Dropbox Integration

The Dropbox Integration#

This integration allows you to connect your DataTrails tenancy directly with Dropbox to automatically add provenance to your files and create an immutable audit trail.

During the set up process you will select which Dropbox folders will be linked to DataTrails. Any files found in the linked folders, and their subfolders, will always be added to your DataTrails tenancy as a public Document Profile Asset. These assets can be verified using Instaproof.

From then on, each time a new file is created a corresponding asset will also be created on DataTrails and any modifications to an existing file will be registered as a Publish Event on the correct asset.

Note: DataTrails will never upload a copy of the file.

DataTrails uses xxx… to mask the file name and file path in the UI. This is intentional so that private information cannot be accidentally released via the Instaproof search results and because DataTrails is not intended to replace the excellent file management functionality that is provided by Dropbox.
Knowledge of the filename is not needed to prove provenance because Instaproof will attest and verify the content of a file even if the filename has been changed.

Connecting DataTrails to Dropbox#

1. Select Settings from the side bar and then the Integrations tab
   
2. Select Dropbox and then Proceed.
   
   If you are already logged into Dropbox on the device that you are using to set up the integration then you will proceed directly to step 3.
   If you are not logged in then Dropbox will ask you to authenticate.
   
3. DataTrails now asks for permission to see metadata for your files and folders. Click Allow to give DataTrails permission to access your Dropbox Folders.
   
4. Select the Dropbox folder that you wish to link to DataTrails and then click Confirm. The contents of this folder and all its subfolders will be added to DataTrails as public Document Profile Assets.
   
5. You will see a success message. Dropbox will be connected and the selected folders will be linked.
   
   Click on an icon on the right to edit the connection or to disconnect.
   
6. Check the Asset Overview to see your Dropbox files.
   

   Remember: The filenames of the Dropbox files are masked using the format xxx…

Editing the list of Linked folders#

1. Select the File icon in DataTrails
   
2. You will see the list of available folders. Select a folder to link or deselect a folder to unlink and then click Confirm
   

Disconnecting DataTrails from Dropbox#

To disconnect DataTrails and Dropbox you have the option to disconnect using both applications.

1. Select the Disconnect icon in DataTrails
   
   You will see a warning message.
   
   This means that this specific tenancy will no longer be used for provenance. You would do this if you no longer want to use a connected tenancy while continuing to use other connected tenancies.
2. If you also want to disconnect in Dropbox, log in to Dropbox, select your account and then Settings followed by the Apps tab. Select DataTrails and then Disconnect
   
   You would disconnect in Dropbox if you no longer wish to use DataTrails for provenance. This will remove access permissions for all your tenancies and should be done after you have disconnected all your individual tenancies in DataTrails.

This is how to connect and disconnect DataTrails and Dropbox, it is that simple!