Secure transfer of data files

A method of securely transferring a data file from a source located within a first organisation having an internal network to a recipient located within a second organisation via the Internet, comprising the steps of:

• receiving a request from a first user having a first status to transfer an identified data file from said source to said recipient, said request identifying said identified data file and a recipient address;
• requesting an authorisation, from a second user having a second status, for the transmission of the identified data file only after receiving said authorisation;
• receiving said authorisation for the transmission of said identified data file;
• copying, only after receiving said authorisation, said identified data file from said source to an encrypting storage device that encrypts and stores said identified data file;
• issuing an email to said recipient address identifying the location of said identified data file and a first password;
• receiving a request from said recipient identifying said location and providing said first password;
• and
• transmitting said identified data file from said encrypting storage device to said recipient;
• wherein:
• said encrypting storage device is located within said first organisation,
• said internal network is configured to prohibit the transmission of data files via the Internet without first having received said authorisation,
• which said authorisation must be carried out by said second user having a second status.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-readable instructions executable by a computer, that, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to securely transfer a data file from a source located within a first organisation having an internal network to a recipient located within a second organisation via the Internet, by performing the steps of:

• receiving a request using an input device connected to a local network from a first user having a first status to transfer an identified data file from said source to said recipient, said request identifying said identified data file and a recipient address;
• requesting an authorisation, from a second user having a second status, for the transmission of said identified data file only after receiving said authorisation;
• copying, only after receiving said authorisation, said identified data file from said source to an encrypting storage device that encrypts and stores an encrypted identified data file;
• issuing an email to said recipient address identifying the location of said encrypted identified data file and a first password;
• receiving a request from said recipient identifying said location and providing said first password;
• and
• transmitting said encrypted identified data file to said recipient;
• wherein:
• said encrypting storage device is located within said first organisation,
• said internal network is configured to prohibit the transmission of data files via the Internet without having received said authorisation,
• which said authorisation must be carried out by said second user having a second status.