Dropbox is one of the most popular cloud-based services for storing and sharing files across multiple computers and with others. It has a strict policy on what happens to any files you've decided to delete from your account: they are kept for 30 days just in case you change your mind, but after that they are purged.
While that may be the policy, BadCyber brought to our attention the fact some users discovered not all of their deleted files had been purged from Dropbox's servers. In fact, files that were deleted as far back as 7 years ago reappeared in some Dropbox folders last week.
A Dropbox forum thread discussing how deleted files between 2-7 years old had magically reappeared was met by some with disbelief. But as more Dropbox users reported the same recurrence, suspicion grew that Dropbox servers may have been compromised in some way.
Related
- Using an Old Dropbox Password? Time for an UpdateUsing an Old Dropbox Password? Time for an Update
Thankfully, that isn't the case. Dropbox responded to queries by explaining "A bug was preventing some files and folders from being fully deleted off of our servers, even after users had deleted them from their Dropbox accounts. While fixing the bug, we inadvertently restored the impacted files and folders to those users' accounts. This was our mistake; it wasn't due to a third party and you weren't hacked."
While it's good news Dropbox wasn't hacked, it's worrying that a bug existed for seven years that prevented deleted Dropbox files from being removed permanently. I can only imagine how much old data was left on Dropbox's servers waiting to be removed. The issue had to do with "metadata inconsistencies" on the files and folders, which blocked their deletion.
The bug has now been fixed and Dropbox is rolling out another fix that will re-delete those very old files added back into accounts. However, if you've updated or moved those old files since they appeared, they will remain until you decide to delete them again manually.
You can now search info on Nazis, the Berlin Tunnel, UFOs and more.
Being able to have Microsoft Word track the changes you make as you go is great, but what do you do if you need to copy previously deleted text without rejecting the work you have already done? Today’s SuperUser Q&A post has some helpful suggestions for a frustrated reader’s text copying woes.
The IT scene might pose a fat wallet and shiny world but not everything is well with the software engineers. Along with the codings and semantics, the software...
Dropbox and Mediafire are examples of file hosting services that utilize the cloud, allowing users to store, share, and download files. Both of these websites...
The advance could lead to new rehabilitation treatments for humans.
If successful, it will reach speeds of 1,000km/h and cut hours off journey times.
Any site could use WebEx to silently load malware in a "driveby" attack.
If you haven't heard of the blockchain yet, get ready to hear it discussed with much greater frequency, especially as it begins to permeate various elements o...
If you’ve been using Facebook for a few years, then you know your account contains a veritable treasure trove of information that thieves would just love to mine. It may go without saying, but firmly securing your Facebook account is going to go a long way towards protecting you from exposing a big
Prepare for a busy Tuesday, where we're expecting an earnings report from Verizon, details on Blizzard's new Overwatch expansion and oh yeah, our new show 'The...
Hyperloop Transportation Technologies will open a new facility in Toulouse, France.
With global warming accelerating at an alarming pace, glaciers and ice sheets melting away, resulting in a rapid rise in sea levels. Today, sea levels show rise...
"Gold" and "technology" certainly do not rhyme together as the aurum glow is especially espoused with elegant ornaments. But what if I say that technology too o...
Add another lawsuit to the list for the automaker.
It's the reason the company did well despite the Note 7 scandal.
