A few weeks ago, the cloud-based file storage service Dropbox launched new security measures. One of the things the company promised was coming was two-step authentication and a few days ago, the company started launching this new feature via a beta test.
Users who want to participate in this test are directed to download a beta client from Dropbox for Windows, Mac and Linux versions and then go to Dropbox"s beta sign up page to activate the two-factor authentication feature. After that, you can set up the extra security method via the instructions on the company"s website.
Dropbox states:
Once enabled, Dropbox will require a six-digit security code in addition to your password whenever you sign in to Dropbox or link a new computer, phone, or tablet.
Adding a second step to verify an online account is getting more and more attention in the media of late, as hackers have developed ways to gain access to online accounts via phishing and social engineering techniques. A few weeks ago, a former writer for Gizmodo found that his Apple accounts got deleted by a hacker who contacted Apple tech support and used some "clever social engineering".
Microsoft currently doesn"t have two-step authentication for its newly launched Outlook.com service, saying that it is trying to "find a strong solution that everyone can use."
Source: Dropbox | Image via Dropbox