critical Nextcloud systems in enterprise settings, consider switching to Nextcloud Enterprise. The tier provides you with ultimate deployment confidence: direct access to the Nextcloud engineering team, full assistance throughout deployment and integration, and peace of mind for system administrators. If you’re responsible for maintaining Nextcloud in your setting, this option may be the ideal solution for you.

The post Latest updates for Hub 6 and 7, end of life for Hub 4 appeared first on Nextcloud.

We are excited to announce SpaceNet as a new sponsor of the Nextcloud Enterprise Day!

With a track record extending over three decades, SpaceNet is now a leading provider in Germany for today’s demand for private, sovereign infrastructure solutions. As a Nextcloud Gold Partner, SpaceNet delivers a comprehensive range of Nextcloud hosting solutions. These services meet many business demands, from highly standardized cloud services ready for immediate use, to customized installations uniquely tailored to individual client requirements.

Positioned in the heart of Munich, Germany, SpaceNet’s data centers are at the forefront of managed Nextcloud offerings. This strategic location not only aligns with the stringent European data protection standards but also reinforces the commitment to providing robust security, supreme efficiency, and complete control over your data.

The event is taking place in Munich, Germany, on April 24. Register for the Nextcloud Enterprise Day today to secure your spot!

About SpaceNet

SpaceNet is a Munich-based provider of managed services and data center solutions that prioritizes security and performance while strongly aligning with GDPR standards and principles. In acknowledgment of the distinct challenges each business faces, SpaceNet offers customized solutions tailored to the unique needs of their clients. SpaceNet has earned the trust of industry leaders such as MVV, Utopia.de, and Antenne Bayern, a testament to the commitment to excellence and innovation in IT solutions.

Providing secure hosting in Germany, SpaceNet contributes to the initiative to build a digitally sovereign European IT. A Gold Partner of Nextcloud, SpaceNet expands its offering with powerful capabilities of Nextcloud. Nextcloud is also a part of Zamadama, the self-service collaboration platform by SpaceNet. Managed Nextcloud is offered both as an immediately available standardised cloud solution and as a customised installation to fit individual requirements. 

About Nextcloud Enterprise Day

Nextcloud Enterprise Day brings together the leaders and decision makers in the enterprise IT landscape. For one day, it provides a platform to foster innovation, exchange experience, and present unique stories behind Nextcloud implementation in various industries.

The agenda encompasses exclusive talks and workshops. Topics include digital sovereignty, the future of AI in business, building a secure and resilient cloud infrastructure, and more.

The April 2024 edition comes to Munich, a city in the heart of Bavaria famous for it’s unique mix of urban ambition, modernity and historical legacy.

The post Enterprise Day 2024 sponsor announcement: SpaceNet  appeared first on Nextcloud.

We are excited to announce Bechtle as one of the Nextcloud Enterprise Day sponsors!

Bechtle is close to its customers and is one of the leading IT companies in Europe with IT e-commerce companies in 14 countries. Bechtle also has a global network of partners to meet the needs of global customers. Bechtle support our more than 70,000 customers from industry and trade, the public sector and the financial market in their digital transformation and offer a complete range of IT infrastructure and IT operations services across manufacturers.

Bechtle is strongly committed to enhancing digital sovereignty, speciality in the public market. They championing open-source solutions and strategically operate services within European data centers to ensure the highest standards of data protection. Active engagement in the public sector, marked by successful collaborations with federal and state authorities, showcases Bechtle’s understanding and capability to meet the unique IT requirements essential for governmental operations.

This collaboration underlines the strength of the partnership between Nextcloud and Bechtle. Both entities strive to deliver secure, compliant, and effective IT solutions across various sectors.

As a next milestone of our ambitions partnership, Bechtle and Nextcloud are launching a managed digitally sovereign platform based on Nextcloud. This means that all features of Nextcloud Hub can now be offered to public organizations as a managed cloud service, easy to implement and without tendering.

We invite you to join the conversation with the forward thinkers of the global IT. Save April 24 in your calendar and register today to secure your seat!

About Bechtle

Bechtle is a renowned German provider of IT services and solutions founded in 1983. It has since grown to become one of the largest IT service providers in Europe. The company serves a diverse base of customers businesses, government offices, and educational institutions. Bechtle’s portfolio of services includes IT consulting, software and hardware procurement, system integration, and managed services.

Bechtle is a leading ambassador for digital sovereignty. For many years, the company has been promoting technological independence as an fundamental part of the digitalization strategy. Bechtle have supported multiple organizations on their path towards digital sovereignty with a vendor-neutral portfolio of solutions and consulting services, as well as a European cybersecurity stack.

Bechtle is a company with an impressive history and a prominent position on the European and global IT landscape. We are fascinated to welcome Bechtle as an Enterprise Day supporter.

About Nextcloud Enterprise Day

Nextcloud Enterprise Day brings together the leaders and decision makers in the enterprise IT landscape. For one day, it provides a platform to foster innovation, exchange experience, and present unique cases of Nextcloud implementation.

The agenda encompasses exclusive talks and workshops. Topics include digital sovereignty, the future of AI in business, building a secure and resilient cloud infrastructure, and more. A highlight of the upcoming event is a presentation of the next big Nextcloud Hub update.

