Not too long ago, some Dropbox accounts were hacked. Dropbox has since told press that the hacks likely came from intercepted passwords. In an effort to prevent future attacks, Dropbox has now implemented a two-step signing process. This process will make it a lot tougher for hackers to snag account information. If you currently have a Dropbox account, you may find that it takes a few extra seconds to sign into your account now that the new measures are in place. But, in the long run, the two-step process that’s been implemented is really for your own good.

What a Two-Step Process Means

Before Dropbox changed its sign in process, users simply had to enter a password in order to access an account. Now, that password must be combined with another form of identification. This could be a word or phrase that accompanies your current password. Sure, it’s one more thing that you’ll have to remember in order to sign into your Dropbox account, but it’s also something that will give any lurking hackers a tough time. After all, it’s difficult to figure out what someone’s favorite food is or where someone went to school.

This two-step process is similar to what banks use when logging into a bank account. More often than not, your bank will ask you to verify you are who you say you are by logging in with a password and then answering a simple question that you have chosen. In fact, two-step password logins are likely to become the norm now that more and more sites are being hacked. Simply put, passwords are no longer enough to keep hackers at bay.

If You Have the Option, Take It

Many websites give users the option to set up a multiple login process. Unfortunately, most people never bother to activate this option. While it is a lot easier just to use a password, setting up an answer to a question that only you know will prevent any account tampering. As was the case with the recent Dropbox attack, one user had a file in his account that listed many additional accounts and passwords. Once hackers got into that user’s account, a number of additional files were then hacked.

Internet security is now more important than ever. The number of hacks that have happened over the past few months is high. This means that you really have to make sure that all of your accounts are secure. Otherwise, you could wind up a victim of a hacker, and, really, that’s no fun. The new Dropbox sign in process should be available now. Whether or not Dropbox will make this login mandatory is unclear at the moment, but I urge you to head to your Dropbox account and set up that additional security measure.

I’m also curious to know whether or not you like these two-step measures. Do you find additional password protection bothersome or necessary? Send me a note and let me know what you think of Dropbox’s newest policy.