![]() ![]() Several cloud backup companies such as iDrive allow the user to create their own private key by encrypting the data on their local computer before uploading it to the cloud. But typically, this capability is reserved for a more expensive business-grade cloud service package, rather than for individual use. iDrive is currently offering a 75% discount on its 2TB package, making it a much more affordable option for just about anyone who wants to use it. Like all cloud service providers, Dropbox encryption protects your files… to a point.Most cloud storage and cloud backup providers, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Box and Microsoft OneDrive offer some level of encryption – essentially scrambling the contents of the files you upload. To decrypt them, an encryption key is required. Most cloud storage providers store the encryption key themselves instead of providing it to the user and thus require him or her to blindly trust that the company will not abuse access to your files, leak key data to hackers, or will pass it on to the monitoring authorities. Also, anyone with physical access to your phone or laptop can easily get into files in the cloud because most of these services leave you logged in by default. The company takes care of encrypting data at rest in storage, and data in transit between their servers and user-facing applications. So the backend is all set, but what about when you are sharing Dropbox links with external users, or downloading files to your device?ĭropbox doesn’t have tools for client-side encryption and doesn’t support the creation of your own private keys. You’ll need to employ third party apps in order to encrypt files, folders, containers. The good news is that Dropbox encryption solutions are inexpensive (or free) and incredibly easy to use. More good news? Dropbox gives users tools like password protection to add extra layers of security for their most sensitive cloud assets. One way to ensure that only the right people are accessing sensitive folders in Dropbox is enabling password protection. This feature is available with Dropbox Business and Professional subscriptions, and works in your browser or Dropbox mobile app. If you are familiar with how to use Dropbox, excellent. When you go to share a link, a window opens that lets you control which individuals or groups are going to have access: If not, you’ll probably be able to accomplish this anyway. Now, before you share the link, click Settings. It will bring up a new window that gives you the option to password protect the folder:Ĭlick Yes to enable password protection. You’ll have the option to choose a password (something strong with special characters, of course!). Now that your link has been configured with a password, it is safe to share. In order to access the folder, a user must have the password you just set. If you are sharing a single file, password protection works the same way. Tip: Did you notice the other document security features that you can enable under the link settings? Passwords are great, but you should also take advantage of the extra control Dropbox gives you over document expiration date and disable downloads. These features help you keep sensitive information protected, even after it’s been shared. The answers to this question are yes and no. To explain let’s take a step back and talk about how Dropbox encryption works in the first place. On this diagram, the company has visualized the multiple layers of security:Īll data on Dropbox files at rest are encrypted using 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), and SSL/TLS to protect data in transit across the company’s infrastructure. So your files are always encrypted on Dropbox, but what about on your devices? Whenever you access your Dropbox files on the app, it’s via a secure tunnel protected by 128-bit AES or better. This is where Dropbox files are not encrypted. If you share links to your files or folders on Dropbox, they’re available to anyone with the link. ![]() You can password protect the link, but there’s no built-in solution for encrypting local files or folders in Dropbox. When it comes to client-side Dropbox encryption, there are 3 tools that stand out from the competition. These have great reputations, tens of thousands of happy users, and integrate seamlessly into your Dropbox experience. Cryptomator: Best free Dropbox encryption solutionĬryptomator is an open-source encryption tool that works for Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, and WebDAV-based cloud storage systems. ![]()
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