Is Dropbox Safe from Hackers? Are My Files Secure on Dropbox?

Dave Miller – Tech Enthusiast & Security Expert – January 21th, 2022

Many consumers are concerned about the security of cloud storage services, and users have sought online for answers to the particular topic regarding, is Dropbox safe from hackers? Users are concerned because their data, images, and videos get stored on Dropbox servers that they do not have control over. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, using a cloud storage service like Dropbox is a decision you’ll have to make at some point.

Continue reading the post; I’ll provide you with enough information on Dropbox to assist you in deciding whether or not to use it.

What is Dropbox and Why Online Cloud Storage is Actually Safer

Cloud storage is not a new concept; people may mention it now and then for various reasons. In 2020, cloud storage will be one of the most convenient and effective ways to store data online. On the other hand, a secure cloud storage like Dropbox allows you to keep your files on a server and access them from any device, and data can get encrypted for added security. There are several storage service providers on the internet, and the industry is so huge that every significant IT company today has its storage facility.

Dropbox was founded in 2007 to design a more enlightened, smart working style. It got built due to the founder’s failure to remember keeping the USB stick containing his data. The issue with traditional hard storage is that it’s simple to misplace it. Furthermore, the virus that infected that computer might contaminate your digital files by moving to your flash drive.

Fun Fact #1

Dropbox ranked first among 57,844 other software companies in G2’s ‘Top 100 Best Software Companies’ 2020 list

Dropbox, with more than 14 million paying clients as of December 2019, helps people remain organized, stay focused, and stay in sync with their colleagues. As the name implies, Dropbox is a haven for all of your most important data. Multiple layers of security, deployed across a scalable, secure infrastructure, were created to keep your information safe.

How Dropbox Storage Management Works

Like many other cloud storage services, Dropbox allows users to upload, save, and share files of all sorts. The free service has a storage limit of 2GB, and if your storage exceeds this limit, you’ll need to remove data or upgrade your subscription. Dropbox is quite popular because users can conveniently use their PC, tablet, or smartphone to access this platform. The way dropbox work is relatively straightforward.

Your Dropbox account will be empty when you initially signed up. When you install the Dropbox software on your PC, mobile device, or both, any files you store locally in Dropbox will get transmitted to the Dropbox server. You can view and share your Dropbox files more easily from anywhere if you sync them locally and online. You may save or share your files after they’ve got uploaded to Dropbox in various ways.

Dropbox is a LOT Safer than You Think

Dropbox has a variety of security safeguards to keep your files safe and secure, as well as a set of cloud storage standards. Cloud storage services store and process your online data using a network of connected, secure data centers with multilayer security.

Dropbox cloud security solutions give the same level of safety to all your online data, whether you’re an individual or a team. Furthermore, Dropbox’s enterprise-grade encrypted cloud storage meets customers’ compliance needs and adheres to DPR and HIPAA data security rules for corporate and international legislation.

Dropbox files get secured with the 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard, and data transmitted gets protected by SSL/TSL.
Servers are routinely scanned for security flaws and hardened to improve security and defend against assaults.
Two-step verification gets offered while logging in for an added degree of protection.

Bonus info: Dropbox Business’s security whitepaper explains how it safeguards its users’ devices.

Fun Fact #2

Dropbox Business gets used by over 500,000 enterprises and organizations as a centralized repository for their teams’ work, allowing them to collaborate and share easily.

Is Dropbox Safe from Hackers? Let's Look at Past Security Breaches

Dropbox has been operating for about 14 years, and there hasn’t been a shortage of issues throughout that time. Because of its popularity, Dropbox has had a history of information breaches. Hackers and, in particular, Dropbox dealing with customer data created a lot of controversies.

