Does Dropbox encrypt my files?

[Amy]

At Dropbox, security is our highest priority, and to keep your files safe Dropbox is designed with multiple layers of protection.  

Does Dropbox encrypt files? 

The short answer is, yes, Dropbox does encrypt files. 

Which encryption method does Dropbox use?

Dropbox files at rest are encrypted using 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). 

On top of this, here are some of the additional layers of security that are built into Dropbox;

• Dropbox uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)/Transport Layer Security (TLS) to protect data in transit between Dropbox apps and our servers
• SSL/TSL creates a secure tunnel protected by 128-bit or higher Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption
• Dropbox applications and infrastructure are regularly tested for security vulnerabilities, and hardened to enhance security and protect against attacks
• Two-step verification is available for an extra layer of security at login
• If you use two-step verification, you can choose to receive security codes by text message or from an authenticator app
• Public files are only viewable by people who have a link to the file(s)

If you want to know even more about security at Dropbox, you can check out this white paper. 

Can you password protect files on Dropbox?

Depending on your plan, you can password protect your files in a few different ways.

If you’re a Dropbox Business user, you can limit who has access to the sensitive files you password protect. And if someone outside of your team happens to get their hands on the link to a password protected folder or file, don’t worry: They can’t do anything with it unless they have the password. Dropbox makes it easy to password protect PDFs and other files without the need for third-party software. 

Can you password protect an entire Dropbox folder?

Yes, as well as files, you can password protect and entire Dropbox folder as well. Before you share a link to a PDF, Word Doc, or other file or an entire folder in your Dropbox account, just set a password for the link so the recipient can only open it with the password you set.  

Dropbox Password protected folder

How does Dropbox secure file sharing work?

With Dropbox, you can send large file types to anyone on any device. When sharing with another Dropbox user, create a shared link, you already know that. Now, with Dropbox Transfer, you can send files up to 100 GB without taking up space in your Dropbox securely as well. Recipients will be able to view and download your file—even if they don't have a Dropbox account. Your recipients can view, comment on, and download any file link you send from Dropbox but they won't be able to edit the original file. You can also password-protect a shared link and set a date for the link to expire, so these large files are just as secure, and don’t have to be downloaded by your recipient. 

 

How do I securely share large files with Dropbox?

In addition to the built in security, there is also Dropbox Vault for Plus, Professional, and Family plans users. Vault is an extra layer of protection, with a PIN for secure access. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that you can designate trusted friends or family members who can access your files in an emergency. It’s like a virtual safe deposit box.

If you have a Plus, Professional, or Family plan, you can set up your Dropbox Vault by following there steps, or find out even more about Vault here.

1. Sign in to dropbox.com.
2. Click your avatar (profile picture or initials) in the top-right corner.
3. Click Settings.
4. Click the General tab.
5. Under Features, next to Vault, click Set up. A setup window will open.
6. Click Next.
7. Type a PIN and click Set PIN.

Can you access Dropbox Vault offline?

When you unlock your vault in the desktop app, files in your vault automatically download to your hard drive. When you lock your vault again, files in your vault are automatically removed from your hard drive and are only stored on dropbox.com. Due to the security settings, and the fact that these files are only stored on dropbox.com, you cannot access Dropbox Vault offline for now. 

Now that you know all about encryption, file sharing and secure storage, you can be sure your files are safe, secure and that you are in control. Will you use Dropbox Vault?