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Vault termination
It seems like Dropbox is about to do it again.
After removing the strong integration with Google Docs, causing many customers to all of a sudden have to work with links instead of documents, Dropbox is now planning for the termination of Vault (end of March '25).
Did you like the function that allowed you to keep some files extra safe in a fully encrypted and PIN-locked container on your dropbox ? Yes ? Well tough for you!
Remarkably, Dropbox now claims it will automatically move the files you have stored in your vault to a normal folder on your regular dropbox. Oh really? I guess that means Dropbox has full access to my vault then, and can just move files around as they see fit ? That is quite alarming for a functionality that is supposed to be fully encrypted.
Really Dropbox, this is NOT how you obtain customer satisfaction or loyalty. I've been using your service for about 20 years now, but I'm actively checking out alternatives.
Hey guys!
Thanks for showing your interest in Dropbox Vault.
To concentrate our efforts on further improving our existing security features and building new capabilities around advanced data protection, we’ve made the decision to discontinue Dropbox Vault.
From March 4th Dropbox Vault will no longer be available. If you’re currently using your Vault, that folder will automatically turn into a standard Dropbox folder, that doesn’t require a PIN to access. The files in your folder will remain the same.
However, Dropbox is steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding your data.
Our applications and infrastructure are regularly tested for security vulnerabilities, and hardened to enhance security and protect against attacks.
I hope this clarifies!
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I am also disappointed with Dropbox's decision to discontinue the Vault. Having been a paying customer since 2010, I like the added security and the use of Finder to access those folders and files. I have an alternate file sharing service as a backup to Dropbox which has its own Vault-like capability. Looks like it might need to be my primary and the search for a Dropbox alternative will start.
What a disappointment (again).
I too have been a customer for 20 years. Dropbox was awesome when they started. They have added bloat throughout the years and then discontinue the best features repeatedly.
Dropbox doesn't listen to it's community of users. It keeps trying to make "feature" decisions for them and their data.
If they are going to remove the only truly encrypted service they need to be more transparent about their practices. They could quite easily make ALL your folders fully encrypted. They just want to price tier that $$$ without our trust.
If you disagree? Tough luck.
Removing Vault appears to be a really bad decision. If a hacker gets into your PC, and you're logged into Dropbox, then the hacker can use ransomware against all of your Dropbox files... except for the Vault. Without the PIN, the hacker can't touch your Vault files. Dropbox, why are you removing such a valuable security feature?
This is not a good decision. One of the most important parts of Dropbox functionality to me. Will you be reducing our monthly subscription price due to a removal of a key function?
But why did you stop Vault?
a useful and essential function. I am very angry ... do you have a solution to protect a file? You overwhelm you but do not propose anything to replace. in a necklage
I am also very upset by this decision as a very long term customer paying a high subscription (for me) I dont expect a decision like to be made without customer consultation. I use Vault for good reasons and have no alternative to my massive Dropbox storage. Please explain in more detail how we can keep these files secure and private.
I see that in the mean time Megan from Dropbox has decided that this issue is “solved”…
No explanations are offered and it is still a mystery to me how Dropbox can just move your Vault files out of your Vault and into a normal Dropbox folder without your credentials and Vault PIN, and without decrypting the files in the process. I am more convinced than ever that Dropbox is not safe anymore, and will be moving out soon.
Dear Megan, your response is pretty generic. Perhaps if you gave us a better sense of what exactly was in the works, and a timeline, we'd feel better!
Two questions:
1.) Any recommendations for alternative ways to encrypt files saved to Dropbox?
2.) Any alternatives to Dropbox for cloud storage solutions for syncing/saving encrypted files?
