SafeMonk Addresses Privacy Concerns by Introducing 'Tapproof' Security for Dropbox

BELCAMP, Md., June 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- SafeMonk today announced the public beta of its "tapproof" encryption solution designed specifically for users of the file-sharing service Dropbox™. SafeMonk is believed to be the only Dropbox security solution available that is tapproof, meaning no one has access to the files without your approval—not big brother or little sister, not Dropbox, or even SafeMonk. We mean it—tapproof.

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More than 100 million people, including many corporate executives, leverage Dropbox because of its ease of use and convenience for file sharing, collaboration, and backup. However, its popularity has made it a target for malicious hackers. SafeMonk was designed to be tapproof, giving Dropbox users and enterprises peace of mind, knowing their information is always protected from prying eyes. SafeMonk also removes the concern of relying on cloud file-sharing services for privacy.

"Our goal is to allow the CIOs of the world to say 'yes' to Dropbox for the enterprise. We recognize that Dropbox's efficiency and usefulness will only make it more prevalent among the workforce, so making the service more secure through tapproofing is a better and more realistic option than discouraging or forbidding people from using it," said Chris Holland, Chief Monk, SafeMonk. "SafeMonk offers a powerful solution for Dropbox security without affecting its simplicity or functionality."

According to recent research on file synchronization and sharing from Gartner, Inc., "the best products also ensure that files leaving the sharing location are encrypted and only readable by those authorized to access the data."*

SafeMonk does just that by developing host-proof technology, making files on Dropbox tapproof. What this means to the everyday user is that neither SafeMonk nor Dropbox are able to see the keys used to encrypt or decrypt the files within SafeMonk—no, really. In order to gain access to the files, the requester must go straight to the source, the user. The keys stored on SafeMonk servers are encrypted with users' private and local keys, so in the event of a system breach, or subpoena request, SafeMonk user keys are protected and the files are not viewable.

"I use Dropbox for work and personal use. With SafeMonk, I have been able to use Dropbox for work files without being concerned of them getting into the wrong hands. Also, while I have nothing to hide, I have peace of mind knowing that no one has access to my files stored in the SafeMonk Dropbox folder, unless I give it to them. No, really," said Rafael Guetta, Australian filmmaker.

In a recent survey conducted by SafeNet Labs—the inventor of SafeMonk—more than 55 percent of respondents in charge of their company's security said the uncertainty around the Dropbox infrastructure, and susceptibility to attack, makes them the most hesitant to allow employees to use the service. Despite this, 91.7 percent of respondents use the service anyway.**

Providing security for the enterprise and users while not breaking the simplicity of Dropbox was the primary objective throughout the development of SafeMonk. To use the solution, a Dropbox user simply downloads the app onto their PC or other device, which seamlessly creates an encrypted SafeMonk folder in the service. Once an account is created, files the user wishes to secure are selected and dropped into the SafeMonk folder, where they can be organized into subfolders—the same way they can be with Dropbox, only tapproof.

Additionally, opening, editing, and Dropboxing with SafeMonk is fast (Dropbox fast); it recognizes and applies encrypted edits with the same speediness as non-encrypted edits. Unlike most file-sharing security solutions, SafeMonk offers account recovery via a one-time recovery key if passwords are lost or forgotten.

For more information or to sign up for SafeMonk, visit www.safemonk.com.

*Gartner "2013 MarketScope for Enterprise File Synchronization and Sharing" by Monica Basson and Jeffery Mann

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

**SafeMonk 2013 Dropbox Usage Survey

SafeMonk Resources You Can Tap Into:

• "What is SafeMonk?" video
• "Top Ways to Secure your Dropbox" infographic

"Dropbox" is a trademark of Dropbox, Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions.

About SafeMonk
Founded in 2012 by data protection provider, SafeNet, Inc., SafeNet Labs, a technology incubator dedicated to developing next generation solutions to some of the biggest problems facing information security, created SafeMonk. SafeMonk combines tapproof security with simplicity that doesn't break Dropbox. No, really.

SOURCE SafeMonk