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DropBox
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DropBox is a file sharing service that automatically synchronizes files from user’s computers and other devices for file backup, access and sharing. In addition to sharing files Dropbox can be used simply for saving files. DropBox supports several platforms, such as Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, iOS, Android, and some other mobile platforms. |
Please note that the service is primarily intended for consumer use. As there is no support for the service, information cannot be recovered in case when a specific person is enable to log in to the service in case of an illness etc. Thus, there is a risk of losing a considerable amount of information.
Dropbox folders linked to a desktop computer client will contain copies of the uploaded files. Dropbox applies encryption to the files after they have been uploaded and manages the encryption keys but users who wish to manage their own encryption keys and/or increase the level of security can apply encryption before placing files in their Dropbox. A possible encryption service is Boxcryptor. Other possible options are Truecrypt, GNU-Pgp or 7zip + AES encryption. When encrypting files before uploading them, some Dropbox features will not be available, such as creating public links.
Terms of Service & Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service: https://www.dropbox.com/privacy#terms
- Privacy Policy: https://www.dropbox.com/privacy#privacy
- Transparency Overview: https://www.dropbox.com/transparency/principles
- Business Agreement: https://www.dropbox.com/privacy#business_agreement
- Digital Millennium Copyright Act: https://www.dropbox.com/privacy#dmca
- Acceptable Use: https://www.dropbox.com/privacy#acceptable_use
Evaluation (10.12.2018)
Provides the users with a transparency report regrading user information requests by law enforcement (described in Transparency Overview).- A "freemium" business model. Basic version of the service is free-of-charge while with a fee more space can be purchased and higher privacy level (HIPAA).
User has the ownership to the uploaded files and information.- Does not sell personal information regarding the user and usage to third parties.
- Supports two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Anonymous usage is possible.
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When monitoring the use of the service Dropbox uses Google Analytics. Kindly note opting-out is available. - /
Uses third party service provider for storing users data, Amazon Web Services (AWS). - / Users data is stored as encrypted but encryption key belongs to DropBox.
- / 22 different language version. Could have more.
- / Follows Privacy Shield Frameworks and aims to fullfill requirements of GDPR (eg. uses EU model clauses). Users data could reside outside of EU area, in this case most likely in US.
- / Service's security was compromised on 2012 by user database leak. First DropBox did not give full information about the size of the leak, which was around 68 million accounts. After these news DropBox told they were improving their maintenance and security practices.
- Collects a large amount of personal information regarding to the users, usage of service and devices.
Login
With service registration or Google account.
Support
Support pages:
Possibility to develop 3rd party apps:
Provider
- DropBox Inc., USA and DropBox International Unlimited Company, Ireland (EU customers)
- Terms will be governed by California law except for its conflicts of laws principles. However, some countries (including those in the European Union) have laws that require agreements to be governed by the local laws of the consumer's country.
Similar services
Funet FileSender, Google Drive, SugarSync, Wuala, Microsoft OneDrive, Spideroak, iCloud