Dropbox vs pCloud vs Sync Security: Which Actually Protects Your Files?

Searching “Dropbox vs pCloud vs Sync security” usually means you’re worried about who can access your files. Smart. Because here’s what nobody else is telling you: Dropbox has been hacked THREE times (2012, 2022, 2023), has NO zero-knowledge encryption option at any price, and their employees CAN technically access your files.

My recommendation hierarchy (by security):

1. Sync.com - Zero-knowledge encryption included, no extra fees
2. pCloud - Zero-knowledge available but costs extra $49.99/year
3. Dropbox - No zero-knowledge option, 3 breaches, not recommended for security

This security comparison will show you the documented breaches, encryption costs, and real-world security implications of each provider.

⚡ Quick Security Verdict

TL;DR: Dropbox has been breached 3 times and offers no zero-knowledge encryption. pCloud charges extra for encryption. Sync.com includes zero-knowledge encryption free, has zero breaches, and is the only one where even the company can’t access your files.

Winner: Sync.com dominates on security - zero breaches, free zero-knowledge encryption, longest file history, and lowest total cost.

Why: If you care about security, this isn’t even close. Dropbox has been breached 3 times and can’t offer zero-knowledge encryption. pCloud charges you $50/year extra for what Sync.com includes free. The math is simple: Sync.com is $96/year with full encryption vs pCloud’s $150/year or Dropbox’s $144/year with zero encryption.

What is Cloud Storage Security, and Why It’s Something You Need?

Think of cloud storage as a treasure chest. Inside, you store your precious digital jewels: documents, photos, videos, and more. But what happens if your chest is left unlocked? Enter cloud storage security. 

What is cloud storage security? Think of it like it’s the lock on your treasure chest. It’s a mix of technologies, policies, and controls that work together to protect your digital valuables from threats like hackers and malware. Cloud storage security ensures that your data isn’t just floating around in cyberspace, ripe for the picking. Instead, it’s stored securely, accessible only to those with the right keys. 

Why is cloud storage security essential? Simple. We live in an age where digital data is as valuable, if not more so, than physical property. Think about it. Your financial details, personal documents, even memories in the form of photos and videos, all in digital form. A security breach could mean losing it all. That’s why you need cloud storage security - it’s your digital lock and key. 

Let’s dive deeper into how Dropbox, Sync.com, and pCloud tackle cloud storage security.

1. The Dropbox Security Problem: A History of Breaches

Before we compare features, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Dropbox has been breached THREE times. Not once. Not twice. Three separate times.

Here’s the complete timeline of Dropbox’s security failures:

2012: The Big One - 68 Million Passwords Exposed

What happened: In 2012, Dropbox suffered a massive data breach that exposed over 68 million user passwords. The breach wasn’t disclosed until 2016 when the stolen data showed up for sale on the dark web.

Impact:

• 68,680,741 email addresses and passwords compromised
• Passwords were hashed, but many were cracked
• Users weren’t notified for 4 years

Source: BBC News Coverage

The mistake: Dropbox reused a password from an employee’s LinkedIn account (which had also been breached). This gave hackers access to a company document containing user email addresses.

2022: GitHub Code Repository Breach

What happened: In October 2022, hackers used a phishing attack to gain access to 130 of Dropbox’s GitHub code repositories.

What was exposed:

• Source code for internal tools
• Employee credentials
• API keys and secrets
• Names and emails of Dropbox employees, customers, and sales leads

Source: BleepingComputer

The security failure: Hackers impersonated code integration tool CircleCI and phished Dropbox employees. The attackers had access for over a month before detection.

2023: Dropbox Sign Breach (Formerly HelloSign)

What happened: In April 2024, Dropbox disclosed that their e-signature product Dropbox Sign (formerly HelloSign) had been breached. The breach actually occurred in 2023.

What was exposed:

• Customer information including emails, usernames, phone numbers
• Hashed passwords
• MFA keys
• API keys and OAuth tokens
• General account settings

Impact: Affected all Dropbox Sign users who created accounts before this incident.

