Dropbox has since published statements saying they are not responsible for the large number of credentials that were stolen. The company explained that the hackers had access to this information by other websites and copied as information on as many forums as they could, ultimately unlock thousands of accounts, including 400 on Dropbox. The problem, Dropbox concluded, is that users create accounts for different sites across the web and reusing the same login information. By choosing the same obvious password for each of these different accounts, users are unknowingly fall into place to be hacked.
What Dropbox done to improve safety?
To fight against piracy, Dropbox has some recommendations that users can use quickly and easily. The idea is to superimpose your security using verification in two stages. Adding this second layer of passwords that are specific to the user and their identity, the risk of a breach is greatly reduced. "2-step verification" The function of Dropbox requires a six-digit security code and your password every time you log in or attempting to link your account to another device. Even before this tool can be used, the company goes one step further to ensure that your files are secured by sending a backup 16-digit code. Users are encouraged to write this number and store it somewhere they can be sure will remain safe and intact, that number is essentially a last resort or an emergency tool.
How verification 2-step work with Dropbox
Depending on their preferences, there are a few ways users can go about installing the audit function in two stages on their Dropbox account:
text Message
the easiest way to set up verification 2-step is for users to receive their access code by SMS. For those with compatible phones with text messaging, a text will be sent containing a time-sensitive password every time they have successfully signed in Dropbox with their personal password. They will need to enter the access code before they can access their account. To activate the text message option, simply select "use text messages" in the audit configuration in 2 stages, and enter the phone number you want to send messages to.
mobile
If you prefer not to receive passcodes by text, there are several mobile apps available for smartphones that will issue a time-sensitive password that users can submit after their original password to complete their login. Any application that supports password one time based on time, or TOTP, the format should work. Some of the applications include Dropbox suggests Google Authenticator (available for Android, iPhone and Blackberry) Duo Mobile (Android and iPhone), Amazon AWS MFA (Android only) and Authenticator (Windows Phone 7).
Once you have selected your preferred application and continued to Dropbox, select "use a mobile application" in the audit configuration in 2 steps. Depending on the application you have chosen, you can scan the bar code provided on your screen, or click "enter your secret key manually" to give a special code that you can enter the application yourself. once the application has been properly configured, you must enter a security code that is generated by your authenticator app to check the configuration and start checking in 2 stages. most applications will continue to generate codes for users, even when they are out of the reach of the service or their data is available, which is extremely useful for travelers.
business users can even use two verification steps
Dropbox is not just for personal accounts and is often used in large companies. A security breach at the expense of a large company is a cause for panic and can mean detriment for countless people with unjustified exhibition of important information. In addition to providing audit in 2 steps for all users on a business account - which may be managed by the admin account - Dropbox has developed features designed to enhance security on major accounts used for commercial purposes. New features include "view only" permissions to the shared folders, passwords for links and shared expirations for shared links. Enterprise administrators can ensure the sharing of the organization to the security level by setting the default link "single undertaking" or "employee only." By ensuring that employees are trained to know which services are safe for use in enterprise, data will be more secure. In collaboration with the verification layer in 2 stages, these improvements should enhance the security for businesses using Dropbox for collective collaboration.
To protect a breach, Dropbox users are invited to create the connection information that is specific to their Dropbox account - which means they are not using the same password on multiple sites - in addition to keeping an eye on their account activity. By closely monitoring your account and to opt for maximum security features that Dropbox offers, you can be assured that your files and documents will be secured and Dropbox wins its trustworthy reputation.
Consult our online backup reviews to see how Dropbox compares to the competition.