Dropbox is primarily a cloud service that allows you to access all your files on any device, but a password manager is now also available from the same makers. Learn how Dropbox Passwords works and how to keep passwords safe with it here.
As we write this, the password manager exists Dropbox Password still as a desktop app, but the functionality of this standalone program will be phased out and support will even disappear this year. Instead, there’s the eponymous new browser extension for Firefox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Safari. There is also a mobile version for Android, iPhone and iPad.
With the free Basic account you can store up to fifty login details and payment cards on up to three devices. Paid Dropbox account owners are allowed an unlimited number of passwords and store codes on an unlimited number of devices.
Zero knowledge
For Android, get the Passwords mobile app from the Google Play Store, for iPhone and iPad from the Apple App Store, and download the browser extension from the respective web stores. The extension suggests secure passwords itself, securely stores your passwords, and syncs them across all your devices. The password manager automatically fills in the login details for websites and apps.
The application secures that data with zero-knowledge encryption. This means that only the end user can access their passwords. Even Dropbox employees don’t have access to this data.
passphrase
Once you have installed the extension, you must first sign in with your Dropbox credentials. Then Passwords asks if it can already take over the passwords you use on your favorite websites. In this way, the manager takes over the passwords of services such as Google, Facebook, Apple, Linkedin, Netflix, Twitter, et cetera.
In the mobile app, the gear icon allows you to set Dropbox Passwords to autofill usernames and passwords. And in the browser extension preferences at the tab Security you can enter a passphrase to automatically lock the feature. So that’s double protection in case someone does find out your Dropbox password.
Remote disconnect
A few more handy security tips for Dropbox then. One evening you come home and realize that you have left your smartphone in a cafe. In a panic, you even remember that your phone was logged into Dropbox, which contains sensitive information in addition to a few embarrassing selfies. If you have a paid Dropbox account, you can remotely unlink the device when the device is online.
In the online account settings, go to the tab Security and then you will get a list of all devices that are currently logged into your account. By clicking the trash can, you can unlink any device from Dropbox. With a paid account, you can even delete the Dropbox data remotely. The files will only be erased from your lost or stolen device or hard drive and not from Dropbox.com.
5 Vault
In the online and mobile version of Dropbox, you have a vault at your disposal, Vault, which you can use to create an extra layer of security for your most sensitive files. Your Dropbox space will be secured anyway, you can even activate two-step verification, but to access the vault you also have to enter a PIN code.
Plus, there’s an extra measure that protects scatter-brainers from their own sloppiness. If you forget to close the vault, 20 minutes on Dropbox.com and 3 minutes on the Dropbox mobile app, it will automatically lock.
If you enter an incorrect code 10 times, you must contact the helpdesk. This feature is only available to Dropbox users with a Plus or Family subscription.
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