The April 2024 edition comes to Munich. It is a city in the heart of Bavaria famous for it’s unique mix of urban ambition, modernity and historical legacy.

The post Enterprise Day 2024 sponsor announcement: Bechtle appeared first on Nextcloud.

We are happy to welcome back IONOS as a sponsor for the upcoming Nextcloud Enterprise Day 2024, continuing our longstanding partnership.

IONOS’s global presence and commitment to data sovereignty, data privacy and data protection align perfectly with our mission, enhancing our combined efforts to provide secure, transparent, and open-standard solutions.

As a key player in global digitalization, IONOS’s collaboration with Nextcloud has been instrumental in advancing security and data sovereignty, reflecting our shared dedication to improving business practices worldwide.

The event is taking place in Munich, Germany, on April 24. Register for the Nextcloud Enterprise Day today to secure your spot!

About IONOS

IONOS is the leading European digitalisation partner for small and medium-sized businesses. The company serves over six million customers and has a presence in 18 markets across Europe and North America, with its services being accessible worldwide. Its web presence and productivity portfolio caters to all digitalisation needs, providing domains, web hosting and website builders with AI capabilities, as well as eCommerce and online marketing tools. The company also offers cloud solutions for businesses looking to move their operations to the cloud as they expand and develop.

The partnership between IONOS and Nextcloud is marked by a mutual commitment to enhance security, transparency, and data sovereignty. Rooted in shared goals, this collaboration leverages open standards and open-source software. It emphasizes customer rights to scrutinize code, address security gaps, and tailor solutions. Both entities actively promote the pivotal concept of data sovereignty, helping organizations regain control over their data and ensure legal security for users in the face of challenges such as the US CLOUD Act.

About Nextcloud Enterprise Day

Nextcloud Enterprise Day brings together the leaders and decision makers in the enterprise IT landscape. For one day, it provides a platform to foster innovation, exchange experience, and present unique stories behind Nextcloud implementation in various industries.

The agenda encompasses exclusive talks and workshops. Topics include digital sovereignty, the future of AI in business, building a secure and resilient cloud infrastructure, and more.

The April 2024 edition comes to Munich, a city in the heart of Bavaria famous for it’s unique mix of urban ambition, modernity and historical legacy.

The post Enterprise Day 2024 sponsor announcement: IONOS  appeared first on Nextcloud.

The post Sendent : Un add-on Outlook pour protéger vos données appeared first on Nextcloud.

What’s new

The updates bring several important bug fixes and performance improvements in all supported versions of Nextcloud Hub. The Nextcloud desktop client has also been updated to version 3.12.0. Find the full changelog on our website, or read the update summaries below.

Version 26.0.12

In this update, several critical improvements have been made to enhance the system’s performance and security. The fixes tackle issues with partial cache entry in Files, auto-logout loop, brute-force protection for the federation endpoint, requests without read permission, and share status in WebDAV. These updates collectively contribute to a more robust and efficient user experience. Additionally, we handled issues with buffer chunked requests, storage background scanning, integer generation errors, preview generation, synchronization, file versioning. The capability for listing the root directory when using a case-insensitive option in SMB was also introduced.

Version 27.1.7

Several improvements and fixes have been implemented to enhance the overall functionality and security of the system. Noteworthy changes include logging when crypto session data is lost for better tracking and troubleshooting. Additionally, there are fixes in migration processes, checkbox functionality, auto-logout loop, brute-force protection for the federation endpoint, WebDAV, error handling, and a PHP codebase update. Other fixes include work on handling admin defaults in sharing, preview generation issues, video verification, errors in nextcloud/files, and storage background scanning.

Version 28.0.3

In the latest update, several enhancements and bug fixes have been introduced to ensure a smoother and more secure user experience. Notably, issues such as successful authentication detection in Kerberos tests and the slow logout problem on Chrome-like browsers have been addressed. There are fixes made in user status feature, disabling of SSL checks for JavaScript modules, visual enhancements for icons, PHP codebase update, webdav default header fix, and various performance improvements and bug fixes, ranging from quota warnings to cache issues in WebDAV.

Additionally, the release addresses buffer chunked requests, handling admin defaults in sharing, storage background scanning, URL pulse decoding, Photos picker, fixes related to file handling, and security enhancements including bruteforce protection to email endpoints.

Desktop client 3.12.0

Nextcloud desktop client update 3.12.0 includes several bug fixes and feature additions such as client status reporting and file-locking enhancements. Additionally, we made updates to workflows and dependency bumps, and ran a code cleanup.

Highlights of the version include client error reports in the server-like conflicts (data is available in the admin dashboard) and a restriction on moving the folders mounted in the external storage.

Find the full changelog on GitHub.

Make the most of Nextcloud with Hub 7

Nextcloud Hub 7 is the latest version of Hub. It brings even more synchronicity and comfort, introducing global features like Unified Search and cross-app out-of-office functionality, UX improvements and much more. What’s new:

• Unified Search to find anything, anywhere.
• Global Out-of-Office message in Mail, Calendar, and Talk.
• Phone dial-out, recording consent in Talk.
• iOS Live Photos, EXIF metadata support in Photos.
• Annotating and saving PDFs.
• Improved tag management and tag colors in Mail.
• Marking Deck cards as completed.
• New AI models for integration
• And more!

