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Rate my startup: SafeboxApp.com
While the level of security on Dropbox and other cloud storage services are fine for most things, I wanted a way to store some files there that _only_ I could access. I could switch to a provider that had stronger privacy features but I really love Dropbox's convenience and simplicity. So, I built a solution:
http://safeboxapp.com
The app takes files it finds in ~/Safebox and encrypts them using AES-256 and stores the files in a subfolder of ~/Dropbox. When it sees new encrypted files in that folder, it decrypts them back to ~/Safebox. From then on, changes in either folder are automatically synchronized. The filenames and folder names are encrypted as well.
From a user perspective, you simply use ~/Safebox instead of ~/Dropbox for files requiring extra security.
It's packaged as a Mac OS/X app (and soon as a Windows app). We haven't decided pricing yet.
I'd love to hear your thoughts!!
Thanks, Denis
http://safeboxapp.com
- pcharles 15y agoGreat idea. Especially with the 'issues' of security with Dropbox released within the last few months.
- hechtic 15y agoI like it, might use it. From a pricing perspective, I think your market might be limited in that companies needing security would probably purchase a separate solution and not use Dropbox. But you might be able to get a revenue stream from prosumers / tech consumers. And your costs wouldn't be high since you ride on top of the dropbox service. And I could be wrong about the market of course. ;-)
- grzaks 15y agoThe problem is real, you are not the only person on the Earth that needs a solution, but ... Aren't you worried that it takes few weeks(days?) of coding for dropbox team and one update for your solution to become obsolete?
- denishennessy 15y agoI agree that it's a risk, but they haven't done it so far. Even if they did, Safebox might still be useful for people using other cloud storage providers (or even corporate file shares).
- grzaks 15y agoWell, if you did not quit your job to do this project and did not spend all your savings on it - the risk might be worth it. Good luck! :)
- tobylane 15y agoIs it possible for Dropbox to update in any way that could let them read it? I'm not sure what you're worried about.
- grzaks 15y agoThe answer to your question is: no, it's not possible. I was rather thinking about dropbox implementing the same feature directly to dropbox. If they do, there would be no point in using denishennessy's product.
- manasnutcase 15y ago"Aren't you worried that it takes few weeks(days?) of coding for dropbox team and one update for your solution to become obsolete?" Wouldnt this logic apply to every project? What if Google Docs just builds a dropbox type app on top of it? Google certainly had more resources and superb tech talent. I think all companies have their focus and are already very busy getting their product right. If you think there is a need for which you have the right solution - build it. Who knows - Dropbox might just buy you out.
- PaulWebster 15y agoHere are some other approaches to same basic issue http://wiki.dropbox.com/TipsAndTricks/IncreasePrivacyAndSafety http://wiki.dropbox.com/TipsAndTricks/IncreasePrivacyAndSafe...
- gzapico 15y agoThe concept seems quite interesting and useful. The real problem, as others stated, is that maybe Dropbox will implement something like that quite soon. As for pricing I think you should charge less than the same amount of space is charges at Dropbox. Anyway, congrats for your great project. And sorry for my english.
- manasnutcase 15y agoDenis, I love the site. Its both useful and well designed. You might like to check out Bitcasa. Manas