How to Setup Dropbox Two-Step Verification
Hackers and snoopers are everywhere. Without the proper protection, the things that you upload to your Dropbox storage can be compromised if you don't take appropriate steps to protect it. It goes without saying that this is something you do not want to happen.
The recent security such hacking of journalist's hacked iCloud account are just reminder that security can be compromised if not maintained.
The recent security such hacking of journalist's hacked iCloud account are just reminder that security can be compromised if not maintained.
Dropbox Introduces Two-Step Verification
Dropbox created an optional two-step verification system to beef up their security.
Two-step verification (also called two-factor verification) drastically reduces the chances of having the your Dropbox data accessed by someone else. Why? Because hackers would have to not only get your password and your username, they'd have to get a hold of your phone.
So in order to login with the two-step verification, you must enter both a password and a temporary code that is sent to your phone. Both are required to gain access to the account.
Two-step verification (also called two-factor verification) drastically reduces the chances of having the your Dropbox data accessed by someone else. Why? Because hackers would have to not only get your password and your username, they'd have to get a hold of your phone.
So in order to login with the two-step verification, you must enter both a password and a temporary code that is sent to your phone. Both are required to gain access to the account.
How To Activate Two-Step Verification
You must first log into your Dropbox account In order to start using the two step-verification security option. After you have done that you must click on your account name. This link will be located on the upper right portion of the Dropbox website page.
This will take you to your “Account Menu” where you can look under the “Security” tab.
That is where the two-step verification option will be located.
Click to set custom HTML
You will have to enter your password in order to complete the process and can receive your temporary code either via text or mobile app.
If you choose SMS as your method of receiving codes, you'll just need to provide your mobile number. This is the simplest option and does not require an authenticator apps (like Google Authenticator) that Dropbox supports.
In the case of mobile authenticators, you will need to install Google Authenticator to your smartphone and configure it so it can work with your Dropbox account. For example, in Google Authenticator, just tap the Settings button on your device, then choose Add Account. From there use either the Scan or Manual option, whichever best fits your needs. Your Dropbox security code will appear as another entry in your authenticator app.
If you choose SMS as your method of receiving codes, you'll just need to provide your mobile number. This is the simplest option and does not require an authenticator apps (like Google Authenticator) that Dropbox supports.
In the case of mobile authenticators, you will need to install Google Authenticator to your smartphone and configure it so it can work with your Dropbox account. For example, in Google Authenticator, just tap the Settings button on your device, then choose Add Account. From there use either the Scan or Manual option, whichever best fits your needs. Your Dropbox security code will appear as another entry in your authenticator app.
Additional Protection: Enable Backup
As you can see, setting up and using two-verification is a simple process that greatly increases the level of security that is place onto your Dropbox account. Enabling this option is a significant step in protecting your files and information, however, it is not quit enough. There are other important things you must do.
An even more important method of protecting your information is to replicate your data and back it up to another cloud service. Relying on just one file storage solution and service is a dangerous way to handling your data and files. At the very least, Dropbox servers could go down and leave you unable to gain access to your information for hours. At worst, your data could be lost due to user accident or a software bug—or even maliciously deleted even despite your efforts to secure your account.
So backup and sync your files from Dropbox to Google Drive, Box, or SugarSync using cloudHQ.
An even more important method of protecting your information is to replicate your data and back it up to another cloud service. Relying on just one file storage solution and service is a dangerous way to handling your data and files. At the very least, Dropbox servers could go down and leave you unable to gain access to your information for hours. At worst, your data could be lost due to user accident or a software bug—or even maliciously deleted even despite your efforts to secure your account.
So backup and sync your files from Dropbox to Google Drive, Box, or SugarSync using cloudHQ.
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