Veracrypt with Dropbox: Securely Store Encrypted Files

TL;DR

Using Veracrypt to encrypt files before storing them on Dropbox adds a strong layer of security. This guide explains how to do it safely and effectively, covering volume creation, mounting, file handling, and important considerations for avoiding common pitfalls.

1. Creating a Veracrypt Volume

1. Download & Install: Get the latest version of Veracrypt from the official website and install it on your computer.
2. Launch Veracrypt: Open the application.
3. Create Volume: Click “Create Volume”. Choose between creating an encrypted file container or encrypting a partition/drive. For Dropbox, an encrypted file container is best. Select “Create an encrypted file container” and click “Next”.
4. Standard or Hidden Volume: Choose “Standard Veracrypt volume” unless you have specific needs for plausible deniability (hidden volumes are more complex). Click “Next”.
5. Volume Location & Size: Choose a location to save your encrypted file container. Set a reasonable size – consider how much data you’ll store, but remember it can’t easily be changed later. Click “Next”.
6. Password: Create a strong password. Use a long passphrase with mixed-case letters, numbers and symbols. Click “Next”.
7. Volume Format Options: Select the file system (FAT is generally compatible across operating systems). Click “Next”.
8. Formatting: Veracrypt will format the volume. This process takes time depending on the size of the volume. Move your mouse randomly around inside the window during formatting to increase entropy and improve security.

2. Mounting a Veracrypt Volume

1. Select Slot: In the main Veracrypt window, choose an empty slot (e.g., Drive A). Click “Select…” next to the chosen slot.
2. Browse for Container: Navigate to where you saved your encrypted file container and select it.
3. Mount: Click “Mount”.
4. Enter Password: Enter the password you created when setting up the volume.
5. Access Files: A new drive letter (e.g., Z:) will appear in your file explorer, representing the mounted encrypted volume. You can now copy files to and from it like any other drive.

3. Using Veracrypt with Dropbox

1. Copy Files: Copy the files you want to protect into the mounted Veracrypt volume (e.g., Z:). Do not store sensitive data directly in your Dropbox folder without encryption!
2. Dropbox Sync: Once copied into the volume, Dropbox will automatically sync the encrypted file container as it would any other file.
3. Dismount Volume: When you’re finished working with the files, always dismount the Veracrypt volume by clicking “Dismount” next to the slot number in the main Veracrypt window. This is crucial for security!

4. Important Considerations

• Password Security: Your password is the only key to your data. Never forget it, and don’t store it insecurely (e.g., in a plain text file). Consider using a password manager.
• Backups: Back up your encrypted container! If the container gets corrupted or lost, you will lose access to your files. Store backups securely, ideally offline.
• Dropbox Account Security: Veracrypt protects the contents of your files, but it doesn’t protect your Dropbox account itself. Use a strong password for your Dropbox account and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
• Malware: Be cautious about malware on your computer. If malware infects your system while the volume is mounted, it could potentially access your files. Keep your antivirus software up to date.
• File Recovery Software: Veracrypt provides strong encryption, but file recovery software might still be able to recover fragments of unencrypted data if you delete files from within the mounted volume without securely wiping them (see step 6).
• Volume Header Corruption: Regularly back up your Volume Header. This can allow recovery in case of corruption. In Veracrypt, go to Tools -> Backup Volume Header.

5. Securely Deleting Files

1. Overwrite Files: When deleting files from the mounted volume, use Veracrypt’s secure deletion feature (right-click on the file and select “Securely Delete”). This overwrites the data multiple times to prevent recovery.

6. Troubleshooting

• Volume Not Mounting: Double-check your password is correct. If you’ve forgotten it, there’s no way to recover the files without the password.
• Slow Performance: Encryption and decryption can be resource intensive. Close unnecessary applications while working with Veracrypt volumes.