Today we will discuss how we can set up two-factor authentication in Dropbox so that we can secure our Dropbox.
Previously, we discussed how we can set up two-factor authentication on Instagram. If you haven’t read the article, check it from here.
What is Two-Factor Authentication?
According to authy.com “Two Factor Authentication is an extra layer of protection used to ensure the security of online accounts beyond just a username and password”.
Two-Factor Authentication helps to secure your account so using this authentication method is a must. As we know Dropbox is used for storing various files from personal to business so securing accounts of such application is a must.
Enabling two-factor authentication is a quick and easy process for securing your dropbox account.
How to enable two-factor authentication in Dropbox?
Follow these steps to set up two-factor authentication in Dropbox.
- First, log in to your Dropbox account using the web browser.
- Now click on the profile icon and select Settings.
- Under Personal Account you will find the Security tab, Just click on it.
- Toggle the switch to on, next to Two-step verification.
- Click on Get Started Button once the popup prompt on your screen.
- Now enter your current password and click on the Next to continue further.
Once you are done entering a password. Now you’ll need to choose how you want to receive authentication code each time you sign in from a new device. You can either use the text message for 2FA or you can use authentication apps such as Google Authenticator, Authy, etc. to receive the code.
We recommend you use the second option because SMS is much easier to spoof that time-based token generation such as Google Authenticator. It is better to enable 2FA rather than not having anything.
Using Text Message for Two-Factor Authentication
To receive authentication code via SMS you need to use your phone number. Using your phone number for setting up 2FA is easy. Any time you log in into your dropbox account, just enter your phone number and wait for a while until you receive the code. Once you get the verification code via SMS use the code to access the system. Here’s the step-by-step for you.
- Enter your phone number in the prompt.
- Wait for a while, once you receive text, enter your verification code when the system asks.
- You can also enter another phone number if you want. Entering another number is optional and can be useful if your current number is not working.
- Now you will receive a one-time backup code. Make sure you store them safe as you can use this piece of code to login if you can’t receive texts.
- Now click on the Next to finish the setup.
Using authentication app for 2FA
Using authentication applications such as Google Authenticator or Authy is another way of implementing two-factor authentication in dropbox. Here is the step-by-step process for you.
- First, make sure your smartphone has these authentication app installed in your device. If no then you can install these apps from Google Play Store and App Store (Depends on the model of your smartphone).
- Now open the authenticator app on your smartphone and scan the QR code from your computer screen. If you are unable to scan the QR code then you can also enter your secret key.
- Once you are done with the above process click on the Next button to proceed further.
- Now enter the 6-digit code generated from an authentication app to enable two-step verification.
- You can also enter a backup phone number if you think it is necessary else you can skip.
- Make sure you store the one-time backup code safely. It will let you sign in even without the authentication app.
- Now click on the Next to finish the setup.
So this is how you set-up 2FA in dropbox. From now every time you sign in from a new device, you need to provide a verification code to get access to your system.
