Key takeaways
- Hybrid architectures now define most enterprise file-transfer environments, combining on-prem systems with cloud applications and remote users
- Firewalls, identity management, logging consistency and encryption standards are the biggest challenges when securing hybrid file workflows
- A well-designed hybrid managed file transfer (MFT) strategy requires unified authentication, consistent auditing, secure transfer protocols and hardened network boundaries
- Cerberus FTP Server by Redwood supports hybrid deployments by providing secure SFTP, FTPS and HTTPS exchanges with event-based automation, real-time auditing and FIPS-validated encryption
- As hybrid ecosystems expand, organizations need tools that protect data across both cloud and on-prem surfaces without adding unnecessary operational complexity
Modern enterprises rarely operate in a single environment. Even organizations with strict on-prem policies rely on cloud services for analytics, partner access, SaaS integrations or remote employee workflows. As these environments converge, secure file transfer becomes harder to manage. Files now move between internal systems, private clouds and external partners, each with its own controls and risks.
Hybrid cloud + on-prem architectures allow teams to maintain full control of sensitive data while still leveraging cloud scalability. The tradeoff is complexity. To protect data in motion, organizations need a file-transfer strategy that applies consistent security policies across every environment.
Why hybrid file-transfer environments introduce new risks
Legacy MFT workflows assumed internal, controlled networks. Hybrid models break that assumption in several ways:
1. Firewalls and network segmentation
Modern networks segment internal systems, DMZs and cloud endpoints. Transfers must cross boundaries while maintaining strict inbound and outbound controls.
2. Authentication inconsistencies
Cloud applications may use OAuth or SAML, while on-prem systems rely on Active Directory or local accounts. Misaligned identity policies create gaps that attackers can exploit.
3. Logging and audit fragmentation
On-prem logs, cloud logs and partner activity often live in different systems. Without a unified audit trail, teams face blind spots during investigations.
4. Varied encryption requirements
Some partners require SFTP, others require FTPS or HTTPS. Cloud endpoints may enforce TLS only. Ensuring consistent encryption for all workflows is difficult at scale.
5. Increased external access points
Remote users, vendors and cloud integrations add more potential attack paths. Each needs controlled access and continuous monitoring.
What is required to secure hybrid cloud + on-prem file transfer?
A secure hybrid MFT architecture must enforce policies across every transfer path. The core requirements include:
1. Standardized authentication
Use a unified identity provider where possible. Integrations with LDAP, Active Directory, MFA and SSO help maintain consistent access rules across environments.
2. End-to-end encryption
Enforce encrypted transport for every workflow. SFTP, FTPS and HTTPS should be mandatory across hybrid systems, especially when crossing public or semi-public networks.
3. Consistent logging and auditing
Centralized logs allow teams to correlate activity across internal and cloud systems. Real-time auditing makes compliance reporting and incident response faster.
4. Controlled network exposure
Minimize open ports and external access points. Isolate MFT servers within protected network segments while still allowing secure inbound or outbound transfers.
5. Automated workflows and policy enforcement
Automation reduces the chance of misconfigurations and ensures files are handled securely regardless of origin. Rules, triggers and alerts help maintain reliability at scale.
Hybrid file transfer use cases Cerberus supports
Many Cerberus users run their secure file transfer server inside a controlled on-prem network while connecting to:
- Cloud analytics tools
- Vendor portals
- SaaS platforms
- Remote users
- Distributed internal systems
- Partner organizations
These workflows require strong controls at every layer — protocol security, encryption enforcement, credential policies and complete auditing. Cerberus supports these needs with hardened architecture choices for both on-prem and hybrid environments.
Best practices for securing hybrid file-transfer workflows
Below are practices that help organizations operate safely across cloud and on-prem infrastructure.
1. Place MFT servers in secured network segments
Deploy Cerberus within a protected internal network or DMZ. Avoid exposing unnecessary services directly to the internet.
2. Require MFA and centralized authentication
Align identity management with modern expectations. MFA, strong passwords and SSO integrations reduce risk across all access points.
3. Use encrypted protocols exclusively
Enable only secure protocols such as SFTP, FTPS or HTTPS. Disable plaintext FTP entirely.
4. Apply consistent encryption policies
Ensure encryption strength and cipher suites match internal and external requirements. Many hybrid environments depend on FIPS-validated cryptography to satisfy compliance standards.
5. Monitor and audit everything
Track uploads, downloads, authentication attempts, automation events and connection failures. Consolidate logs when possible.
6. Automate transfers based on events
Hybrid ecosystems increase complexity. Automation reduces manual load and provides secure consistency for recurring workflows.
7. Test workflows across boundary points
Cloud-to-on-prem, on-prem-to-cloud, partner-to-cloud and remote-to-internal each require verification. Testing identifies latency issues, firewall restrictions or permission gaps early.
How Cerberus supports hybrid cloud + on-prem security
Cerberus FTP Server provides the controls needed to secure hybrid architectures:
Secure transfer protocols
SFTP, FTPS and HTTPS enforce encrypted movement whether the endpoint is internal or cloud-hosted.
Event-driven automation
Rules and triggers allow organizations to move from scheduled transfers to automated workflows that respond instantly to system events.
Centralized auditing
Cerberus logs every action, making hybrid investigations and reporting more consistent.
FIPS-validated cryptography
Cerberus supports industries that rely on strict encryption standards for regulatory or contractual requirements.
Hardened deployment options
Cerberus can run on-prem within isolated network segments while still supporting secure communication with cloud systems and external partners.
Flexible integration
The REST API, command automation and scripting support help organizations integrate Cerberus into cloud pipelines and internal orchestration tools.
Quick facts about Cerberus FTP Server
- Category: Secure file transfer / managed file transfer
- Supports: SFTP, FTPS, HTTPS, automated and hybrid workflows
- Deployment: On-prem Windows Server
- Compliance: FIPS 140-2 validated cryptography, MFA, audit logging
- Use cases: Hybrid cloud exchange, partner integrations, secure internal workflows
- Alternatives: Serv-U, JSCAPE, MOVEit, Globalscape
Final thoughts
Hybrid environments are here to stay. As organizations adopt cloud applications while maintaining critical on-prem systems, secure file transfer must adapt. Teams need a solution that protects data across every boundary without sacrificing control or increasing operational overhead.
Cerberus FTP Server offers the protocols, automation and hardened security required to support hybrid file-transfer workflows in 2025 and beyond. For teams connecting internal systems to cloud services, partners or remote users, Cerberus provides the consistency and security needed for modern hybrid architectures.