Source: Dropbox Sign Security Incident Disclosure

The security failure: Hackers gained access to Dropbox Sign’s production environment through a compromised service account. Again, detection took weeks.

What This Means for You

Three breaches in 11 years. That’s not a fluke. That’s a pattern of security failures.

Meanwhile, pCloud and Sync.com: Zero reported breaches. Ever.

Security track record:

• Dropbox: 3 breaches, 68+ million accounts exposed
• pCloud: 0 breaches in 10+ years of operation
• Sync.com: 0 breaches in 11+ years of operation

The real question: Why would you trust your files to a company that’s been breached three times when zero-breach alternatives exist?

2. End-to-End Encryption: Which Service Does It Best?

When it comes to end-to-end encryption, all three players - Dropbox, pCloud, and Sync.com - have staked their claim. But the real question is, who does it best? Let’s take a close look at each one.

Dropbox

Dropbox, a stalwart in the cloud storage arena, uses 256-bit AES for files at rest and SSL/TLS for data in transit. However, end-to-end encryption is a different ball game. Dropbox doesn’t offer end-to-end encryption natively. Business users can leverage it, but only via third-party integrations.

Without third-party integrations, your files could be accessed by Dropbox under certain circumstances, such as due to a court order. However, with third-party integrations like Sookasa and Boxcryptor, Dropbox business users can achieve end-to-end encryption, enhancing the security of their stored files.

Still, it’s an extra step and added cost that isn’t required with some other cloud storage providers. This is, in my opinion, Dropbox’s most serious security flaw!

pCloud

Unlike Dropbox, pCloud steps up the game, offering end-to-end encryption with its pCloud Crypto service. However, it’s worth noting this feature comes at an extra cost. Yet, the peace of mind knowing your files are only readable by you might justify the price. 

The pCloud Crypto service works by encrypting your files on your device before they are uploaded to the cloud. This means that even if someone were able to access your cloud storage without permission, they would not be able to read or alter your files due to the encryption.

pCloud neither stores nor has access to your encryption keys, which adds an extra layer of security. It’s also important to note that this encryption method applies to all types of files, providing comprehensive security for your stored data.

Sync.com

When it comes to preserving your digital valuables, Sync.com takes a no-compromise approach. They secure your peace of mind with their ironclad end-to-end encryption.

So what’s the deal with end-to-end encryption? This means that your data is encrypted (i.e., scrambled into unreadable bits) from the moment it leaves your device, remains encrypted while in transit, and stays encrypted on Sync’s servers.

Even if someone intercepts your data during transfer, all they would see is gibberish. This feature applies not just to your files but also to your file metadata, enhancing your overall data security. 

Sync.com is the clear winner on the end-to-end encryption front. They offer this security feature as standard at no extra cost. All data, whether at rest or in transit, is securely encrypted, making Sync.com an excellent choice for privacy-focused users. 

So, in the end-to-end encryption showdown, Sync.com takes the trophy. But remember, each service has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice will ultimately depend on your specific needs.

2. Two-Factor Authentication: Which Service Does It Best?

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is like the bouncer at your favorite club, adding an extra layer of security to your personal digital rendezvous. So which of our cloud storage contenders -Dropbox, pCloud, or Sync.com -packs the most punch when it comes to 2FA?

Dropbox

Dropbox, being the veteran in the game, offers 2FA through both SMS and mobile apps like Google Authenticator. It’s like having an experienced doorman who knows all the tricks in the book.

pCloud

Over to pCloud. Although Johnny-come-lately, it takes 2FA seriously. It supports Google Authenticator, but ditch the SMS route. It’s akin to a more sophisticated security system: less hands-on, but equally efficient.

Sync.com

Lastly, let’s talk Sync.com. This service puts a high premium on security, offering 2FA via Google Authenticator and Authy. Sync.com is like that new, state-of-the-art security system that leaves no stone unturned. 

In conclusion, all three providers make the cut in the 2FA department. Your choice depends on your preference - a seasoned veteran, a sleek newbie, or a security-obsessed upstart. You’re in good hands regardless.

