Dropbox is rolling out two-step verification, which is seemingly compulsory for users of the file-sharing service. Dropbox recently experienced security breaches, so the feature's implementation appears to be a reaction to those events.

Follow us

For now, the service redirects users to a custom URL to sign in and use the new feature. When users sign in, the link opens the Security Configuration page, and users can run a wizard explaining how to enable and use the two-step verification feature. When using the feature, codes can be sent via SMS to a mobile phone or, like the Authenticator app Blizzard uses for its Battle.net service, users can download an app that generates a code. The app is available for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone devices.

Users installing Dropbox on a new computer and linking an account will be asked for a code, as will users trying to log into the account, so in theory, users' data should not be stolen easily.

Currently the feature is opt-out (there is no push to use the aforementioned link), though it will be interesting to see whether Dropbox maintains the policy. Blizzard's Authenticator is optional, despite the multitude of issues plaguing Diablo 3.

Google encouraged users to enable a similar two-step verification process for Gmail. PayPal also uses a similar feature. While potentially inconvenient for users, these processes offer added protection against hacked accounts, which are a very real concern. Diablo 3 players experience stolen accounts and in-game gold (which is sold for real money).

Dropbox is free to use, though the company offers various pricing tiers, which are not the cheapest compared to competitors. The apps are free to download.

Join Our Conversation

Smartphones

LG Optimus GJ Waterproof Smartphone Now Official, Will Sport $600 Price Tag

Nokia Launched LiveSight For HERE Maps On Windows Phone 8

Samsung Galaxy S4 Sells 10M Units In First Month, More Color Options Coming This Summer

HTC One Google Edition With Stock Android May Arrive This Summer

Tablet / Laptop / PC

Amazon Launches 7-Inch And 8.9-Inch Kindle Fire HD Tablets In 170 Countries

Lenovo ThinkPad Helix Hybrid Tablet-Ultrabook Now Available Starting At $1679

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Leaks In Benchmarks With Intel Inside

Samsung Galaxy S4, Galaxy Note 8.0 Top Consumer Reports Rankings

Gadgets

Recharge Your Phone In 20 Seconds With This Revolutionary Device

Ouya Will Be At E3 2013, But Not Where You Think

Next Microsoft Xbox To Sport Dashboard UI Update And Tile Changes

Google Media Streamer Hits FCC To Replace Nexus Q

OS / Software

Former Nokia Team Jolla, Announces First Sailfish Powered Smartphone For Asia

Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean Update For Samsung Galaxy S3 Transform It Into Galaxy S4 (To Some Extent)

iOS 7 To Come With Flickr, Vimeo Integration

Samsung Galaxy S4 'Google Edition' Will Be Available In U.S. Only?

Internet / Social Media

AT&T Promises Cellular Video Calls, Mobile Video Chat For All Customers

Flickr Boasts 'Spectacular' Redesign, Offers A Whopping 1TB Of FREE Storage

Download 40 GB In A Second: Researchers Set Up World's Fastest Wi-Fi Network In Germany

YouTube Shoppable Videos - Will Google Hit A New Jackpot?

What's App

Nokia Launched LiveSight For HERE Maps On Windows Phone 8

Nokia Xpress Now Web App Announced For Asha Devices

Samsung Galaxy S4 App Contest Boasts $800,000 Total Prizes For Talented Devs

Intellicam App Brings First Hands-Free Camera Feature To Windows Phone 8