A computer implemented method of establishing a managed data transfer link

A method to establish a managed data transfer link between a first host and a second host via a data transfer hub 5. The method comprises the steps of specifying a source location and a destination location from hosts 3a-3g, the data to be transferred between them, and a data transfer schedule. The method further comprises the step of completing a data protection impact assessment (DPIA) relating to the data to be transferred in order to enable establishment of the data transfer link. The DPIA may stipulate the following: content of personally identifiable information, degree of sensitivity of the data, nature of data and the number of people affected by the data. An activity log that relates to the creation, modification and authorisation of the link and the DPIA may be stored. The method may be used for a managed file transfer (MFT).