![]() One way to secure your data against this possibility is to choose a provider that offers end-to-end encryption. So what other options are available? End-to-End Encryption This is the method Dropbox uses, which was pointed out by Edward Snowden as being anti-privacy. ![]() It also leaves the potential for hackers to compromise the system used by the provider, and gain access to all the information stored on the servers. ![]() This has the benefit of being easy and convenient for users but means the provider can, at any time, view, modify, copy or potentially hand over to the authorities if subpoenaed. Data is encrypted by the company when it’s travelling from your computer to their servers, and while it’s at rest on their servers. This is the most basic level of security, offered by practically all backup and cloud storage providers, apart from some – *Cough*, Google Drive – that only encrypt during transit. For the sake of this guide, I will cover the basic options offered by most backup providers. Dropbox do use secure encryption to store your files, so that’s good, but as we saw last year with Ashley Madison, attacks do happen, and people’s data can be stolen.Įncryption is a mammoth subject and not one that’s easy to explain, for a detailed look at backup encryption, check the security section in or Ultimate Guide, or this explanation from BestVPN. It also creates the risk that, if hackers compromise Dropbox’s servers, they may also get access to everyone’s data.īut this is highly unlikely to happen, right? Well, yes and no. They do encrypt files during transfer AND at rest, and offer 2-step verification, but the fact that they hold the encryption keys means they can open any of your files without you knowing. In its natural state, Dropbox isn’t very secure. But it fails to address the fact that by weakening encryption, like many governments want to do, we open a door to hackers who want to get inside our accounts and steal everything. ![]() Nothing to hide, nothing to encrypt, right? This is the mantra repeated even by intelligent people I know. Government officials seek back doors to encrypted data, saying they will use the power for good, but they repeatedly prove themselves irresponsible or even to be acting illegally with private data. Without encryption, these organisations are under constant threat of data breaches that could cost millions and put people in danger. Banks and financial institutions, schools, accountants, online shops, to name but a few. Think about all the institutions and individuals that need to keep private data secure. Terrorism and child-abuse are so often cited by government agencies as reasons to destroy strong encryption, but encryption is the backbone of internet security. It is possible to encrypt Dropbox using third party tools, which will be the focus of this guide.Įncryption is a hot topic at the moment, with the FBI asking Apple to break its own security, and a man being jailed for not decrypting data when called upon by the police. Dropbox is one of the most popular cloud storage options available, although the company has found itself in the spotlight recently, with Edward Snowden urging people to stop using the service for its lack of security.
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