3. Zero-Knowledge Privacy: Which Service Does It Best?

Ever feel like you’re being watched? With zero-knowledge privacy, that’s not an issue. Let’s see how our three contenders stack up in this arena.

Dropbox

Dropbox, unfortunately, doesn’t offer zero-knowledge encryption. This means Dropbox has the keys to decrypt your files if necessary. While they promise not to access your data without your consent, it’s a potential privacy concern.

pCloud and Sync.com

On the other hand, pCloud and Sync.com do provide zero-knowledge encryption.

With pCloud, it’s part of their optional Crypto plan. Sync.com, however, includes it as a standard feature. With both services, even they can’t access your files without your password. 

So, for zero-knowledge privacy, Sync.com takes the crown. This is because they offer this feature at no additional cost, unlike pCloud. If privacy is your top priority, Sync.com is a solid choice.

It’s important to note that zero-knowledge encryption can make certain features, like file previews and sharing, more challenging. But, for the privacy-conscious, it’s a worthy trade-off.

4. Secure File Sharing: Which Service Does it Best?

When it comes to secure file sharing, all three services - Dropbox, pCloud, and Sync.com - have their unique strengths. However, the devil is in the details.

Dropbox

Dropbox, the seasoned player in the field, offers password protection and expiration dates for shared links. But that’s not all. Its robust ‘team’ settings allow the admin to manage access levels, making it a favorite among business users.

pCloud

pCloud, on the other hand, takes a more user-centric approach with its pCloud transfer. With its unique ‘upload link’ feature, you can allow others to upload files to your cloud. And, of course, it also offers password protection and expiration for shared files.

Sync.com

Sync.com may be the winner here. It provides password-protected links and expiration dates and boasts zero-knowledge encryption. This means even Sync.com can’t access your files - the ultimate privacy level! 

So, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Choose the one that best fits your needs and sleep soundly knowing your files are safe in the cloud!

5. Backup and Recovery: Which Service Does it Best?

When it comes to your precious digital files, losing them is not an option. The safety net? A reliable backup and recovery system. In this section, we’ll dive into Backup and Recovery, analyzing which cloud storage service - Dropbox, Sync.com vs pCloud, handles this crucial aspect best.

Dropbox

Dropbox offers a backup and disaster recovery option called ‘Rewind’. This feature allows users to restore their files to a previous version or date within the last 30 days.

Dropbox also has a version history feature that allows users to view and restore previous versions of their files. Additionally, Dropbox offers two-factor authentication and encryption at rest and in transit to ensure the security of user data.

pCloud

pCloud offers a backup and disaster recovery option called ‘Rewind’. This feature allows users to restore their files to a previous version or date within the last 30 days. pCloud also offers a trash bin feature that allows users to recover deleted files for up to 15 days.

Additionally, pCloud offers client-side encryption and two-factor authentication to ensure the security of user data. In case of a disaster, pCloud has a redundant infrastructure that ensures data is replicated across multiple servers and locations for added protection.

Sync.com

Sync.com offers a backup and disaster recovery option called ‘Vault’. This feature allows users to recover deleted files and previous versions of files for up to 180 days.

Sync.com also offers end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication to ensure the security of user data. In case of a disaster, Sync.com has a geo-redundant infrastructure that ensures data is replicated across multiple locations for added protection.

Sync.com reigns supreme when it comes to backup and recovery options in the sphere of cloud storage. Their standout feature, ‘Vault’, provides users with an impressive six-month window to recover deleted or older versions of files. In addition, the peace of mind offered through end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication is incomparable.

Also, their geo-redundant infrastructure, ensuring data replication across multiple locations, adds an extra layer of disaster protection. All these security features combined make Sync.com a truly robust and reliable choice for cloud storage.

6. Industry Security Standards and Regulations: Which Service Does it Best?

Dropbox, Sync.com, and pCloud all comply with industry standards and regulations regarding cloud storage security.

