How safe is Dropbox? All information
Dropbox is repeatedly criticized for the security of the data. Even Edward Snowden has already criticized the service. We explain how secure Dropbox really is.
What does Dropbox do for security?
- Dropbox links in Google search, tricking two-factor authentication and stealing millions of user data. All of this has been available on Dropbox in recent years.
- The online storage is secured according to current standards via Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and AES 256-bit encryption. Access to the website and the transfer of data is encrypted.
- It's hard to say from the outside how secure Dropbox really is. You can only increase the security of your data in the Dropbox yourself and learn from the past.
Make Dropbox more secure yourself
- Two-factor authentication: The two-step verification makes your account much more secure. If your login data is stolen, the hacker cannot do much with it. When logging into Dropbox, a 6-digit security code is constantly requested, which you can receive by SMS or via special smartphone apps. This practical tip shows you how to activate the function.
- Encryption: Your data is unencrypted on the Dropbox servers. With the free BoxCrypter software, your data (before you load it into the Dropbox) is always encrypted using secure technology (AES).
- Approval: If you release a file publicly, a link will be generated. Only those who receive this link can access the files. It is safer to share the folder with another Dropbox user. The link will not be passed on publicly.
- App: Protect the Dropbox app for iOS and the Dropbox app for Android with a password or a security pattern. This is the only way to ensure that your data is adequately secured on the move.
How secure is Dropbox really?
- Dropbox employees generally don't have access to your files. However, if you request support or if Dropbox is legally obliged, data can be viewed. Even if Dropbox promises not to touch your data, there is the possibility. This opens the door for government agencies such as secret services.
- The data would only be really secure if Dropbox blocked the way to access user data. The SpiederOak service shows how: You can save your data online as on Dropbox. Neither hackers, governments, nor the operators themselves have access to the data. Only through a judicial decision can authorities force the user to give a key that releases access.
- Conclusion: According to current standards, your data at Dropbox is extremely secure. However, Dropbox isn't the right place to hide state secrets.
In the next practical tip, we will show you how to delete a share in Dropbox.