Get Nextcloud Hub 7

Download and install Nextcloud Hub 7 here!

Get Hub 7

Always keep your server up to date!

Nextcloud’s minor releases primarily focus on addressing security vulnerabilities and functionality bugs, avoiding major system overhauls that could jeopardize user data. Keeping your server up to date is vital, and our approach to testing and validation ensures that upgrading to minor releases is generally smooth and reliable.

For mission-critical Nextcloud systems in enterprise settings, consider switching to Nextcloud Enterprise. The tier provides you with ultimate deployment confidence: direct access to the Nextcloud engineering team, full assistance throughout deployment and integration, and peace of mind for system administrators. If you’re responsible for maintaining Nextcloud in your setting, this option may be the ideal solution for you.

The post February maintenance updates for Hub 4, 6 and 7 are here appeared first on Nextcloud.

Welcome the first sponsor of Nextcloud Enterprise Day 2024 — OVHcloud. By becoming a supporter of the Enterprise Day, OVHcloud reinforces its position as a provider that values privacy, security, and open-source standards, offering solutions that empower organizations to maintain control over their data while leveraging the benefits of cloud technology.

The 2024 edition of Enterprise Day takes place on April 24 in Munich, Germany. Register today at a limited special rate.

About OVHcloud

OVHcloud, a global cloud provider, offers scalable and flexible web hosting, server, private and public cloud solutions for businesses, developers, and individuals. With a commitment to data autonomy and transparency, OVHcloud enables efficient IT infrastructure management while advocating for privacy and innovation.

OVHcloud’s dedication to digital sovereignty reflects in their approach to data protection and privacy. They ensure that the infrastructure and services comply with local and international data regulations, which is crucial for clients concerned with data jurisdiction and sovereignty, especially in sectors like public services and healthcare.

We are honored to have OVHcloud as a returning sponsor of the Nextcloud Enterprise Day.

About Nextcloud Enterprise Day

Nextcloud Enterprise Day brings together the leaders and decision makers in the enterprise IT landscape. For one day, it provides a platform to foster innovation, exchange experience, and present unique stories behind Nextcloud implementation in various industries.

The agenda encompasses exclusive talks and workshops. Topics include digital sovereignty, the future of AI in business, building a secure and resilient cloud infrastructure, and more.

The April 2024 edition comes to Munich, a city in the heart of Bavaria famous for it’s unique mix of urban ambition, modernity and historical legacy.

The post Enterprise Day 2024 sponsor announcement: OVHcloud appeared first on Nextcloud.

About Sendent for Outlook

Sendent offers a host of powerful solutions for Outlook users, allowing them to easily integrate Nextcloud into their workflow for secure and easy sharing of any files with Nextcloud links. Thanks to the user-friendly setup, administrators and users can get started with Sendent for Outlook in just a few clicks, avoiding any learning and training. That makes the add-in a handy addition for teams leveraging multi-app environments.

Sendent for Outlook works with Microsoft Outlook 2013, 2016 and 365 for Windows, Outlook for Mac, and Outlook for the Web.

With this Outlook add-in, you can:

• Convert email attachments into Nextcloud links for easy sharing.
• Insert upload links directly into emails, enabling recipients to upload files with ease.
• Add passwords and expiration dates to links for added security, with the option of customizing password and expiration settings.
• Configure the add-in to automatically upload attachments over a certain size, streamlining the sharing process.
• Use the easy file selection dialog to insert links to files stored on their Nextcloud account.
• Save valuable storage space on email servers by reducing the need to store large amounts of attachments in multiple email boxes.

Secure email attachments with Sendent

Apply custom security measures

System administrators can customize the add-in’s rules to meet their specific needs, including triggers on a specific attachment size to automatically upload attachments, adjust email templates, and maintain compliance with retention policies. By utilizing these features, businesses can maintain complete control over their data and keep it safe from potential threats.

Keep costs in control

The add-in also helps IT departments save valuable storage space on email servers. By reducing the need to store large amounts of attachments in multiple email boxes, the add-in decreases network traffic and frees up server resources, leading to improved performance and efficiency.

How secure is Sendent for Outlook?

We are committed to keeping your data protected while allowing you to share files with ease. When it comes to data sharing, privacy-conscious organizations require privacy-centered solutions.

The Outlook add-in offers various ways to enhance the security of your data:

• Secure file sharing: You can exchange data with clients and partners without compromising your security. Create a Public Share to allow collaborators to upload files and folders to your secure server.
• Password protection for your emails: You can set Sendent to generate a unique strong password every time you share data through Microsoft Outlook. The stronger the passwords you use, the harder it is for hackers to crack them and gain access to your data.
• Expiration dates for file access: When you’re working with people outside of your organization, you might want to limit their access to your server when your projects are complete. Control access to your data by putting an expiration date on all your shared files and links.
• Withdrawing shared files: Accidentally sent a sensitive file to the wrong person? With Sendent, you can withdraw the data straight from Outlook to keep it secure.
• Activity Tracker: If you host a lot of important files on your private server, you want to know who else has their hands on your data. You can check the Activity Tracker to verify if the file has already been accessed.

