Transfer Your Files From Dropbox
Moving your files from Dropbox to SecureCloud keeps your data in New Zealand, under New Zealand law. You keep ownership of your files and control who accesses them. This guide shows you how to move your files, step by step, with minimal disruption.
Why move from Dropbox to SecureCloud
Dropbox hosts data overseas. That means your data sits under foreign privacy laws. In New Zealand, SecureCloud keeps your files on local servers, protected by NZ privacy standards. You know where your data is stored and who can see it.
Dropbox pricing often includes features many users never use. SecureCloud pricing is built around storage, collaboration, and backup—nothing else. You pay for what you use, with clear data transfer and retention options.
For teams handling private data—like law firms, schools, and government contractors—keeping files in-country is a compliance requirement. SecureCloud meets these standards by default.
Step 1: Audit your Dropbox files
Before moving, audit your current Dropbox folders. Remove old or duplicate files. Rename inconsistent folders. This helps prevent clutter when moving into SecureCloud.
Example: a marketing agency using Dropbox might find multiple versions of “ClientLogo_Final.” Rename to a clear structure like “ClientName/Brand/Logo.ai.”
Keep one version of each file and delete redundant copies. This saves transfer time and reduces storage costs.
Step 2: Plan your folder structure
SecureCloud works best when your folders have a clear structure. Map how your data will look once transferred.
Example structure: • Projects • Clients • Finance • Templates
Create this folder layout inside SecureCloud before uploading. Doing this early avoids confusion once your team starts working from the new system.
Step 3: Export your Dropbox files
You have two ways to export Dropbox files:
- Download manually: Log in to Dropbox, select folders, and choose “Download.” This creates ZIP archives of your files.
- Use Dropbox’s desktop app: Sync files locally to your computer. Once complete, you have a local copy ready to upload to SecureCloud.
For small datasets (under 10GB), manual download is faster. For larger datasets, use the desktop sync method.
Step 4: Upload to SecureCloud
Once files are ready, upload to SecureCloud. You can upload through the web interface or use SecureCloud Drive Sync.
Web interface: Best for small or one-off uploads. Drag and drop files directly into the correct folder.
SecureCloud Drive Sync: Ideal for ongoing work or larger datasets. Install SecureCloud Drive, log in, and sync your local files. It keeps files in sync automatically between your devices and SecureCloud.
Example: a design studio syncing 500GB of files runs SecureCloud Drive overnight. The next morning, all active project folders are available in the cloud.
Step 5: Share and collaborate
SecureCloud includes built-in sharing tools. You decide who sees your files. Share links expire automatically after a set time or password protection.
Example: A real estate agency uploads contracts to SecureCloud and sends clients a password-protected link. Clients access files securely, and the agency controls when the link expires.
You can also create shared folders for teams. Every change syncs instantly, so everyone works from the same file version.
Step 6: Adjust permissions
Dropbox permissions often transfer as “shared links.” Recreate access permissions in SecureCloud manually to ensure correct visibility.
Set user groups in SecureCloud for teams—Sales, HR, Finance, etc.—and apply folder-level permissions.
Example: Finance team has access to the “Finance” folder. Everyone else sees only their department folders.
Check permissions regularly. Keep access limited to who needs it.
Step 7: Verify file integrity
After upload, check random samples of files to confirm the transfer worked. Open documents, images, and spreadsheets. Confirm they load correctly.
If any files fail to open, re-upload from your local backup.
Example: A photographer moving 2TB of RAW images runs a batch test by opening files from multiple folders. All files display correctly, confirming a successful move.
Step 8: Disconnect Dropbox integrations
Once your data is on SecureCloud, disconnect any linked Dropbox integrations. This prevents apps from attempting to sync or write data back to Dropbox.
Example integrations include Slack, Trello, and Microsoft Office. Switch them to point to SecureCloud instead.
This step prevents confusion and ensures your team always works from the correct platform.
Step 9: Notify your team
Inform your team about the switch. Provide the new login links, folder structure, and any password guidelines.
Example message: “Hi team, our shared files have moved to SecureCloud. Please log in at securecloud.nz using your existing credentials. Shared folders are already set up. Dropbox will be deactivated on Friday.”
Clear communication prevents downtime and helps staff adapt quickly.
Step 10: Secure your account
Enable two-factor authentication in SecureCloud. This adds a verification step when logging in.
Use strong passwords and avoid reusing them from Dropbox. Encourage your team to do the same.
Example: A school storing student data in SecureCloud uses 2FA across all teacher accounts. Access logs show who accessed what and when.
Why SecureCloud keeps your data safer
Dropbox stores data across multiple regions. SecureCloud keeps your data within New Zealand. Local hosting protects your files from foreign surveillance and non-NZ legal access.
All SecureCloud storage uses encrypted connections (TLS 1.3) and encrypted-at-rest files (AES-256). Data stays unreadable to anyone without permission.
With Dropbox, deleted files remain recoverable by administrators for up to 180 days. SecureCloud gives you control over retention and deletion schedules.
If your business follows NZ privacy laws or handles customer data, local hosting is a legal advantage.
Performance and access
SecureCloud servers are hosted in high-speed data centres in Auckland and Wellington. Local hosting reduces latency and improves access speed compared to Dropbox’s overseas servers.
For example, average download latency from Dropbox for NZ users is around 250ms. SecureCloud averages under 20ms. Faster sync times improve team productivity.
Mobile and desktop apps provide the same sync and offline access features as Dropbox, without the overseas dependency.
Support when you need it
SecureCloud provides support from within New Zealand. You get help in local time from people who understand NZ business requirements.
Dropbox support often routes through offshore call centres or chatbots. SecureCloud keeps it personal and direct.
Example: An engineering firm using SecureCloud contacted support for file versioning issues. They received a resolution within an hour from a local technician.
Data migration example
A Christchurch law firm moved 750GB of case files from Dropbox to SecureCloud. The IT team followed a planned migration:
- Exported Dropbox files to a secure local drive
- Created matching folder structures in SecureCloud
- Uploaded data using SecureCloud Drive
- Tested 100 random files for verification
- Disabled Dropbox sharing links
The firm reduced sync errors and gained full control of client data. Transfer completed within two days.
Ongoing data management
Once your data is live on SecureCloud, review it regularly. Archive inactive folders. Set clear file naming conventions.
Example: • Active_Projects_2025 • Archive_2024 • Templates
Structured folders keep your data fast to search and easy to back up.
Backup options
SecureCloud supports automated backups to secondary storage. Schedule these weekly or monthly. This prevents accidental loss from deletion or ransomware.
Example: A construction firm sets automatic backups every Sunday night. If a file is deleted midweek, it restores from backup within minutes.
Compliance and transparency
SecureCloud servers comply with ISO 27001 and NZ Privacy Act standards. Dropbox operates under US and EU laws, which differ in disclosure obligations.
New Zealand hosting ensures compliance with data sovereignty rules in public and private sectors.
Simple migration checklist
- Audit Dropbox files
- Plan SecureCloud folder structure
- Download or sync Dropbox data
- Upload to SecureCloud
- Recreate sharing and permissions
- Verify file integrity
- Disconnect Dropbox integrations
- Notify your team
- Enable 2FA
- Test everything
Follow these steps, and your data moves safely and efficiently.
Final thoughts
If you’re still relying on Dropbox, you’re giving control of your data to an offshore provider. Moving to SecureCloud keeps your files local, private, and compliant.
SecureCloud is built for New Zealand users. Simple setup. Fast performance. Local support.
Move your data today and take back control.