Dropbox launches a password manager and secure file vault

Dropbox has unveiled several new features to help users stay organised while they work from home.

The updates include a password manager service called 'Dropbox Passwords' and filing system called 'Dropbox Vault' that follows on from the companies acquisition of Valt last year.

As life has become more internet-based, with many people now working remotely, Dropbox suggests that employees' life/work balance has become strained and "chaotic". As such, the company is looking to provide services that help organise workflows as well as life at home.

In addition to Dropbox Passwords and Dropbox Vault, the company is also launching an automatic backup service, 'Computer backup', which saves Mac and PC folders to Dropbox for secure access on the go. This can be retrieved even when the hardware fails, according to Dropbox.

"The lines between work and home are blurred, and we're all being pulled in a million directions right now," said Drew Houston, CEO of Dropbox. "It can feel chaotic and overwhelming." 

"We're working quickly to provide new features to help people stay better organised in all aspects of their lives so they can focus on what really matters - like health and family."

The company also has some new services for businesses, with HelloSign eSignature becoming a native feature within Dropbox following the company's acquisition of HelloSign last year. With this feature, users will be able to send, receive and sign documents without leaving Dropbox. 

The company is also launching a suite of integrations, which includes tools for Zoom, Slack and Google. The Dropbox App Center is available to a subset of users in beta with over 40 integrated partners and more coming soon.

"According to IDC survey data, 31% of workers are concerned about lost productivity due to shifting to work from home," said IDC analyst, Holly Muscolino.

"However, a recent poll shows that 70% of organisations would be investing in content sharing and collaboration over the next 12 months to support at-home workers. With today's announcement, Dropbox has created a single place to help users get better organised at work and at home, to help them stay productive."