Dropbox is a highly popular cloud storage service loved and used by many. In fact, most of us have probably used Dropbox without even considering the potential security risks – simply because we “trust” the service. However, is Dropbox really secure?
Well, it depends.
For the average user, Dropbox is secure. Dropbox has a variety of security layers to protect and store user files, including an (optional) two-step verification process to provide additional authentication. Dropbox’s security team also claims to perform frequent stress-tests on its systems to stay ahead of vulnerabilities and possible threats – they're aware that it's an attractive target for hackers.
However, no application/service should ever be seen as so secure that users should blindly trust it - particularly those in highly regulated industries. If your business is using Dropbox, there are a variety of ways to protect your accounts and files from unauthorized access.
Here are several easy ways to protect yourself and your Dropbox account.
Encrypt Your Dropbox Files
Security safeguards will not help if Dropbox fails to secure your account or if someone gains unauthorized access to your device(s) and files. To protect your data, take a moment to encrypt your Dropbox files, which allows only those with the encryption key to view the files (otherwise, it will look like jumbled information). Although Dropbox does not offer this capability, third-party applications are available.
Enable Two-Step Verification
Dropbox now supports two-step verification (aka two-factor authentication), which is a process that requires users to enter both a password and a security code (sent to the associated account's mobile device) when accessing the Dropbox website or adding a new device to the account. Unauthorized devices will not receive the generated code and will not be able to access the account.
Frequently Change Your Passwords
This may seem obvious, but Dropbox accounts are more easily compromised when you use the same passwords over and over. Choose a password unique to your Dropbox account – one that has not been used for any other product or service – to better protect you from potential threats.
Set Up Email Notifications
Setting up email notifications can also help you manage account login activity. Every time the account is accessed, an email alert is sent, allowing you to take immediate action if an unauthorized user has logged into the account.
Does your organization use Dropbox? If so, what measures have been taken to keep data out of harm’s way? The experts at Acuity would love to help your organization implement security measures to ensure the safety of your data. Contact us today for more information. Contact us today for more information.
