Computers

iTwin SecureBox brings hardware encryption to Dropbox

iTwin SecureBox brings hardware encryption to Dropbox
SecureBox brings iTwin's hardware security to Dropbox accounts
SecureBox brings iTwin's hardware security to Dropbox accounts
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SecureBox brings iTwin's hardware security to Dropbox accounts
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SecureBox brings iTwin's hardware security to Dropbox accounts
Anyone who attempts to access the files without one of the two iTwin units physically plugged into their USB port will be unable to do so
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Anyone who attempts to access the files without one of the two iTwin units physically plugged into their USB port will be unable to do so
It is suggested that the additional iTwin unit is kept locked away as a backup
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It is suggested that the additional iTwin unit is kept locked away as a backup
iTwin SecureBox works with Mac and PC computers
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iTwin SecureBox works with Mac and PC computers
The system comprises dual iTwin USB sticks, each of which can be used to access the encrypted data
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The system comprises dual iTwin USB sticks, each of which can be used to access the encrypted data
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By using cloud-based file synchronization services like Dropbox, we can free our digital lives from the confines of a computer, and access documents, photos, and music on several devices. However, this flexibility can leave some users feeling less than certain that their data is safe. With this in mind, iTwin has updated its eponymous file sharing hardware utility with a new feature named SecureBox. SecureBox is a free update available to all existing iTwin users which brings hardware protection to Dropbox accounts.

The basic iTwin SecureBox system works as follows: once the two included iTwin USB sticks have been activated, a SecureBox folder is placed within the user’s Dropbox folder, and files added to this location are automatically encrypted with a secure hardware key, plus an optional password.

In order to access the cloud-based files, one needs access to either one of the dual iTwin units (the company recommends one is kept in a safe location for backup), and relevant password. Without these requirements being met, the files will simply be unreadable to anybody who accesses your Dropbox account, and even the file names are obfuscated. The iTwin USB sticks can also be disabled remotely.

The system comprises dual iTwin USB sticks, each of which can be used to access the encrypted data
The system comprises dual iTwin USB sticks, each of which can be used to access the encrypted data

Dropbox already has good security measures in place, and there are many third-party apps available which harness the Dropbox framework to make your data more secure – which begs the question as to why anyone should bother with SecureBox in the first place? Well, while software encryption is ample for the average user, those who wish to use their Dropbox folder to handle confidential or important files may prefer an extra level of hardware security. The convenience and intuitiveness that comes with a dedicated hardware key is also an added benefit.

iTwin SecureBox is compatible with Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X, and the USB sticks are available in "lime green" and "gunmetal grey" versions, from US$99.

Source: iTwin

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5 comments
5 comments
Anne Ominous
Hardware is totally overkill for this application. There is not a single reason in the world that software would not be adequate to the job. Then just put it on a generic USB stick (with a backup, of course).
apropos626
use TrueCrypt. it's free and works on most os
TheRogue1000
What is not mentioned is just what is the encryption program? Is it open source? Has it been peer reviewed? Without this information, the words "safety" and "encrypted" have no useable meaning.
Leslie Coelho
If I wanted to carry a stick, I'd use a pen-drive. The whole point of using dropbox is so I don't have to carry a USB drive and plug it in.
Stan Krugger
The whole idea behind SaaS-based solutions is the elimination of hardware usage in our daily lives. Although security of data is very critcial for cloud-based platforms, adding a USB stick to the whole concept could be hassle for user who want to access their Dropbox files from anywhere, at anytime. Dropbox has recently improved on its services by integrating with another cloud-based solution named, GroupDocs. It lets you access your Dropbox files from GroupDocs account and perform various tasks such as document viewing, sharing, collaboration etc. To read more on this integration, click:
http://groupdocs.com/blog/groupdocs-document-management/archive/2012/08/15/announcing-dropbox-integration-with-groupdocs-apps-suite.html