Dropbox Addresses Security Breach, Adds New ID Requirements
A few weeks back, Dropbox, the file storage site, started receiving complaints from their users that they’ve been receiving spam on e-mail addresses only used for Dropbox. The company looked into the matter and found out that usernames and passwords hacked from other sites were used to gain access to Dropbox accounts but they’ve already informed the affected users and helped them in securing their accounts.
The Dropbox team also stated that a stolen password was used to access an employee Dropbox account which contains a project document with user email addresses. The team stated that they’re doing everything they can to keep this from happening again.
“We’re sorry about this, and have put additional controls in place to help make sure it doesn’t happen again,” Dropbox said in their blog post.
Because of the breach, they beefed up their security in order to avoid future security breach and to protect all their users.
New security features
Dropbox will soon have a two-factor authentication wherein users can turn on the option of requiring two proofs of identity, like a password and a temporary code sent to a user’s phone, when they sign in. They’ve also added new automated mechanisms that would help identify if there are suspicious activities on your Dropbox account. There’s also a new page that lets users examine all active logins to your account so they can quickly identify any unauthorized logins.
Change your password
Whenever there’s a security breach in any web service, we at SiliconANGLE always remind you, our readers, to change your password. If you use only one password and one e-mail address to all of your online accounts, don’t be shocked if you fall victim to these malicious attacks. People should use tougher passwords on their accounts with alternating numbers and letters as well as using lower and upper case letters. If it’s tough for you to remember all your passwords for multiple sites, you can either make a list that only you have access to, or use a service like 1Password to help you keep your passwords safe.
Again, we cannot reiterate this enough: keep your passwords strong; change your passwords at least every six months; and don’t tell other people your passwords even if they are your friends or family members.
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