Every file you share on the internet, from a photo to a document, may be telling more than you realise. Even that innocent meme you saved in your gallery and are waiting for the perfect moment to share it. Beyond the visible content, there is metadata: fragments of hidden information that can reveal your location, the device you used, or when a particular device was created. As The Little Prince would say: “the essential is invisible to the eye”, but not for metadata. Although it looks like harmless information, in the wrong hands it can become a threat to your privacy.
The good news is that there are ways to protect yourself. Managing and cleaning the metadata of your files is one of them, and this is where Metashield becomes a great ally against cybercriminals and data leakage. This innovative tool allows users and businesses to process file metadata, giving you greater insight into the information you share.
In this post we tell you what metadata isand why protecting it is key to improving your day-to-day digital security.
What is metadata and what is it for?
Metadata is the invisible data that accompanies digital files. The data of the data we could say so that we understand each other. We do not see it directly in a text, photo or video, but it is there.
It provides key information about the file: its origin, its modifications, the device used to create it, and even details such as the location where a photo was taken. For example, in an image, metadata may include the camera model, the date of capture and even the GPS coordinates of the location. In a document, it can show the author, the date of modification and the history of changes made.
It is useful because it is able to organise, track and enhance the digital experience. For businesses, metadata is essential for managing large volumes of information, as it enables fast and efficient searches without the need to scan every file for a specific piece of information. Digital platforms, such as Movistar Cloud or Google Photos, are a great help in organising photos by location or date. In addition, metadata allows for detailed version control of a file, which is crucial in sectors such as legal, education or research, among others.
This data is very useful, and that is what makes it attractive to other users or cybercriminals. Although invisible, it contains critical information such as the author, location or change history of a file, which can expose sensitive details without the user being aware. For example, in a confidential document, metadata could reveal details of contributors, dates of modifications or internal strategies. If these files are shared without being aware of all this information or adequately protecting the metadata, they could be a gateway for cybercriminals, putting privacy and data integrity at risk.
TU Metashield: protect your information and prevent data leaks
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In the digital world, the information you share can say more than you realise. That is why we have created Metashield a tool designed to protect the information hidden in your digital files. Its main function is to analyse and remove sensitive metadata from documents, images and other formats before they are shared, thus avoiding possible information leaks without the user noticing.
The main benefits of Metashield are:
It protects your privacy and security, by preventing details such as authors, modification history or location from being exposed.
It helps you comply with regulations such as GDPR, ensuring that you don’t share personal information without control.
It prevents data leaks that could compromise strategies, negotiations or even the reputation of your business.
Solutions to protect confidential information in the metadata of your files
Metashield for Outlook 365 and Metashield for Client are different solutions for companies to easily protect their information.
Metashield for Outlook 365
Corporate emails are a favourite entry point for leaks of sensitive data. Metashield for Outlook 365 helps companies to shield their communication by automatically removing hidden metadata in files and messages. This data can reveal confidential information about your organisation without you realising it. With this solution, every time your employees send an email, Metashield will act in the background, cleaning critical data without interrupting the workflow. Keep your company’s privacy and security intact, avoiding unnecessary risks in every mailing.
Metashield for Client
In business, documents don’t just travel by mail; they are created, edited and shared on a daily basis. Metashield for Client ensures that sensitive information is kept out of your files right from the start. This solution integrates directly into employees’ computers, automatically analysing and removing hidden metadata in documents before they are shared. This prevents data such as user names, locations or file versions from exposing corporate information. With Metashield for Client, companies protect their privacy at the source, without relying on manual reviews or additional processes.
With this innovative tool, you eliminate invisible risks and gain peace of mind. You become aware of what you are going to share and decide what you really want to share, without fear that the information hidden in your files will work against you. Whether in corporate, legal or public environments, with Metashield you take full control of your information and strengthen your company’s security.Get in touch with us and start protecting your company from data leakage.
Graduado en Comunicación Audiovisual y en un máster en Dirección de Marketing, interesado en la innovación y en cómo conectar las marcas con las personas. Madrileño con tintes pamplonicas y seguidor del Atlético de Madrid. Actualmente aprendo en el equipo de marketing de Telefónica Innovación Digital.