Why AECO Projects Need Robust, Secure Storage - Not Just Cheap File Transfers
In today’s data-driven economy, information is “the new currency”. This is especially true in Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AECO) projects, where large files - CAD drawings, BIM models, surveys and plans - move constantly between teams. Relying on ad-hoc or free file-transfer services can leave valuable project data exposed.
The recent backlash over WeTransfer’s terms of service is a cautionary tale: when WeTransfer quietly added a clause granting themselves a broad licence to “reproduce, modify, and even use user files to train machine learning models”, users reacted with outrage. Within days, WeTransfer rolled back the most controversial language to a more limited “royalty-free licence” for improving the service. But even this revised licence - ostensibly “Your content is always your content” - still grants WeTransfer rights to users’ files.
For AECO project managers, the lesson is clear: cheap file-transfer tools come with hidden costs.
The WeTransfer Case Study
- Ambiguous Licence Terms. In mid-2025, WeTransfer updated its terms to give itself extensive rights over uploaded files. Legal experts noted this could conflict with copyright, since an uploader isn’t guaranteed to own the material. After public pressure, WeTransfer revised the clause to a simple, royalty-free licence “to use your content for operating, developing and improving the service”. Users remain uneasy, however, about what “improving the service” really entails.
- Trust and Transparency. The incident showed how quickly trust can erode. WeTransfer’s PR emphasised “Your content is always your content”, but many users felt blindsided by the initial wording. In sectors like AECO - where projects involve long-term collaborations and sensitive sites - maintaining trust in data handling is crucial. Trust is currency.
Risks of Generic File-Sharing for AECO
AECO firms routinely exchange high-value proprietary data. Using generic “free” file-transfer tools can introduce several risks:
1. Intellectual Property Exposure
Project drawings, models and designs are valuable IP. Granting a broad licence (as WeTransfer attempted) can violate clients’ copyrights or NDA terms. If a subcontractor uploads a client’s data, they often aren’t the IP owner - they legally can’t grant rights to it. That puts your firm at risk of breach.
2. Sensitive Security Data
AECO projects often include site surveys, security layouts or critical infrastructure maps. This data must remain confidential. Generic services offer little guarantee of this beyond basic transport encryption. Even if a provider says it doesn’t look at your files, unclear terms leave too much room for misuse.
3. Data Governance and Compliance
Many projects involve personal or regulated data subject to GDPR and other laws. Best practice dictates strong encryption, access control and clear audit trails - not unsecured public links or expired transfers.
4. Reliability and Continuity
Tight project timelines don’t allow for expired links or unreliable services. Even premium tiers don’t guarantee responsible data handling. Technical convenience doesn’t equal trustworthy stewardship.
5. Reputational Risk
Clients and partners expect their data to be safeguarded. A mishandled file share can damage your reputation. Domain-specific platforms earn trust by making data protection the default, not an afterthought.
Industry Best Practices for Secure File Sharing
Security experts advise treating all project files as confidential. Avoiding email attachments and open public links is just the start.
Best practice includes:
- đź”’ TLS + AES-256 encryption for transit and storage
- 🧑‍💼 Role-based permissions and project-specific access
- đź“ś Audit logs and version control
- 🌍 Data residency compliant with local regulations
- âś… ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials certifications
- đźš« Clear licence terms with no ambiguity or rights claims
Generic file-transfer services rarely meet this standard. Domain-specific platforms build it in.
Vismo: A Secure Environment Built for AECO
For AECO projects, a domain-specific platform is the safer choice. Vismo was designed from the ground up for this world - from architects and surveyors to contractors and planners.
Each project in Vismo is a separate shard - securely isolated from others. Files are stored in context, not floating between random folders. Every collaborator sees only what they need to. No risk of data bleed between projects.
Key Concepts:
- Purpose-built for AECO files - DWG, RVT, point clouds, and more
- Large file support - upload sizes up to 1 TB, versioning built-in
- Persistent share links - no expiry, no headaches
- Full compliance - ISO 9001, ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials
- EU-hosted on AWS with 99.999999999% durability
- Straightforward promise - your data is your data
Unlike free tools, Vismo’s terms are clear: we don't read, mine or re-use your files. Ever.
Conclusion: Cheaper Isn’t Better
Free and generic file-sharing services may seem convenient, but the costs - to trust, IP, and compliance - can be steep.
In 2025, data is business-critical. AECO teams shouldn’t gamble with it.
Choose platforms that understand the domain, secure data properly, and treat trust like the asset it is.
At Vismo, we don’t just move files - we protect your project’s future.
⚡ Want to know more? Get in touch for a walkthrough or demo of how Vismo keeps your data safe, collaborative and in your control.