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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!
Thanks Setanta!
It surely is very frustrating as now I do not have any clue if Vault was accessed by someone and then they removed themselves from the folder (maybe even have downloaded the contents - worst case scenario). As I only became aware of it once the folder was already permanently deleted so couldn't trace back the events of the folder either as they could have reflected if someone had joined/ accessed it. Maybe you could do that by selecting the folder and tracing the events log and maybe you can see if someone has joined/ accessed it.
Secondly, dropbox should also send out a receipt email to the sender/ invitee that they have shared a folder with someone (account details) similar to the automated invitation email they send to the receiver, at least this way we have a proof that the folder was shared (when and with who).
Does not sound so secure the whole thing!!
Thanks for that suggestion Kashif, I'll check it.
You welcome! Kindly do confirm if it was only shared with you so atleast this way I can also be at ease that it might be the same case with my Vault. Thanks
Hi Kashif,
Thanks for highlighting this, I just checked my 'Vault' folder and I found the same thing - a 'Sharing' icon!! Just to be clear - I did not share that folder or its contents. When Ilooked for some indication of who was sharing it there were no such viewers listed. So why was there a 'sharing' icon? WHO was sharing it? What the heck is going on with Dropbox?
They say they want to 'improve the service' (by ending the 'secure' Vault?!).
Could it get any worse?
Can kindly someone clarify!
When the Vault service discontinued on 5th Oct, was Vault SHARED with the main account as a folder or just MOVED? As for me, immediately after vault became a regular folder it was labelled as shared and also the sub-folder in it once I moved it out of the Vault folder, but 'who can access' tab reflected 'Only You'.
So I just want to clarify this because the activity log showed that it was shared but unfortunately I had already permanently deleted the folder so could not trace who it was shared with or who had access. Thanks
I registered here to lodge my objection to this stupid decision. I am looking for alternatives to Dropbox now.
What is marked as a solution is ofcourse not a solution. That is annoying behaviour. Please explain better, ask less for dropbox now you offer less or tell us when there is gonna be such a feature available again. Why do you have all these annoying side stuff, while you should be focussing on exactly this. Storage with security and safety and where you can hide files. As others have already pointed out, this is important because of the hiding from search and privacy.
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.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.
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.
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
- 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
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.
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.