Feature highlights: Secure Mail and Guest Accounts

Secure Mail for guaranteed compliance

Elevate your email security with Sendent’s Secure Mail feature specifically designed for data-sensitive industries like banking, law, and healthcare.

Secure Mail allows users to protect their email content from interception by uploading the email and its attachments to their Nextcloud instance. No sensitive content is shared via the mail server. Additionally, they can password-protect the link for added security.

Guest Accounts for private sharing

With Guest Accounts, you can create a secure and private account for anyone who needs access to your data on a frequent base. This could be a client, a vendor, or a partner who requires access to specific files or emails. The recipient will receive an email invitation with a link to your Nextcloud instance where they can access the secure guest account that contains all earlier shared correspondence.

Guest accounts can be customized to suit your specific needs. You can set permissions for each guest account, allowing you to control what files and folders they can access. This ensures that sensitive information remains confidential and that you have complete control over who can view and download your data.

Secure your mail with Sendent

Sharing and storing files via email can be a risky business, but with Sendent for Outlook, you can streamline your workflow and reduce the IT headaches caused by risky email attachments. By using Nextcloud to store and share files securely, companies can enforce data availability, retention, and safety policies to ensure that sensitive information remains protected.

Why use Sendent Outlook add-in:

• Boost productivity with a user-friendly interface
• Enjoy a fully integrated solution with key Nextcloud settings
• Benefit from centralized control for administrators
• Protect your email content and attachments with Secure Mail
• Customize email templates to your liking
• Implement easily and quickly for customers, employees, and IT departments

Make collaboration easier within your organization by implementing Sendent for Outlook. Reach out to our sales team to learn more about this Outlook integration and get the app.

Available plans

	Free	Standard	Plus
Available for Outlook for Windows (VSTO add-in)
Available for Outlook for Windows, macOS, and Web (web add-in)
Share large files and create Public Shares
Nextcloud Talk integration*
Withdraw shared files
Activate triggers to automatically activate Sendent
Activity Tracker
Default Sendent branding
Custom branding and theming
Custom email templates
Advanced UI branding*
Send passwords separately
Secure Mail
Create and connect files to Guest Accounts

*Currently available for VSTO add-in only.

Sendent for Outlook is available for business and private use. Businesses can directly contact our Nextcloud sales team to test Sendent for Outlook.

The post Sendent: An Outlook add-in to protect your data appeared first on Nextcloud.

Successful teamwork is built upon collaboration efficiency, and Sendent app for MS Teams integration is here to revolutionize your collaborative workflow. The new add-in integrates Nextcloud with Microsoft Teams, allowing users to effortlessly share files and folders stored on their private Nextcloud server directly from the Teams user interface.

Seamless File Sharing

Gone are the days of switching between different platforms. With Sendent for MS Teams, you can share files or folders stored in your secure Nextcloud server: important documents, presentations, spreadsheets, images or any other items.

Boosted Productivity

By leveraging the combination of Nextcloud and Teams, Sendent for MS Teams connects a secure file storage with a familiar environment without a learning curve. Users stay within Teams interface to access, share, and collaborate on Nextcloud files, avoiding cross-app distraction.

Private file storage for Teams with full control over your data

With Nextcloud Hub, your data is kept private on-premises or in the trusted cloud of your choice while you are working in Teams. It lets you stay in control with a self-hosted storage when Microsoft cloud environment is your preferred way to collaborate.

Why choose Nextcloud for secure file sharing?

• Integrated, all-in-one collaboration platform
• Unlimited storage and any number and type of user directories
• GDPR-certified, on-premises solution that puts you in control
• Modular, highly customizable bundle with open API
• Hundreds of ready apps for your ecosystem

Empower your team with the Sendent for MS Teams app

Sendent for MS Teams is available for Windows, Mac, Web, iOS, and Android. Contact sales to learn more about the integration and request a free trial of the MS Teams integration app by Sendent.

The post Sendent for MS Teams: Integrating Nextcloud and Microsoft Teams appeared first on Nextcloud.

Update summary

We updated Nextcloud server, focusing on several key performance improvements, bug fixes, and security enhancements. Find a brief overview of the updates below and access the full changelog for each version on our website.

New in version 26.0.11

The version brings several updates, including fixes for a semaphore issue, enabling multiple organizers support, and ensuring proper Certificate Revocation List (CRL) updates. LDAP group formatting, shared lock TTL restoration, and improved performance in token login have been addressed.

Throttling mechanisms for restore processes and enhanced error handling for Exif metadata read errors are implemented. Furthermore, user timezone parsing for share expiration and subscription key validation for improved security are now part of the updated features.

New in version 27.1.6

Version 27.1.6 includes the enhancement of the Psalm configuration for improved static code analysis. A language-related issue affecting grammatical accuracy has been addressed in the Internationalization module. Fixes include preventing floating-point value truncation in Quota settings for non-English locales and optimizing Calendar Query Handling in the CalDAV module for increased efficiency.

Accessibility and user experience have been improved by ensuring sufficient contrast for app menu entries and dashboard welcome messages, as well as resolving issues with the reference picker in the Files module. Security measures include preventing writing .htaccess files on read-only file systems and introducing a Two-Factor Authentication Bypass in the AppAPI under specific conditions.

