Dropbox Attempts to Improve Security with Two-Factor Authentication System
In the competitive world of cloud storage providers, Dropbox is currently working on increasing its security by implementing a two-factor authentication system. The system would combine a user’s password with a security code sent to the account holder’s mobile phone via either SMS or mobile app.
Cloud Storage Security Still Needs Work
This comes on the heels of several cloud security breaches which lead to spam campaigns against Dropbox’s users. Strings of cases continue to show up where people have reused their password for multiple accounts, making it very easy for hackers to access most, if not every, account that user holds with a single successful password crack.
The new layer of security is currently in beta-testing, but reviews so far have been less than positive. The main concern seems to be centered on how easily one could be locked out of their account for good. Once two-step verification is activated on the account, the user is given a 16-digit code which will deactivate the system if the phone is ever lost. The fear is that there is nothing that could be done to recover an account if that password or mobile phone was lost. There is no backup. As of now, Dropbox is only delivering the authentication code through SMS or their mobile app, but not both at the same time. This means, if one stops working or is unable to be reached, there’s no way to access that account without just deactivating 2-step verification. One user was quoted on the Dropbox forum saying, “to have your entire Dropbox account contingent upon you not losing one 16 character password is crazy!”
Original article “Dropbox Two-Factor Authentication Has Kinks” by Mathew J. Schwartz.
Read the full article here: http://www.informationweek.com/security/application-security/dropbox-two-factor-authentication-has-ki/240006269
