Dropbox Beta Adds Two-Factor Authentication Security

You only need look at the sad tale of Wired journalist Mat Honan to understand why doubling down on the security of your web identity is so important. Cloud storage is no exception, and Dropbox is seeking to keep data more secure with two-factor authentication.

As one of the most widely-used cloud storage services, there is -- of course -- quite a bit of personal data sitting on the Dropbox servers. The new security measure, currently in beta, will make it harder for hackers to access accounts.

Much like the security feature currently available to all Google users, two-factor authentication requires an additional login step when a Dropbox account is accessed from a new computer or other device.

If you're interested in turning the extra protection on now, you'll first need to grab the 1.5.12 beta. The two-step verification is turned on under the Dropbox "security" tab, and you'll receive an access code via SMS when a new device attempts to access your account. 

Dropbox will also issue two-factor users a 16-digit code, which provides a back-up in case a phone is lost or unavailable. 

The new security feature arrives just a month after Dropbox admitted to a data breach which affected a "small number" of user accounts. The usernames and passwords were allegedly swiped from other sites where the same credentials were used; a major reason for two-factor authentication.

Dropbox also recently added the ability to view other computers and mobile devices with access to your account.

Follow this article's author, Matt Clark on Twitter.

 

Tags: Newscloud storageDropboxOnline Securitytwo-factor authentication Here's What You'll Get:The latest Apple news, reviews and how-tosThe hottest articles from MacLife.comYour recommended daily dose of awesome Also, send me e-mail announcements and special offers from Mac

View the Original article