We’re really rolling now with the implementation of two-step verification (2SV) across our web accounts.
In recent weeks, I’ve shown you how you can use 2SV to protect your emails (Apple, Google, and Yahoo) and your social media profiles (Facebook and Twitter).
Now it’s time we branch out and pinpoint other accounts we can protect with this additional layer of security.
With our emails and digital presences cover, what comes to mind is the need to secure all of our files stored in the cloud. Fortunately, many of today’s cloud storage services allow users to protect their documents with 2SV. One of the most well-known of these providers is Dropbox.
In this guide, I will show you how to protect your Dropbox account with two-step verification (2SV).
1. Log into your Dropbox account using a web browser.
2. At the top right corner of your account’s home page, you will see a smiley face icon located adjacent to hyperlinked text of your full name. Click on your name.
3. A dropdown menu containing your email, your remaining storage, and a number of other clickable options will appear. Click on “Settings.”
4. A new tab will open and direct you to your profile homepage, where you have the option to add a photo, upgrade your account, or change your email.
At the top of the “Settings” page, you will see three clickable tabs with “Profile” highlighted. Click on “Security.”
5. On your “Security” settings page, you can change your password, review your linked apps and devices, and enable 2-step verification.
Right below the Password subsection of “Dropbox,” you will see a subsection labeled “Two-step verification.” Its status will read “Disabled,” and it will contain a link that you can click to enable the feature. Click on that link.
6. A dialog box will open and give you a brief explanation of how 2SV will help secure your account. It will also allow you to learn more about the feature. We know enough to move forward, so click on the “Get started” button.
7. Dropbox will prompt you to reenter your password. Do so and click “Next.”
8. Here you will be asked to specify by which method you would like to receive verification codes. You can choose between Dropbox sending SMS codes to your mobile device or using an authentication app to generate the codes for you. We will choose the former. Once you have made your selection, click “Next.”
9. To enable 2SV, Dropbox requires that you enter in your mobile phone number. Do so and click “Next.”
10. You will be informed that Dropbox has sent you a verification code. Enter that into the provided text field on your web browser and click “Next.”
11. A dialog box similar to the one displayed in Step 9 will pop up. Here Dropbox will allow you to add another phone number and use it as a backup just in case your primary device becomes unavailable. It is highly recommended you set up a backup just in case you ever lose your mobile device.
Once you have set up your backup number, hit the “Next” button.
12. As a final step, Dropbox will display a dialog box confirming your verification code delivery preferences. It will also provide you with 10 backup codes that you can use to access your account just in case all of your verified numbers become inaccessible. Write them down and store them in a safe place before clicking “Enable two-step verification.”
13. And you’re done!
From now on, every time you attempt to log into your Dropbox account, you will come across this screen whenever you enter in your username and password.
Simply enter the verification code sent to your mobile device and click “Submit.” You will automatically be directed to your Dropbox home page.
Read more:
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) versus two-step verification (2SV)
- How to better protect your Facebook account from hackers
- How to better protect your Twitter account from hackers
- How to enable two-step verification (2SV) on your WhatsApp Account
- How to protect your Amazon account with two-step verification (2SV)
- How to better protect your Google account with two-step Verification (2SV)
- How to protect your Dropbox account with two-step verification (2SV)
- How to protect your Office 365 users with multi-factor authentication
- How to protect your Microsoft account with two-step verification (2SV)
- How to better protect your Tumblr account from hackers with 2SV
- How to protect your LinkedIn account from hackers with two-step verification (2SV)
- How to protect your PayPal account with two-step verification (2SV)
- How to protect your Yahoo account with two-step verification (2SV)
- How to protect your Apple ID account against hackers
- How to better protect your Google account with two-step verification and Google Authenticator
- How to protect your Hootsuite account from hackers
- How to better protect your Instagram account with two-step verification (2SV)
- Instagram finally supports third-party 2FA apps for greater account security
- How to protect your Nintendo account from hackers with two-step verification (2SV)
- How to better protect your Roblox account from hackers with two-step verification (2SV)
