Dropbox has recently urged some of their users to change their passwords as soon as possible. This initiative has been undertaken due to security measures after rumours that a leak of old user credentials (email addresses and passwords) was released. The warning to create a new password is particularly relevant for users who registered with Dropbox before mid-2012 and have not changed their passwords since then.

Create a strong password/Allow a two-step verification process

As shocking as it may sound, 90% of user passwords can be hacked within seconds. This illustrates the importance of creating a strong and secure password so that no one can gain access to your files. Additionally, you need to make sure to change your password on a frequent basis and never reuse the same password for other websites. So, how can you avoid getting confused if you have 10 different passwords? An efficient method would be using the same core word for all your accounts but adding, for instance, the name of the website, e,g.passwordDropbox, passwordFacebook, etc.

Additionally, you can increase the security of your Dropbox account even more by using a two-step verification process. This means that upon logging in, apart from your password, you will also be asked to enter a code sent to you on your mobile phone. To receive this code, you can choose from a couple of options – via a text message, or a mobile authentication app, such as Google Authenticator. Similarly, you can also purchase a USB that you can simply insert into your computer to authenticate yourself.

1. Deactivate devices, web sessions and apps

If you happen to be using Dropbox on many different devices, you need to be careful about not leaving your account open. You can deactivate your account on the devices you are not currently using through the settings. Don’t worry if you are planning to use Dropbox on that same device again – you can simply re-activate it whenever you like.

Similarly to deactivating the devices you have used, you can do the same with the browsers you are logged on. Limiting the number of browsers you use for Dropbox can ensure that if someone else is using your computer, they will not be able to access your files. Additionally, monitoring the current web sessions could allow you to spot any unrecognized activity.

The same thing goes for apps that you have linked to your Dropbox account. To avoid the trouble of unauthorized apps being linked to your account, you need to make sure that you remove all the apps that you do not use. Again, this could be done through the security settings. Just like devices and web browsers, apps could also be easily re-activated.

2. Encrypt your files

Encryption is by far the best way to protect your data in any cloud software. While the above measures could prevent someone from logging into your account, encryption could provide an extra level of security in case your account has already been breached.

Dropbox does encrypt your files when you upload them, but for an extra peace of mind, you could also use a third-party tool. You can only access the encrypted files with an additional password. Hence, people that do not have that password will only be able to see random data that does not make any sense. The worst that could happen is that they delete your data. For this reason, you should always make sure that you have a backup. This way, you can rest assured that whatever happens, your files will be safe.

Author Bio:

Simon Hopes is a renowned author and social media enthusiast. The IT experts at Syntax IT Support London have provided their advice on how to keep your Dropbox account secure.