Additionally, service worker issues in the Files module have been addressed to enhance performance, and changes have been made to reduce memory consumption during scans.

New in version 28.0.2

The Hub 7 update includes enhancements like replacing input fields with password fields and adding password error messages, adjusting theming utilities for better color contrast, and adding a setup check for maintenance_window_start configuration. Various bug fixes address issues such as dragging previews in the Files module, handling calendar notifications, and fixing user status errors. Additionally, the release focuses on accessibility improvements, security updates, and performance enhancements.

Security measures and and dependency updates

In all maintenance releases, security measures have been implemented to prevent writing .htaccess files on read-only file systems, and additional configurations have been marked as sensitive. We also limited the validity of the authorization codes in Nextclud to 10 minutes.

The updates also cover dependency changes across various modules like activity, firstrunwizard, logreader, notifications, and more.

Desktop client 3.11.1

Version 3.11.1 of the desktop client includes several bug fixes and performance updates, such as interface improvements, various file management issue fixes, missing translations for AppImage, spelling improvement in end-to-end encryption messages, and more.

You can find the full changelog on GitHub to access the details of this update and the previous minor and major versions. To browse system reqirements for the latest version, refer to our client manual.

Upgrade to Hub 7

Nextcloud Hub 7 is our most integrated platform so far, bringing global features such as Unified Search and cross-app out-of-office functionality. New features include:

• Unified Search to find anything, anywhere.
• Global Out-of-Office message in Mail, Calendar, and Talk.
• Phone dial-out, recording consent in Talk.
• iOS Live Photos, EXIF metadata support in Photos.
• Annotating and saving PDFs.
• Improved tag management and tag colors in Mail.
• Marking Deck cards as completed.
• New AI models for integration
• And more!

Get Nextcloud Hub 7

Download and install Nextcloud Hub 7 here!

Get Hub 7

Keep your server up to date!

Nextcloud’s minor releases primarily focus on addressing security vulnerabilities and functionality bugs, avoiding major system overhauls that could jeopardize user data. Keeping your server up to date is vital, and our approach to testing and validation ensures that upgrading to minor releases is generally smooth and reliable.

For mission-critical Nextcloud systems in enterprise settings, consider switching to Nextcloud Enterprise. The tier provides you with ultimate deployment confidence: direct access to the Nextcloud engineering team, full assistance throughout deployment and integration, and peace of mind for system administrators. If you’re responsible for maintaining Nextcloud in your setting, this option may be the ideal solution for you.

The post Maintenance updates ready for Hub 4, 6 and 7 appeared first on Nextcloud.

Here at Nextcloud we love reasons to celebrate data privacy, to continue exploring and improving our privacy goals. Respecting privacy is a deep aspect of our company and community culture, our shared mission, and a concept we interact with daily. With Data Privacy Week in full swing, we’re excited to be part of the conversation — and part of the solution — in regaining and maintaining privacy of your personal and corporate data.

We encourage you this week to be introspective, to re-evaluate your current privacy landscape, and to explore steps you can take to regain aspects of your data privacy. And in case you’re already a privacy advocate, we encourage you to help guide others to a more private digital lifestyle!

Who owns your…

If you’ve met us at conferences and corporate events around the world, you may have seen our swag with memorable nudging queries:

We encourage you to ask yourself regularly: Where is your contact book stored, and who has access to that data? What about your calendar, or your email? Medical data? Your location?

And with everyday technology’s every-evolving pace, we can also begin to ask: Who owns your AI prompts? Your intellectual property and corporate secrets? What of your home surveillance videos? Your Bitcoin wallet?

Recommended everywhere

We’re proud that together with our open source community we’ve built the industry’s leading privacy-respecting online collaboration platform as recommended everywhere. PrivacyTools.io highlights Nextcloud in their list of “Top 10 Privacy Tools” and “Best Encrypted Cloud Storage in 2024“. PrivacyGuides.org features Nextcloud at the top of many categories from Productivity Tools and Collaboration Platforms, to File Sync.

Think Dropbox, Google Drive, or iCloud, except that you have complete control over where and how your files are stored.

ProPrivacy’s review of Nextcloud

Read review

Most trustworthy cloud storage… With Nextcloud, you, of course, decide where to keep your data.

ZDNET’s Best Cloud Services of 2024

Read more

Nextcloud’s many privacy solutions

Nextcloud Hub, our collection of tools all under one unified platform, offers many solutions to help you secure your private data.

• Nextcloud Photos — backup, store, and enjoy your photos, privately.
• Nextcloud Notes — secure, mobile note-taking in your back pocket.
• Passwords Managers for Nextcloud — keep your accounts safe with better password strategies.
• Nextcloud Talk — private chat and video conversations for family, friends, and the office.

