BoxCryptor, Dropbox Realtime Encryption

Some Dropbox users encrypt part of the data to make sure it is protected from unauthorized access. Dropping an encrypted TrueCrypt container into the Dropbox folder is probably the most used solution. Its main advantage is its multi-platform support, its disadvantages the complicated setup and resizing issues (see Resize TrueCrypt Volumes With Extcv, Increase Size Of True Crypt Container Instantly and TruPax, Create TrueCrypt Containers Without True Crypt for software solutions that improve the usability of the encryption software).

Setting up an encrypted BoxCryptor folder is a lot easier. Users need to enter a password which will be used to encrypt and decrypt the data in the folder on the fly. The folder can either be a folder of the Dropbox folder (selected automatically) or another folder on the hard drive. The folder is mounted as a drive in Windows Explorer which makes it independently accessible in the file manager.

It is possible to move, copy, create and delete files in the folder without container size limitations. That’s one of the strengths of the software. The size of the folder is only limited by local storage capacities and the available space on Dropbox.

Files become readable if the correct password is entered into the software. BoxCryptor has been designed with ease of use in mind, users of all experience levels should not have difficulties setting up and using the application.

The encryption software has limitations that need to be addressed. BoxCryptor is only compatible with the Windows operating system which means that it is not a suitable solution for multi-platform users. The data can only be only encrypted if the software is installed on the system and the correct password is entered by the user. This may not be feasible everywhere, especially if it is prohibited or not possible to install custom software on a computer system.

BoxCryptor is currently offered as an early alpha release that expires on March 31, 2011. The program falls back to read only mode on that day which means that it should not be used to encrypt important data unless backups are made regularly.

Users should monitor the developer website for application updates to update their version of BoxCryptor to avoid the expiration.

BoxCryptor is only compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit editions of the Microsoft Windows operating system. The application requires the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0. (via)

Update: Boxcryptor has been updated in recent time. The developers have added support for additional operating systems, including Apple Macintosh, Android and iOS

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Author: Martin Brinkmann, Tuesday February 8, 2011 -
Tags:encryption, windows software

Responses so far:

1. TRY says:

   February 9, 2011 at 11:37 pm

   Unfortunately, the limitations and issues of BoxCryptor are its shortcomings for most of us.
   Micro Application’s ArchiCrypt 5 is a nice alternative to TrueCrypt and BoxCryptor but it’s not free.

   Reply
2. frad says:

   February 10, 2011 at 1:46 am

   I’d be interested in this service if it were cross platform. That’s one of Dropbox’s greatest features. I rely on it daily.

   If you don’t have dropbox and would like to give it a try please feel free to use my referral link. You’ll get an additional 250 MB when you sign up… and so will I :-)
   http://db.tt/XFD88gF

   Reply
3. John says:

   February 11, 2011 at 11:07 pm

   For Ubuntu I use Cryptkeeper which uses EncFS

   Reply
4. Wolf says:

   April 22, 2011 at 6:55 pm

   BoxCrypter beta is now cross-plattform and compatible with EncFS. For my windows/linux/os x uses, this is *the* solution. I just hope the beta is as stable as it looks… I’m definately counting on this!

   Reply