- Dropbox has made its password protection and secure file Vault available to everyone.
- You’ll need a paid Dropbox Plus or Professional account to use them, though.
- Computer backup is available for free.
Dropbox can now be a cloud repository for much of your sensitive data — if you’re willing to pay for some of it, at least. The cloud storage service has rolled out Passwords, Vault, and computer backup features that were previously available only in beta form.
Passwords, as you might guess, is a password manager that syncs encrypted login data across your Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. You won’t have to recall the password for a favorite store or forum when you switch from your computer to your phone.
Vault, meanwhile, adds an extra layer of security for sensitive files you’re comfortable storing online, such as ID cards and bank statements. It requires a PIN code on top of standard access, and you can specify designated contacts (such as a spouse or close friend) who can access your files in the event you can’t.
Both these features require at least a paid Dropbox Plus account at $12 per month, or $120 per year. The Passwords option is also available with Professional accounts.
See also: Dropbox vs Google One and other services
There is a free feature. Dropbox has released a computer backup feature that automatically syncs folders on your Mac or PC with your Dropbox folder so that they’re always available. You can access multiple backups, too. This makes the most sense if you have a paid account and thus 2TB or more of storage, but it could be helpful if you want remote copies of your can’t-lose files.
Professional users are getting a few unique features as well, such as the ability to brand shared downloads and check the traffic for files (including who accessed them). They’re available now, and should be ready for Dropbox Business users “soon.”
