Dropbox has become a valued repository for many people, yours truly included — folks keep writing, PDFs, photos, and more in the cloud-based storage service. As such, you almost definitely don't want it compromised by enterprising hackers or devious thieves.

Two-factor authentication can provide a strong barrier against such attacks by requiring that anyone who attempts to access your account have both your password and access to your mobile devices. Here's how to set it up.

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How to set up two-factor authentication for Dropbox

  1. Log into the Dropbox website on your computer and visit Dropbox's security settings page.
  2. Under your Personal or Work account, click Enable under the Two-step verification header.
  3. You'll be prompted to enter your password. From there, you can choose whether to get a text message security code when logging into new device or to authenticate via code generation using Google Authenticator or third-party apps like Authy.
  4. If you choose Use text messages, you'll have to enter your phone number, then enter the code sent to your phone. If you choose Use a mobile app, Dropbox presents a QR code for you to scan with the Google Authenticator app or Authy. From here, you'll have to add a backup mobile number, just in case.


  5. Dropbox will also give you a recovery code in case you lose or otherwise misplace your phone; make sure to write this down or keep it somewhere safe where you can't lose it.

Once you've done this, you're all set with two-factor authentication! When you access your Dropbox account on a new device, you'll have to supply both your password and a six-digit authenticator code, delivered via text message or third-party Google Authenticator app.

Questions?

Let us know in the comments.

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