Dropbox

Dropbox is compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Dropbox also has certifications such as the ISO 27001 certification, which is an international standard for information security management systems, and the SOC 2 Type 2 certification, which is a report on controls at a service organization relevant to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.

pCloud

pCloud is compliant with GDPR and the Swiss Federal Data Protection Act (DPA).

pCloud has obtained the ISO 27001 certification and the SOC 2 Type 1 certification, which is a report on controls at a service organization relevant to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. pCloud has also undergone an independent security audit by a third-party security firm.

Sync.com

Sync.com is compliant with GDPR, the Canadian Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), and the US Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Sync.com has also obtained the ISO 27001 certification and the SOC 2 Type 2 certification. In addition, Sync.com has been audited by a third-party security firm and received a perfect score for its security practices.

Overall, Dropbox, Sync.com, and pCloud take cloud storage security seriously and have taken steps to comply with industry standards and regulations, as well as obtain certifications and undergo independent security audits to ensure the security and privacy of their users’ data.

7. Data Center Locations: Why Location Matters?

Ever wonder why data center locations matter in cloud storage? It’s not about being close to your data physically but about the laws and regulations in the data center’s location. Different countries have distinctive data privacy laws that directly affect how your data is handled and protected. 

Dropbox uses Amazon’s AWS data centers, predominantly located in the US. AWS is renowned for its robust security measures and compliance certifications. 

pCloud, on the other hand, stores its data in the US, the EU, and Switzerland. This gives users a choice between US and stricter GDPR-compliant European data privacy laws. 

Finally, Sync.com stores data exclusively in Canada, which has strong privacy laws under PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act). 

Choosing between Dropbox, pCloud, or Sync.com might just come down to where their data centers are located. Consider your needs and the type of data you’re storing. Are you more comfortable with US, EU, or Canadian regulations? Your answer to that might point you to the right cloud storage provider for you.

Questions & Answers

What is cloud storage security, and why does it matter?

Cloud storage security is the practice of protecting data stored in the cloud from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. It is important because cloud storage is increasingly used to store sensitive data, such as financial information, medical records, and intellectual property.

What are the differences between Dropbox, Sync.com and pCloud in terms of security?

All three providers offer strong security features. However, Sync.com and pCloud offer a few additional “must-have” security features, such as end-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge privacy.

What are the main privacy features of each service?

Dropbox provides two-factor authentication and server-side encryption at rest. pCloud offers additional zero-knowledge privacy and client-side encryption through their Crypto addon, and Sync.com does the same with their secure Vault option. Both pCloud and Sync.com ensure that only the user can access their files.

How do Dropbox, pCloud and Sync.com protect against data breaches?

In addition to offering strong encryption, Dropbox, Sync.com and pCloud also take a number of other steps to protect against data breaches. These steps include:
- Using secure data centers with multiple layers of physical security.
- Monitoring for malicious activity.
- Responding quickly to security incidents.

How do their storage plans and pricing compare?

Dropbox, pCloud, and Sync.com offer a range of storage plans and pricing options. pCloud and Sync.com have free plans with 10 GB of storage, while Dropbox’s free plan offers only 2 GB.

Paid plan pricing (2025):

• Dropbox Plus: $11.99/month ($143.88/year) for 2 TB - no encryption option
• pCloud Premium: $49.99/year (500GB) or $99.99/year (2TB), plus add pCloud Crypto for zero-knowledge encryption (+$49.99/year or +$150 lifetime)
• Sync.com: $96/year for 2 TB with zero-knowledge encryption included free

Security cost comparison (2TB annual):

• Dropbox: $143.88 (no zero-knowledge encryption available)
• pCloud: $99.99 + $49.99 = $149.98 (with encryption addon)
• Sync.com: $96 (encryption included)

Winner on price + security: Sync.com is $48/year cheaper than Dropbox and $54/year cheaper than pCloud with encryption.

Are there any known security breaches for Dropbox, pCloud, or Sync.com?

Dropbox suffered a significant security breach in 2012, exposing millions of user credentials. Dropbox was also hacked in 2022. No major security breaches have been reported for pCloud or Sync.com, and both services emphasize maintaining user privacy and security. In my opinion, you should consider using a competitor to Dropbox.

Do Dropbox, pCloud and Sync.com comply with GDPR and other data protection regulations?

