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Vault termination feedback. Really unhappy about this.

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.

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Megan

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!

All comments

thognar

Agreed. This is quite disappointing. Looks like it's time to re-evaluate the other cloud storage providers.

rajeevba

I don't understand...they bought Boxcryptor, which then shut down personal accounts...I always thought Dropbox was going to offer Boxcryptor-type security as a result, what happened???

Genie Research

Does anyone yet know why they are taking this terrible decision?

Stijn B.

There has been no explanation so far to my knowledge. My guess is that this is another move that brings Dropbox closer to what they have been focussing on for the last 5 years or so, which is B2B. It is likely that the Vault functionality is not very popular with with B2B customers, and that it is more a consumer function, so not a priority and considered a cost.

Genie Research

As my username suggests, I am a B2B user and I use it!

unknown

With Dropbox's history of data leaks I will be migrating my sensitive files (maybe all remaining data) to OneDrive as Vault offered that extra layer of protection.

There are several Dropbox apps that should of been terminated long ago instead of a useful feature like Vault - Dropbox passwords anyone 😉.

Billikns

This decision is highly questionable and lacks a clear rationale. I will be canceling my Dropbox subscription due to this poor decision.

santiagosony

Another crappy decision from these guys. Time to re evaluate options

Stijn B.

I actually use Dropbox passwords

But I'm in the process of reconsidering my further subscription to Dropbox in general, because who knows what useful feature they will terminate next. Customer trust is a horse that comes a step at a time, but that leaves galloping.

Megan

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.

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!

Bigwig

I am also disappointed with Dropbox's decision to discontinue the Vault. Having been a paying customer since 2010, I like the added security and the use of Finder to access those folders and files. I have an alternate file sharing service as a backup to Dropbox which has its own Vault-like capability. Looks like it might need to be my primary and the search for a Dropbox alternative will start.

Jeremy M.14

What a disappointment (again).

I too have been a customer for 20 years. Dropbox was awesome when they started. They have added bloat throughout the years and then discontinue the best features repeatedly.

Dropbox doesn't listen to it's community of users. It keeps trying to make "feature" decisions for them and their data.

If they are going to remove the only truly encrypted service they need to be more transparent about their practices. They could quite easily make ALL your folders fully encrypted. They just want to price tier that $$$ without our trust.

If you disagree? Tough luck.

Bob-F

Removing Vault appears to be a really bad decision. If a hacker gets into your PC, and you're logged into Dropbox, then the hacker can use ransomware against all of your Dropbox files... except for the Vault. Without the PIN, the hacker can't touch your Vault files. Dropbox, why are you removing such a valuable security feature?

Matt P

This is not a good decision. One of the most important parts of Dropbox functionality to me. Will you be reducing our monthly subscription price due to a removal of a key function?

lgrisel

But why did you stop Vault?

a useful and essential function. I am very angry ... do you have a solution to protect a file? You overwhelm you but do not propose anything to replace. in a necklage

Sk25

I am also very upset by this decision as a very long term customer paying a high subscription (for me) I dont expect a decision like to be made without customer consultation. I use Vault for good reasons and have no alternative to my massive Dropbox storage. Please explain in more detail how we can keep these files secure and private.

Stijn B.

I see that in the mean time Megan from Dropbox has decided that this issue is “solved”…

No explanations are offered and it is still a mystery to me how Dropbox can just move your Vault files out of your Vault and into a normal Dropbox folder without your credentials and Vault PIN, and without decrypting the files in the process. I am more convinced than ever that Dropbox is not safe anymore, and will be moving out soon.

unknown

Exactly ..... my thoughts as well...

Vault PIN - would seem to be as much use as a chocolate teapot !

rajeevba

Dear Megan, your response is pretty generic. Perhaps if you gave us a better sense of what exactly was in the works, and a timeline, we'd feel better!

MT-Mike

Two questions:

1.) Any recommendations for alternative ways to encrypt files saved to Dropbox?

2.) Any alternatives to Dropbox for cloud storage solutions for syncing/saving encrypted files?

Bigwig

See above.

Bigwig

Microsoft includes 1TB of OneDrive storage with a 365 subscription. They have a similar feature called Personal Vault. Unfortunately, it doesn't work with MacOS Finder.

bobbydigital010

Please rethink this decision Dropbox. The feature is needed

Genie Research

Cryptomator [ cryptomator[dot]org ] seems pretty good as a direct like-for-like replacement for Dropbox Vault.

shenfeiyu

Such a good feature is gone. It seems it's time to say goodbye to DropBox.

Impronta

+1 to all of you.

Stijn B.

Hello Megan,

I'm sorry but this explanation doesn't clarify much.

Vault is fully encrypted storage. Nothing indicates the Dropbox will soon (preferably before the termination of Vault) provide an equivalent alternative. You state "new capabilities", but what are those capabilities exactly and when will they be available? And at what cost?

Also, please explain how Dropbox can move files from user's Vault to a non-encrypted Dropbox folder automatically, without having access to the user's Dropbox credentials/identity and the user's Vault PIN code? This should be impossible, because it implies that Dropbox has full access to all files in Vault, which I hope is not the case. (The expected scenario in case of termination of the service would be that Dropbox would give advance notice and ask users to move their files out of Vault be themselves, or (in case they don't) loose the files.)

Impronta

Absolutely well said, mate!

fredledragon

It's time to go, I'm never 100% satisfy by dropbox, but I need Vault and Dropbox just say ' I open your strongbox and put the contents in the kitchen'

I can't accept this, it's a very bad decision.

Loropiana

If the Vault feature is gone, there's no reason to use Dropbox anymore.
If the current decision is upheld, I will stop using Dropbox.