Dropbox hacked - what to do?

If your Dropbox account has been hacked, you should take measures to protect your data as soon as possible. We'll tell you exactly what to do here.

Has my Dropbox account been hacked?

If you are not sure whether an unauthorized person has or has had access to your Dropbox account, you can view all the activities of your account on an overview page:

1. Log in to your Dropbox account. Note: If you can no longer log in because your password has been changed, go to the last section of this page.
2. Click on your username in the top right corner and select "Settings". Then switch to the "Security" tab.
3. In the "Sessions" area you will see a list of all browsers that are logged into your Dropbox account. You can see the registration time and the IP address by moving the mouse pointer over the i symbol.
4. In the "Devices" area you can see all devices that are linked to your Dropbox. You can remove the link with the X button.
5. The "Apps linked" area shows you which applications currently have access to your Dropbox. Here, too, you can withdraw access rights with the X button.

Change the Dropbox password after a hack

If your Dropbox account has been hacked, you should change your password as soon as possible and choose a secure password. We have put together useful tips for password selection in another article.

1. Log in to your Dropbox account.
2. Click on your username in the top right corner and select "Settings". Then switch to the "Security" tab.
3. After clicking on "Change password" enter your old and new password in the appropriate fields and confirm your entries with "Change password".
4. If you also used your old Dropbox password with other online services, you should change the password there as well.

Dropbox: Switch on two-factor authentication

You can make future hacks more difficult by enabling two-step verification for your account. With this optional security function, in addition to your user name and password, you also have to enter a code when logging in, which you receive via SMS or app on your mobile phone.

1. Log in to your Dropbox account.
2. Click on your username in the top right corner and select "Settings". Then switch to the "Security" tab.
3. Under the item "Two-step verification" follow the link "Activate".
4. Click the "First Steps" button. Then enter your password and confirm with "Next".
5. Select the option "Via SMS" or "Via mobile application". In the next step, enter your mobile phone number. Shortly afterwards you will receive a security code on your mobile phone, which you enter in the appropriate field.
6. If you want, you can also enter a second mobile phone number. Complete the process with the "Activate two-stage verification" button.

Restore access to the Dropbox account

You may not be able to log into your Dropbox account if you have been the victim of a hacker attack. In this case you have to reset your password.

1. Visit the Dropbox login page and click the "Forgot your password?" Link.
2. Enter the email address you used to register with Dropbox. After clicking on the send button you will receive an email with further information on changing your password.

If you want to find out whether your PC has been hacked, you should read this practical tip.