Yes, all three providers comply with GDPR and other data protection regulations. This means that they have strong security measures in place to protect your data, and they will only share your data with third parties if they have your consent.

Can Dropbox employees access my files?

Yes. Dropbox uses server-side encryption, which means they hold the encryption keys and can technically access your files. While they claim to only do this for technical troubleshooting or legal requests, the fact remains that they CAN access your files if they want to or are compelled to.

pCloud and Sync.com with zero-knowledge encryption cannot access your files, even if ordered to by a court - they literally don’t have the keys to decrypt your data.

What is zero-knowledge encryption and why does it matter?

Zero-knowledge encryption means the cloud storage provider never has access to your encryption keys - only you do. Your files are encrypted on your device before they’re uploaded, and only you can decrypt them.

Why it matters: If the company gets hacked, your files remain encrypted and useless to attackers. If the company gets a court order to hand over your files, they can’t decrypt them even if they wanted to.

• Dropbox: No zero-knowledge option available
• pCloud: Zero-knowledge available via Crypto addon (+$49.99/year)
• Sync.com: Zero-knowledge included free in all paid plans

Which provider is best for HIPAA compliance (healthcare data)?

All three offer HIPAA-compliant plans, but there’s a catch:

Dropbox: HIPAA available but requires Business plan ($20/user/month minimum) and still no zero-knowledge encryption pCloud: Offers Business plans but no specific HIPAA certification mentioned Sync.com: HIPAA-compliant with zero-knowledge encryption built-in, starting at $96/year

For healthcare data, Sync.com is the clear winner - you get HIPAA compliance + zero-knowledge encryption at the lowest price.

What happens if I forget my password with zero-knowledge encryption?

The bad news: If you forget your encryption password with zero-knowledge providers, your files are permanently lost. There is no password recovery.

The good news: This is actually a feature, not a bug. It proves that even the company can’t access your files.

pCloud Crypto: Lost password = lost files forever Sync.com: Lost password = lost files forever Dropbox: They can reset your password because they have your encryption keys (which is why it’s less secure)

Pro tip: Use a password manager and store your encryption password securely.

Can law enforcement access my files?

Depends on where the company is based and what encryption they use:

Dropbox (USA):

• Subject to US Patriot Act
• Must comply with law enforcement requests
• Has encryption keys, so can decrypt and hand over your files
• Has complied with government requests in the past

pCloud (Switzerland/EU):

• Swiss privacy laws are stronger than US
• Can resist some law enforcement requests
• With Crypto addon: They don’t have your encryption keys, can’t hand over decrypted files
• Without Crypto: They can hand over your files

Sync.com (Canada):

• Subject to Canadian law (PIPEDA)
• Even with court order, they can’t decrypt zero-knowledge encrypted files
• Can hand over encrypted files, but they’re useless without your password

Winner for privacy from government access: Sync.com - zero-knowledge by default + Canada’s privacy laws.

How much does real security actually cost?

Let’s do the real math for 2TB storage with maximum security (zero-knowledge encryption):

Dropbox:

• Cost: $143.88/year
• Zero-knowledge: Not available at any price
• Real security cost: Impossible

pCloud:

• Base: $99.99/year (2TB)
• Crypto addon: +$49.99/year
• Total: $149.98/year for zero-knowledge encryption

Sync.com:

• Cost: $96/year (2TB)
• Zero-knowledge: Included free
• Total: $96/year for zero-knowledge encryption

Winner: Sync.com is $54/year cheaper than pCloud and offers what Dropbox can’t provide at any price.

Is zero-knowledge encryption overkill for personal use?

No. Here’s why you need it:

What zero-knowledge protects you from:

• Company breaches (Dropbox has had 3)
• Rogue employees accessing your files
• Government overreach
• Company bankruptcy (they can’t sell your data if they can’t read it)
• Future unknown threats

What you’re storing that needs protection:

• Tax documents with SSN
• Passport/ID scans
• Medical records
• Private photos
• Business documents
• Literally anything you wouldn’t want posted on Reddit

The cost of NOT having zero-knowledge: One breach of your personal documents can lead to identity theft costing thousands of dollars and years of hassle.

