Users of the online storage system Dropbox should use two-step verification to secure their account, advises the company in a blog post. That means requiring a security code to access the site, on top of a user name and password. The extra code can be input with the help of a text message to a mobile phone or a smartphones app. Adding the extra layer of security will help to keep out intruders.
The advice was prompted by reports that millions of accounts operated by Dropbox had been hacked, with the thieves then trying to sell the data in exchange for units of the virtual currency Bitcoin.
Dropbox says the data was not stolen by accessing Dropbox, but said it still plans to keep a close eye on its systems and to reset passwords automatically if suspicions are raised about a login. That would prevent stolen passwords from being used again.