Issue With Dropbox File Sharing Site for EERs

We recently discovered an issue with the way we are using Dropbox as a site to share files and collaborate on EERs. In the training that you may have viewed to learn about Dropbox, you were directed to put files in a public folder. Although it is highly unlikely that someone would have the information to do so, when files are in a public folder, they could be accessed through an Internet search. (Again, this is highly unlikely. A person would need some very specific information and knowledge to do so.) Because we want to be extremely cautious in our practices honoring confidentiality of students, we would like you to remove any documents with student identifiable information from “public” folders in Dropbox.

We will continue to evaluate the feasibility of using DropBox as a sharing tool. There are “individual” folders in Dropbox that will allow you to share folders with individuals you designate. These “individual” folders are not searchable on the Internet. If we decide to continue using Dropbox next school year, we will provide you with specific information to be sure your files are secure.

For now, please remove all student identifiable information from public folders in Dropbox. Feel free to contact Sharon Kurns at skurns@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14362, Lynn McCartney at lmccartney@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14677 or Julie Sypersma at jsypersma@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14676 if you have questions or need assistance.