The cost of zero-knowledge with Sync.com: $0 extra ($96/year total)

Do the math.

Can I trust the encryption claims these companies make?

How to verify:

1. Look for third-party security audits (all three have them)
2. Check for industry certifications (ISO 27001, SOC 2)
3. Look at breach history (Dropbox: 3, pCloud/Sync: 0)
4. See if encryption is open-source or audited
5. Check if they publish transparency reports

Sync.com: Published independent security audits, perfect score, zero breaches pCloud: Independent security audit, ISO 27001, zero breaches Dropbox: Multiple certifications, but also 3 breaches in 11 years

Actions speak louder than marketing claims. Track record matters.

Our Verdict: Who Actually Wins on Security?

Let’s cut through the bullshit. This isn’t close.

The Security Scorecard

Dropbox:

• ❌ 3 security breaches (2012, 2022, 2023)
• ❌ No zero-knowledge encryption available at any price
• ❌ Company can access your files
• ❌ Subject to US Patriot Act
• ❌ Most expensive at $143.88/year
• ✅ 2FA available
• Security Grade: D-

pCloud:

• ✅ Zero breaches in 10+ years
• ⚠️ Zero-knowledge available BUT costs extra $49.99/year
• ✅ Swiss/EU jurisdiction (better privacy laws)
• ✅ 2FA available
• ⚠️ Total cost with security: $149.98/year
• Security Grade: B (would be A if Crypto was included)

Sync.com:

• ✅ Zero breaches in 11+ years
• ✅ Zero-knowledge encryption INCLUDED FREE
• ✅ Canadian jurisdiction (strong privacy laws)
• ✅ 180-day file history (vs 30 days for others)
• ✅ Lowest cost at $96/year
• ✅ 2FA available
• Security Grade: A+

The Winner: Sync.com (And It’s Not Even Close)

Here’s the brutal math:

On security:

• Dropbox: Can’t offer what Sync.com has as standard
• pCloud: Charges $50/year extra for what Sync.com includes free
• Sync.com: Zero-knowledge encryption included, zero breaches, 6x longer file history

On cost:

• Dropbox: $143.88/year for inferior security
• pCloud: $149.98/year with Crypto addon
• Sync.com: $96/year with everything included

Sync.com is:

• $48/year cheaper than Dropbox (33% savings)
• $54/year cheaper than pCloud with Crypto (36% savings)
• The only one with zero breaches
• The only one with free zero-knowledge encryption
• The only one that can’t access your files even if ordered to

Who Should Use What?

Use Sync.com if:

• You care about security (most people)
• You want zero-knowledge encryption without extra fees
• You want the lowest price + best security
• You don’t want to worry about breaches

Use pCloud if:

• You want Swiss jurisdiction specifically
• You’re willing to pay extra for the Crypto addon
• You want lifetime storage options
• Security is secondary to other features

Use Dropbox if:

• You value brand recognition over security
• You don’t care that they’ve been breached 3 times
• You’re okay with employees being able to access your files
• You want to pay more for less security

My Recommendation

For 95% of people: Sync.com

Sync.com is objectively the best security choice. Zero breaches, free zero-knowledge encryption, lowest cost.

The Bottom Line

Dropbox: 3 breaches, no zero-knowledge, highest price = Hard pass

pCloud: Good security, but charges extra for what Sync.com includes = Decent but not best value

Sync.com: Zero breaches, free zero-knowledge, lowest price = Clear winner

Want maximum security at minimum cost? Sync.com is $96/year with zero-knowledge encryption included. That’s $54/year less than pCloud with Crypto, and offers security Dropbox can’t provide at any price.

Still not convinced? Read the breach history section again. Dropbox has been hacked three times. pCloud and Sync.com: Zero breaches. Ever. Actions speak louder than marketing.

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Legal Note: This guide contains both documented facts (linked to sources) and my personal opinions based on those facts. All opinions are clearly marked as such.

Affiliate disclosure: I make money from affiliate links to pCloud and Sync.com.