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End-to-end encryption

Keep sensitive data secure with end-to-end encryption (E2EE)

Need an extra layer of security for your most sensitive data?

Dropbox zero-knowledge, end-to-end encryption (E2EE) settings provide the most secure way to collaborate on sensitive or confidential files and folders.

End-to-end encrypt folders with just one click. Meet global regulatory standards for end-to-end encryption with advanced data protection.

An illustration representing end-to-end encryption on a Dropbox file or folder.

How does Dropbox end-to-end encryption keep your files and data secure?

Secure E2EE

Keep important information safe by encrypting it in a Dropbox folder.

Easy to use

Encrypt entire folders with just one click—no menu diving required.

Compliance

Advanced data protection meets global standards for encryption.

Encrypted cloud storage

Zero-knowledge, end-to-end encryption for your most sensitive files and data

End-to-end encrypt sensitive, confidential, or proprietary data in a Dropbox folder.

Content is encrypted and decrypted on approved devices only—never on Dropbox servers.

You’ll get a recovery key that you’ll only need in cases of emergency.

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One-click encryption

Keeping your data secure has never been so simple

Instantly secure your sensitive data with our intuitive, zero-knowledge, end-to-end folder encryption. Activated with a single click, it provides robust protection for your files, giving you peace of mind.

A demonstration of one-click end-to-end encryption of files and folders in a Dropbox account.
Regulatory compliance

Ensure your files meet regulatory compliance standards

With Dropbox, you can rest assured that your highly sensitive and confidential files are compliant with regulatory standards.

Advanced data protection helps teams to comply to global regulatory standards by adding end-to-end encryption, restricting access to your files to approved, trusted partners only.

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Frequently asked questions

Dropbox files at rest are encrypted using 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). Teams also have the option of creating zero-knowledge, end-to-end encrypted folders to securely store sensitive files. In addition to this, Dropbox is designed with multiple layers of protection to keep your files secure, above and beyond this encryption.

Learn more about Dropbox security features.

End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is a security measure that ensures data is encrypted on the user’s device before it is sent to the cloud and remains encrypted until it is decrypted by the intended recipient.

Data encryption transforms standard text into an unreadable format using encryption keys. Only authorized individuals can decrypt and read the data. E2EE takes this concept further by securing data from start to finish, protecting it throughout the entire process.

End-to-end encryption keeps your data safe by converting it into an unreadable code, known as ciphertext. Only individuals with a specific secret key can decode the ciphertext back into a readable format.

There are two main types of encryption: asymmetric and symmetric.

Asymmetric encryption utilizes two distinct keys: a public key and a private key. The public key encrypts a message, while only the private key can decrypt it. For instance, the TLS encryption protocol employs asymmetric encryption to ensure the security of messages during transmission.

Symmetric encryption, on the other hand, relies on a single secret key for both encryption and decryption.

End-to-end encryption has a wide range of capabilities, from securing communications in messaging apps to password management.

Dropbox primarily uses E2EE for data storage and file transfer purposes. This can be particularly beneficial if you work in a field with strict regulations that you must comply with, often in relation to the protection of sensitive customer or financial data. Examples of industries where this is particularly prevalent include healthcare, legal services, and finance.

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