Dropbox recently announced it will acquire the assets of Boxcryptor, a provider of software that encrypts and decrypts files, without storing the encryption keys.
Boxcryptor offers easy to use file encryption software that can be downloaded for free. This means Dropbox will no longer have to rely on third party applications in order to offer its customers encrypted storage. The company’s objective is to securely store clients’ data while ensuring they can still use their favorite apps and workflows as usual. private message
According to the company, Boxcryptor’s technology will be included as part of Dropbox’s “pre-existing enterprise security” product.
The announcement is not surprising, given that both companies share a common commitment to protecting their users’ data while still allowing them to access their information when they need it. Dropbox offers files on-demand through its mobile apps, desktop clients and the cloud, while Boxcryptor software encrypts the actual file on the users’ machines before storing them online.
The acquisition of Boxcryptor’s technology will make it possible to integrate Dropbox’s service into the enterprise security solution by offering zero-knowledge encryption (otherwise known as “zero knowledge” or “zero-knowledge proof”).
Zero knowledge encryption means that Dropbox is unable to decrypt the encrypted files, nor can they store the encryption keys locally. Even if they were forced to turn over an unencrypted file, they would not be able to decrypt it themselves.
Boxcryptor CEO Aniket Kate told TechCrunch that this is a great example of how Dropbox and Boxcryptor’s product lines complement each other. According to Kate, “our customers will have a very focused and easy to use security solution for their files without having to change the way they work.”
Dropbox has been on a buying spree lately, including acquisitions of Viddy, SumoMe and Mailbox in recent months.
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