Dropbox has begun to add a two-step verification for all its accounts, the file-hosting service announced on its forums.
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The process, which is optional but recommended by Dropbox, "adds an extra layer of protection" to accounts by requiring users to submit a six-digit security code in addition to their passwords whenever they sign in, or link a new computer, phone or tablet.
The security code is sent to users' phones via text message, or generated using a mobile authenticator app.
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Dropbox first unveiled the new feature to its forum users, asking them to report their experiences.
The announcement comes just after Dropbox found that usernames and passwords stolen from other websites were used to sign in to a number of Dropbox accounts. In a blog entry posted late July, the cloud-based service said it would take steps to improve users' security by unrolling "two-factor authentication," which requires two proofs of identity when signing in.
Users have previously requested the feature in Dropbox forums last year.
To enable two-step verification, sign into the Dropbox website, and click the "Security" tab in the drop-down menu under your name. Under the "Account sign in" section, next to "Two-step verification," toggle "change." You'll then be asked to re-enter your password to confirm your decision to enable two-step verification; once this is done, you can choose to get your security code either by text or from a mobile app. Dropbox details the steps in its Help Center.
What do you think of these new security measures? Tell us in the comments below.
Image courtesy of Flickr, ilamont.com
This story originally published on Mashable here.