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Vault termination
It seems like Dropbox is about to do it again.
After removing the strong integration with Google Docs, causing many customers to all of a sudden have to work with links instead of documents, Dropbox is now planning for the termination of Vault (end of March '25).
Did you like the function that allowed you to keep some files extra safe in a fully encrypted and PIN-locked container on your dropbox ? Yes ? Well tough for you!
Remarkably, Dropbox now claims it will automatically move the files you have stored in your vault to a normal folder on your regular dropbox. Oh really? I guess that means Dropbox has full access to my vault then, and can just move files around as they see fit ? That is quite alarming for a functionality that is supposed to be fully encrypted.
Really Dropbox, this is NOT how you obtain customer satisfaction or loyalty. I've been using your service for about 20 years now, but I'm actively checking out alternatives.
Hey guys!
Thanks for showing your interest in Dropbox Vault.
To concentrate our efforts on further improving our existing security features and building new capabilities around advanced data protection, we’ve made the decision to discontinue Dropbox Vault.
From March 4th Dropbox Vault will no longer be available. If you’re currently using your Vault, that folder will automatically turn into a standard Dropbox folder, that doesn’t require a PIN to access. The files in your folder will remain the same.
However, Dropbox is steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding your data.
Our applications and infrastructure are regularly tested for security vulnerabilities, and hardened to enhance security and protect against attacks.
I hope this clarifies!
I see everybody feels very disappointed, I feel the same way, and as other costumers, I am evaluating other storage options, I've been paying for Dropbox premium storage for over 15 years as it is a main part of my workflows, but if something does not meet the expectations, loyalty does not bring any benefits.
Seems like WE are more concerned and upset about this then the Company !! That speaks volumes !
As Dropbox doesn't seem to want to bother with addressing the confidentiality issues related to their decision to terminate Vault, I have decided to part with the platform, after about 20 years.
For those who are also looking for alternatives: after some comparing I've personally settled on Pcloud as my new cloud storage solution. Their performance is impressive, and while the user interface is definitely less feature rich as Dropbox's, it's simple and elegant. Above all, Pcloud has extremely high standards when it comes to confidentiality. Migrating from Dropbox to Pcloud is super easy, just a click on the button and all your content is pumped over to the Pcloud servers, so that your workflow is never interrupted. Just saying.
Do you know if iPcloud integrates with Finder on MacBook?
No, I do not. I am not an Apple fan.
Similarly, my Dropbox account is now empty and due for cancellation in a few days. My needs have led me to OneDrive, as I am already a Windows/Office 365 user.
It is incredibly frustrating how Dropbox has handled issues over the past few years from updates to product changes. They just cannot seem to manage them well.VERY PISSED ABOUT THIS !
Please recommend an alternative ! NOT HAPPY need a program that offers 1. Cloud based photo video storage 2. Hide/ Vault protect photos / videos 3. Edit organize search view by titles given & displayed without opening. Paid for a year in advance but will be gone when find a suitable replacement.
I registered with the Dropbox Forum just to make this (first) comment....
I whole-heartily agree with the main post and all the comments. As a paying customer for 15+ years now, I am extremely upset and disappointed in this decision. It seems completely out of left field and without any consultation with paying customers as to what they think. It seems completely to be a purely cost-cutting measure at the expense of the security and better peace of mind of all their users, and especially their paying customers.
I hope Dropbox reconsiders this very ill-considered decision, or I (and likely others) may have to look for alternative solutions.
I would like everyone in this thread take a moment and notice...
There is no response coming from any Dropbox reps. They don't care about their community anymore. They're in it for themselves.
Been researching for past 2.5 weeks. So far the only cloud based storage that has the vault protection option and other features the previous DB had seems to be Microsoft One Drive.
as I work with it I will keep everyone updated.
Very frustrating and a waste of both time and money, thank you DropBox for not giving a ,?!’ About us the customers !
The VAULT was one of the reasons I used drop box.
It's a little like they said, "Hey... just a heads up but the first of March, we're gonna dump all of your sensitive employee information (social security numbers etc.) on the front steps for everyone that has access to your Dropbox!"
I'm not a fan of this decision.
It seems like they would at least have a solution or an alternative, but all I've heard is crickets.PCloud does integrate with the Mac finder, and I like the fact that it gives you a separate drive of storage (especially good on MacBooks), but yes, they don’t have a lot of bells and whistles. Alternately, you could create your own vault by using an open source application called “crypromator” which is easy to use and is a workaround to Dropbox’s Vault loss.
True, but for me this has become a wider issue than loosing key functionality. I just don’t trust Dropbox anymore, after their non-answer to the question as to how they can just “turn off” supposedly private encryption.
Anyway, my decision is taken and my Dropbox has been migrated to PCloud already. By the way: apparently Dropbox does not allow you to delete your account (and with that the content of your bin) until your subscription runs out. Another clear violation of data ownership. As a user I should be able to delete my account and data at any given time.
I have been a paid user for more than 10 years. My institution has free box and onedrive accounts with 200GB and 1T capacities respectively. One main reason I stick with dropbox is the vault folder, which provides an extra layer of security for certain files. I will have to over come my laziness to move to onedrive if this essential feature is taken away.
- Hannah
Dropbox Staff
We really appreciate your feedback on this, speedoflight.
I've passed your comments along to our team and if you have any questions, let us know.
I hope you consider the unanimity if the posters here. Everyone is against this move. Everyone.
You are about to lose many customers.
I will be one of them if this decision is not reversed.
Jon
GONE & ALL DONE !
MICROSOFT ONEDRIVE
HAD ENOUGH OF THIS NONSENSE !
Same, I just paid the extra storage with One Drive and I am migrating all my files
Gutted about this decision - find the Vault an essential feature.
I've been paying for Dropbox for more than 10 years, am I to be getting a reduction in the cost for a lesser service? Looking at Microsoft 365 for OneDrive, less cost per month and now includes full features of CoPilot.
Terrible Terrible.
Another horrible decision. I've been paying Dropbox since years, and now is the first time that considering a change. I'm actively looking for other options.
Encryption, double level of access and protection with PIN. And also non visible on "recent files". For me those things are very key.
I hate what they are doing. I'll need to use cryptomator until I decide what other cloud provider I choose.
