Decrypting DropBox files on iPhone 5

[Pndrgnsvc]

I create encrypted .dmgs and store them Dropbox.

My iMac can successfully download and decrypt these DropBox data. But while my iPhone 5 can access the data, it cannot not decrypt the data.

Is there a way to store encrypted data on DropBox and decrypt it from an iPhone 5?

 

[Gaidin43]

Don't store sensitive personal files you need access to while mobile in cloud based services.

Example people always give is "keep your porn on an HDD at home that you would never want someone to see."

 

[Pndrgnsvc]

Don't store sensitive personal files you need access to while mobile in cloud based services.

Example people always give is "keep your porn on an HDD at home that you would never want someone to see."

I am not storing porn, but rather business, financial, legal, medical, and personal data. And because I would not otherwise store these data on any cloud, ergo the encryption.

None of my data are the keys to the kingdom or threaten national security, just private information that I wish to keep that way. And when I travel, I would like access to it from my iPhone. Seems reasonable to me…

 

[Gaidin43]

No I completely understand the security measures. And the porn reference was just a common one people use in situations like this.

I am not sure there are any native programs that allow decrypting on the iPhone, but I will try looking around.

 

[Weaselboy]

I create encrypted .dmgs and store them Dropbox.

My iMac can successfully download and decrypt these DropBox data. But while my iPhone 5 can access the data, it cannot not decrypt the data.

Is there a way to store encrypted data on DropBox and decrypt it from an iPhone 5?

You might look GoodReader. It can be password protected and can also password protect individual documents. Also, it can access Dropbox directly within the app.

 

[Pndrgnsvc]

Many thanks, Weaselboy. Good suggestion!

I had not considered using a PW protected file. I just want to ensure that whatever product I employ is designed for both Mac OS and iOS and that I do not end up on a one-way street.

Suggestions always welcome.

 

[maxosx]

You might look GoodReader. It can be password protected and can also password protect individual documents. Also, it can access Dropbox directly within the app.

This is sage advice. It's a method I use myself. It works very well

 

[Pndrgnsvc]

Since the files I'm going to access from my iPhone are all created on my iMac, (before posting to DropBox) won't I need GoodReader on both my iPhone and my iMac?

 

[Weaselboy]

Since the files I'm going to access from my iPhone are all created on my iMac, (before posting to DropBox) won't I need GoodReader on both my iPhone and my iMac?

No... you don't need GoodReader on the iMac. Think of GoodReader sort of like the Preview app on your iMac. You are just using it to access and view documents from DropBox on your iOS device. By password protecting the app/document in GoodReader you are preventing unauthorized viewing of those files on the iOS device. It does not change the underlying document on the iMac.

 

[Pndrgnsvc]

Many thanks, Weaselboy.

I hate to be such a dolt. I think I now understand GoodReader, but how does one password protect a file/folder from a iMac prior to uploading it to Dropbox?

 

[Weaselboy]

Many thanks, Weaselboy.

I hate to be such a dolt. I think I now understand GoodReader, but how does one password protect a file/folder from a iMac prior to uploading it to Dropbox?

You don't. It just sits in your Mac unencrypted and synced to Dropbox. Then you use GoodReader on iOS to access the file through Dropbox. Then within GoodReader on iOS you can either PW protect the entire app or password protect a file.

 

[Pndrgnsvc]

Weaselboy, Your time, expertise, and patience are greatly appreciated.

Thanks to you, the DropBox/GoodReader fog has cleared, and all is again, right with the world.