Common Internet File System (CIFS) Common Internet File System (CIFS): Short for Common Internet File System, a protocol that defines a standard for remote file access using millions of computers at a time. With CIFS, users with different platforms and computers can share files without having to install new software. CIFS runs over TCP/IP but uses the SMB (Server Message Block)protocol found in Microsoft Windows for file and printer access; therefore, CIFS will allow all applications, no...