Local, private Artificial Intelligence

Several types of AI integrations are also available throughout Nextcloud Hub, from completely self-hosted options to integrations with external services. For a fully private AI experience, all self-hosted AI features in Nextcloud are built-in and run completely on your server, meaning none of your data leaves your premises and you’re in full control. We encourage you to read more about our Ethical AI Rating system, our dedication to transparency, and the various AI-assisted features available to you:

• AI in Nextcloud: what, why and how
• Meet the Nextcloud AI Assistant

Open Source: non-private code by design

When it comes to assuring privacy and security concepts are upheld in our software, we actually prefer to share our development in the open; transparent for all to see, inspect, share and participate in. Following open source development practices is deeply embedded in our identity, building trust in both the people and the code that goes into Nextcloud.

Curious? Explore what thousands of contributors create together on our GitHub!

Where to start?

While we firmly believe your data privacy is equally important every week of the year, we hope this Data Privacy Week encourages you to consider your current practices, and where you can take action to improve your data privacy. There’s plenty of opportunity to make improvements, collaborate with others, and to have fun along the way. We hope, too, that our excitement to make Nextcloud a central part of your data privacy toolkit helps make your journey that much more successful.

We all deserve privacy — after all, it has been declared a UN Human Right. Our goal is that together we can help make private-by-default the standard in all our technological endeavors.

Streamline your move to Nextcloud with our migration tools

We’ve created a number of migration tools to help you easily transition from platforms like Google, Microsoft, and more. With just a few clicks, you can move your documents, photos, chat logs, and calendar items into Nextcloud — a platform trusted by millions of users worldwide.

We currently offer migration tools for Google, Dropbox, OneDrive, and ownCloud to help you create a smooth transition, whether you’re a family or an enterprise.

We look forward to joining you on your data privacy journey! We also encourage you to discuss your data privacy with your family, friends, colleagues and those who care for your data.

The post Data Privacy Week: Who owns your data? appeared first on Nextcloud.

The Nextcloud Exchange Connector offers a powerful solution that seamlessly integrates Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft 365 with Nextcloud, boosting cross-platform connectivity. Discover how this connector simplifies collaboration and empowers teams to work together with greater efficiency.

Why integrate Exchange with Nextcloud

How can the Exchange connector enhance collaboration?

Automated contact sync

Sync personal agendas and contacts bidirectionally with open standards like CardDav and CalDav. No need for manual copying and pasting: the connector seamlessly syncs Outlook and Nextcloud Hub, while contact files are shared directly between Nextcloud Hub and Outlook.

Convenient meeting planning

Create meetings in Outlook and see them instantly reflected in your Nextcloud calendar, and vice versa. Experience a seamless journey: sync meetings with the Exchange Connector, then join them instantly with Talk, all within Nextcloud.

A privacy-first alternative to the Office experience

When you integrate Nextcloud Hub with Microsoft Exchange or Microsoft 365, you leverage all advantages of Nextcloud while using familiar Microsoft tools and workflows:

• Integrated, all-in-one collaboration platform
• Unlimited storage and any number and type of user directories
• GDPR-certified, on-premises solution that puts you in control
• Modular, highly customizable bundle with open API
• Hundreds of ready apps for your ecosystem

Experience the Nextcloud Exchange connector

Nextcloud Exchange Connector is part of the Ultimate package of Nextcloud Enterprise. Contact Nextcloud sales team to learn more and request a free trial.

The post Streamline collaboration with the Nextcloud Exchange connector appeared first on Nextcloud.

This April, Nextcloud Enterprise Day returns to Munich! We once again bring together industry professionals and key players in the field of IT to foster networking, share knowledge, showcase use cases, and discuss the latest advancements in technology around Nextcloud.

Following the success of the previous edition, we are aiming to enrich the agenda with new exciting topics around Nextcloud development and implementation, and dive deeper into the Nextcloud stories — brought by organizations across various sectors of economy. Tickets are available for booking starting with an exclusive Super Early Bird rate.

Why join Enterprise Day

Nextcloud Enteprise Day is not just another networking meetup — it is a means to learn from the successful setups, exchange your experience, and have a chat with the minds behind our collaboration platform along likeminded industry professionals.

The Enterprise day experience includes:

• Exclusive roadmap insights and the presentation of the upcoming major update — Nextcloud Hub 8.
• A deep dive into the newest features and enhancements to supercharge your instance.
• AI in Nextcloud: in-demand developments and the latest features to augment your platform
• Real-life case studies presented by the very users of Nextcloud across industries and business formats.
• Exploring the strategies to optimize your platform for peak performance at the table with Nextcloud senior management.
• Cozy networking with peers, industry leaders, and experts to expand your circle and foster collaborations.
• Exclusive Q&A and meetup with Nextcloud’s leadership.

Welcome to Munich

The event will be held at the spectacular Marriott München hotel, in the heart of Bavaria – Munich. Germany’s third-largest metropolis, it is one of the Europe’s true gems that blends tradition and modernity and offers vibrant cultural scene.

Program highlights

Nextcloud Enterprise day will take on Wednesday, April 24 2024. The main program stretches from 8:00 until 17:00 CET with regular refreshment breaks and continues into the informal get-together for the evening. The rough schedule below is going to be updated live on the Enterprise Day page.

The post Nextcloud Enterprise Day April 2024: secure your seat! appeared first on Nextcloud.

Scaling file sync and share architectures from thousands to tens of thousands all the way to millions of users is a difficult task. Along the way, the dynamics of cost and performance change. Storage systems, database performance and data locality drain budget in different ways and at different scales.