The first significant blunder occurred in 2011 when TechCrunch reported on an upgrade that enabled users to access accounts without passwords for several hours. The problem got resolved shortly, and Dropbox management responded by stating that further controls would get implemented to prevent this from happening again.
In 2014, an unidentified Pastebin user claimed to have hacked over seven million Dropbox accounts in exchange for bitcoin contributions by posting 400 user names and passwords. Dropbox replied promptly, issuing a statement claiming that no hack had occurred on its systems and that everything was safe. All of the information provided by the hacker got obtained from unknown sources. Dropbox also advised customers to set up two-factor authentication on their accounts.
The email addresses and passwords for 68 million Dropbox accounts were leaked online in August 2016. The breach gets caused through a Dropbox account that an employee had accessed. When the organization launched an inquiry right away, the Security tab could log out of other devices. Dropbox sent out an email to all users and executed a password reset for everyone who hadn’t changed their password since 2012.
Dropbox restored years-old deleted files in user accounts in January 2017, causing a lot of criticism. It indicates that some data from six years ago got never purged from servers. Dropbox claims that deleted user files get not truly erased from Dropbox’s servers due to metadata errors.

On top of that, Dropbox retains your encryption key, allowing them to view your data at any time. Other services employ zero-knowledge encryption, which ensures that your password remains private. It makes it more difficult for governments and hackers to snoop on your personal information. Additionally, Dropbox shares your personal information with trusted third parties, and agencies have the authority to demand access to your data through the Patriot Act.

Overall, while Dropbox claims to prioritize security and privacy, it is evident that there are dangers associated with using Dropbox for your data. Although to answer, is dropbox safe from hackers? Well! According to Kristen Bolig, founder of SecurityNerd:

“Their current encryption standards make the odds of a hack less likely, but no cloud-based solution is completely safe from new and emerging threats.”

Why Databox is a Really Secure Online Cloud Storage Space

Even though Dropbox has a long history, the Dropbox service is competitive in many aspects for consumers. They are well-known across various platforms and ranked 42 in fortune 500 companies for the file-sharing service that cultivates a culture of kindness and efficiency. So, if you opt for Dropbox for your cloud storage need, here are some ways you can make your data online safe.

Strong Password – Basics: If you use a weak password, your account is already on the verge of getting hacked. It isn’t just about Dropbox; it applies to every internet business. If tough passwords are difficult to remember, use a password manager program from a third party to keep track of all your passwords.
Two-Step Authentication: You should be using Two-Step Authentication since Dropbox has highlighted it at various points throughout the years. You have to enter your password and a security code issued to your cell phone to use dropbox when 2-F authentication gets enabled. You have the option of receiving a secondary code through text message or a third-party program such as the Google Authenticator app, which is available on iOS also.
Managing Linked Devices & Web Sessions: Your Dropbox account may get linked to your previous devices, as well as third-party applications. Any third-party programs and devices you don’t use anymore should have their Dropbox access revoked. It’s also a good idea to go in and clean up old activity from time to time, which significantly raises the chances of a device containing your sensitive data getting hacked.
Third-Party Encryptions: If you go to great lengths to secure your data online and yet want to utilize Dropbox, employ data encryption services before transferring it to the cloud. Although Dropbox encrypts your data, it adds an extra degree of protection. You can use services like Boxcryptor, Cryptomator.

Here at Online Cloud Security, we’re all about Cloud Security! And If executing all of the above isn’t enough to persuade you that Dropbox is safe from hackers, there are other alternatives accessible available online.

Conclusion

The security requirements for cloud storage locations are constantly evolving, and Dropbox is a safe and secure method to store and distribute files. But the chance of a data breach using Dropbox is minimal but not zero; I’ve included some additional security precautions you may take.

It has a robust security infrastructure, encryption, and simple tools to enable teams to interact more successfully while offering the security safeguards and compliance certifications that businesses demand. Moreover, If you use Dropbox, you’ll be better prepared for security risks if you’re aware of technology advancements. If you’re still not convinced, you might look for a more secure Dropbox alternative.

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Dave Miller

IT Consultant at Online Cloud Security

Dave Miller is an IT Consultant for Online Cloud Security and has over 7 years of experience in the Information Technology space. He also specializes in repairing laptops & computers. In his spare time, he loves to talk about new technologies and hosts monthly IT and Cyber Security meetings in the Houston area.

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