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Is there a way to track shared files?

Hi. I have shared a dropbox file with a number of colleagues (they can view not edit, sharing is not locked), however one of these individuals have shared it with an unauthorised person. Is there any way to track who is responsible for sharing the file? Do I need to upgrade to dropbox business?

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Pikamander2

When you received the request for access, did you accept it or reject it? If you rejected it, then the person they shared the link would have been unable to download the file from Dropbox directly.

But like I mentioned above, there's really no way to tell if people have shared the file outside of Dropbox.

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Pikamander2

If you're using Dropbox Business, then the Activity page in the Admin Console might give you some clues. You can check out the Monitor Team Sharing Activity article for more info.

Aside from that, do you know the manner in which the file was shared? If an authorized person downloaded it and then shared it outside of Dropbox then it'll be difficult to figure out who it was if nobody admits to it.

Rich

And just to add... I don't think upgrading to Business will help. It might have provided more information had you already had a Business account before the item was shared, but that information will not be available retroactively.

JG23

Thank you Pikamander2. It seems like the person copied and forwarded the dropbox link he/she received per email when the files was shared. An anauthorised 3rd party then tried to access the dropbox folder by clicking on the link - which is when I received a dropbox notification asking me to grant access.

Pikamander2

JG23

I rejected the access request , however I would like to identify the individual that cannot be trusted in our team. Looks like dropbox business may have helped, had I had it from the start. Going to upgrade to avoid similar instances in future. Thanks for your help !