Nextcloud Global Scale offers an architecture that lets you host a 9-figure number of users with minimal latency, locality of data and dramatically reduced costs. Working on independent yet interconnected nodes, it is designed to provide a seamless federated user experience.

Limitations of standard architecture

Nextcloud is easily scalable with standard LAMP stack horizontal scaling technologies. However, on installations that service between tens and hundreds of thousands of users, some components eventually become bottlenecks that limit further scalability. In particular, large storage and database systems become exponentially expensive.

Moreover, for compliance or performance reasons, there might be a desire to keep data in specific locations or closer to users.

Scale more, pay less

Nextcloud Global Scale is aimed at tackling the limitations posed by the standard architecture. There are no central database, storage or caching instances, while the nodes are located independently and don’t require fast connection between one another.

Free from the bottlenecks of the database and the file system, Global Scale delivers ultimately scalable and cost-efficient architecture:

• Housing hundreds of millions of users and their files
• Commodity hardware instead of expensive petabyte servers
• Low maintenance costs
• No significant license costs besides Nextcloud Enterprise
• Local data under local jurisdiction
• Ability to isolate assets between locations within a single instance
• Easy further scalability

How it works

Achieving these goals is possible through reducing complexity and enabling administrators to fully control data location. Global Scale relies on a lightweight, stable architecture governed by Global Site Selector, Lookup Server and Balancer.

Independent, resilient nodes

Nodes consist of two or more machines and act as independent logical Nextcloud instances. The machines share a cluster file system, a database and a common cache guarantee availability of the node should the downtime occur on one of the machines.

Single login point

Global Site Selector serves as a primary login instance for all global users. It redirects login to the node in the shortest proximity to user’s physical location, and all the following calls are performed within this node.

Automated user migration

Lookup Server keeps track of user’s physical location and stores additional policy data such as storage/quota settings, speed class, reliability class, etc. It also fetches and keeps track of Federated Sharing IDs.

High stability

Balancer operates as a dedicated machine, overseeing the storage usage, CPU and RAM loads, network usage, and uptime of every node. It has the capability to designate nodes as either online or offline and can trigger the relocation of user accounts to alternative nodes.

Global Scale in use

Global Scale is ready to host vast user infrastructures working with petabytes of data across continents. Leading telecom companies like AMX Contenido (Claro) and large research networks like RENATER deploy and test Global Scale to provide users with limitless federated collaboration.

Our mission at RENATER is enabling seamless collaboration between over a thousand research and education institutions in France in order to protect the security and confidentiality of data. We study and experiment deeply Nextcloud Global Scale for its highly scalability capacities and its reliability that fit the needs of our project.

Alexandre Salvat

Drive Project Manager – Pôle Projets Transverses et Innovation (P2TI)Read the story

Global Scale delivers autonomy with a single point of login that doesn’t require central user management. This lifts a major workload for the decentralized providers – clients stay in control of their users and data independently from the service administration.

For continuously growing setups scalability is not limited: you can double, triple, and indefinitely scale the instance with more servers while delivering the same performance and connectivity in every location.

The post Nextcloud Global Scale: local data and limitless scalability at commodity cost appeared first on Nextcloud.

Why sharing files securely is important

Online sharing security is a topic brought up often enough, yet the majority of people just don’t want to delve too much into the technicalities of how to share files securely. Others seem to be always on guard but inevitably miss one or two important safeguards.

Sharing files without privacy risks considered can lead to a variety of issues, exposing individuals and organizations to potential threats. Here are only some of the common problems faced when you don’t share files securely:

• Unauthorized access
• Sensitive data interception and leaks
• Malware distribution
• Compliance violations
• Phishing risks
• Data corruption and loss

What we know for sure is that both companies and individuals absolutely need to know the basics of secure file sharing. And while it may seem like too much to handle to an average user, in fact all the instruments are there for you. Let’s explore!

1. Choose a secure file storage

Protecting your file storage is basic file security 101. We know it sounds very general, so what are the the most important things to start with? Here are the storage protection basics to keep in mind.

A secure storage that doesn’t spy on your data is a fundamental choice. No sophisticated security features are worth your while when you are using unsafe services to store and share your documents. Moving away from Big Tech providers like Google and Microsoft already puts you on the right track.

Security by design in Nextcloud Hub

Nexctloud Hub is secure by design, allowing you to host your data locally or in the trusted cloud. Flexible sharing options help control access not only to the files in your storage, but to many other items including Deck boards, Collectives, and more.

Enterprise-class authentication security in Hub provides features like 2FA, SSO, SAML 2.0, support for LDAP/Active Directory, and reliable backup options including peer-to-peer backup for private users with Nextcloud Backup app.

Try it now

2. Use temporary links

Temporary links are a magic tool that helps you get a better file security without much effort. Not only they limit access time for the target user when there’s no other way to revoke access, they also help minimize the opportunity window for others. This is particularly useful in scenarios where you need to share a file temporarily for a specific purpose or event.

Be mindful of the link’s expiration date, and choose a secure and reputable file-sharing service. It still needs to employ additional security measures. For example, encryption in transit and at rest to ensure comprehensive protection of shared files.

