Security
Dropbox security
Dropbox is designed from the ground up with security in mind. We make sure your data is safe and secure by providing multiple layers of protection as well as controls you can enable to meet your security needs.
From the Security page, you can adjust settings as well as easily monitor linked devices, active web sessions, and third-party apps with access to your account. See something that doesn’t look right? You can disconnect any app, or unlink and remote wipe a device with a click.
Strong passwords
While we take comprehensive measures to protect your data, you play a key role too. By creating unique, strong passwords for each website, app, and online account you use—and changing them regularly—you’ll help keep your Dropbox account and other accounts safe.
Password managers like 1Password can help you generate strong passwords, store them safely, and sign in easily to your accounts.
How to create a strong password
A secure password is one that’s hard for a stranger to guess. Don’t use common words or a derivative of personal information, such as your name, the name of a family member or pet, or phone numbers, addresses, or birthdates. Uncommon words work well, but only if you use several together. The following tips will help you create unique, secure passwords. Try to use a combination of some (or all) of the below:
Uppercase and lowercase letters, symbols, and numbers
Non-standard uppercasing (for example, "uPPercasing")
Non-standard word spelling (for example, "spellllllling")
Personal slang words
Non-obvious numbers and symbols (note: using "$" for "s" or "0" for "o" is fairly common and likely not enough of a security measure)
Use the Dropbox password strength estimator to test your password in our security checkup tool.
I forgot my password. As a Business team member, you may need to contact your team admin to reset your password.
Two-step verification
Two-step verification (also known as 2FA or two-factor authentication) adds an extra layer of security to your account. With this feature turned on, you’ll need a six-digit security code as well as your username and password to sign into your account. You’d also need this code to link a new computer, phone, or tablet. You can have the codes sent to your phone in text messages or generated by a mobile app like Google Authenticator or Duo Mobile.
Dropbox also offers the option of using a security key, rather than six-digit codes, for two-step verification. Security keys offer extra protection against phishing attacks and are convenient to use.
How to: enable two-step verification
Sign in to dropbox.com.
Click your avatar.
Choose Settings.
Select the Security tab.
Toggle Two-step verification to On.
- If you see Managed by single sign-on under the Security tab, your team uses single sign-on (SSO). This means you might not be able to use two-step verification with Dropbox. Contact your admin to learn more.
Click Get started.
Re-enter your password.
Choose if you want to receive your security code by text message or mobile app. Click either Use text messages or Use a mobile app and follow the prompts.
Enter a security code to complete the setup (you'll receive it either via text message or authenticator app, depending on the preferred method you entered).
Click Next.
Note: If you use an authenticator app to receive your verification codes, please add primary and secondary backup phone numbers.