External link sharing in Nextcloud

In Nextcloud, you can share file and folder links securely with optional expiration dates. If your link starts going around, you can rest assured it is not for long. There’s also no need to worry about mitigating forgotten shares. Instead of relying on individuals to revoke access after a certain point, the link automatically becomes inactive.

3. Restrict file reusing

Sometimes you need to share content in full but want to make sure it is not reused inappropriately: downloaded, printed, copied, etc. There are additional measures that help prevent these actions.

Apply watermarks

Whatermarks help protect document content when users have full access to the file. When printed, for example, such documents will contain additional info about the author to protect your rights. A watermark can be customized and typically includes author’s name, creation date and other essential information. Most office suites support watermarking.

Restrict downloads

Some sharing options may include download restriction – the users can access your file online but cannot download it to their device to reuse, send to other users via unauthorized channels or upload somewhere on the web.

File restrictions in Nextcloud

In Nextcloud Hub, you can use watermarks and hide the download option from other users. Besides, you can add extra permission levels that forbid certain actions like editing and deleting. External link sharing is managed centrally in the link settings, and can be evoked any time you wish.

4. Share files via safe channels

Secure storage and file protection are vital, but sharing your file passwords via private messages brings it all into jeopardy. Channels we mostly use for sharing our files or links are messengers and email apps which are not always secure. How to pick the right one?

Make sure service provides encryption

If sharing files via email, consider using secure email services like ProtonMail or Tutanota. Those offer end-to-end encryption for emails and attachments. Use messaging apps that offer end-to-end encryption, such as Signal or WhatsApp. These apps ensure that only the intended recipient can decrypt and access the shared files. Nextcloud Hub integrates both online mail client and Talk chat, providing an all-in-one secure communication platform that works naturally with your file exchange.

Use VPN

If sharing files over a network, use a VPN to encrypt the connection and protect the data from potential eavesdropping. When you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, your data is vulnerable to interception by malicious actors on the same network. A VPN encrypts your data, making it significantly more challenging for hackers to eavesdrop on your chat conversations or any other sensitive information.

Move to a secure collaboration platform

Use secure collaboration platforms that provide end-to-end encryption and other security features. All-in-one platforms like Nextclud Hub incorporate a whole ecosystem of tools including mail and messaging. Moreover, sharing your files within the same perimeter is the most secure you can get. Even better — you host locally and fully own your data.

5. Share sensitive files securely with passwords

Password protection is available in most of the modern office suites, both online and offline. Some storage apps have password protection functionality too. While not entirely convenient, this feature is very safe and therefore suitable when you need ultimate security.

What happens when you protect a document with a password? The content of the document is encrypted using a cryptographic algorithm. This means that the actual text, images, and other data within the document are scrambled or transformed into a format that is not readable without the correct decryption key. This lets you share files securely even via common channels.

Password-protected documents are usually universally accessible across apps. A file with a password set in one software can be opened in another app that supports work with passwords. Some apps even allow protecting certain actions like editing or commenting with password while document’s content remains generally available.

Password protection in Nextcloud Office

Nextcloud Office also allows you to protect links with passwords to make sure only the authorized users have access to the shared file even if the file link becomes available to the public. This is also a way to protect individual files when you are sharing the folder publicly. Link protection is more convenient than file encryption: there’s no risk of forgetting your own password since you don’t need it.

File passwords are also supported in Office, in case you need to work with more sensitive data. Those files can be opened in other software that supports password protection, making files easy to share with anyone outside of Hub.

6. Use end-to-end encryption to share confidential files securely

In simple words, end-to-end encryption is when the data is encrypted on one device and then decrypted on another, with those devices being the two “ends”. Files encrypted end-to-end are stored and transferred in a secure, encrypted form before a user with authorized access needs to open a file to work on it. It often involves encrypting a file with a password, but sometimes the entire storage or some of its folders can be encrypted for ultimate protection.

Encrypted file sharing in Nextcloud

The Nextcloud desktop client offers client-side end-to-end encryption as a folder-level feature. This option enhances the security of highly sensitive data, ensuring its complete protection even in the event of a server breach.

File Drop: secure enterprise file exchange

The File Drop functionality in Nextcloud allows customers, patients, clients, or partners to securely upload files to a designated cloud folder that you have shared with them via a hyperlink. Data remains, at all times, on-premise, under full authority of IT. File Drop also features temporary link creation, encryption at rest and in transit, and file password protection.

Secure file sharing with Nextcloud Hub

Nextcloud Hub is one of the most safe collaboration platforms thanks to our dedication to privacy. And it’s not only about file sharing. Every app we build and add to our ecosystem has privacy in mind — Mail, Talk, Calendar, Notes, Files, and more — working together in ultimate synergy to deliver first-class collaboration for individuals and enterprises.

And most importantly, Nextcloud Hub is free and limitless for both private users and companies. Opt for the Enterprise version to get 24/7 dedicated support and stable performance guarantee when you maintain a mission-critical deployment.

File synchronization and sharing with Nextcloud is available on mobile platforms and in desktop environments, delivering even higher privacy level and ultimate comfort.

The post How to share files securely without risking privacy appeared first on Nextcloud.