Microsoft has recently enhanced its security for OneDrive by providing additional layers of protection.
The tech giant recently announced it is setting up a secured section named OneDrive Personal Vault. This feature requires another authentication method, which includes PIN or fingerprint, to access the files. Users may also use face scan, two-factor (2FA) authentication code, or Microsoft's Authenticator app for identity verification.
With OneDrive's enhanced security, Microsoft said its customers can now store digital copies of their sensitive personal documents. These may include ID, home, car, insurance, travel, or other papers for easy access.
Scanning of documents directly to Personal Vault is now possible through the OneDrive app. Through this feature, customers can bypass their phone's less-secure parts, like the camera roll. They can also take photos and videos with the app and send them directly to the Personal Vault.
Microsoft said users could store in the Personal Vault as many files as OneDrive storage limit will allow. However, they need to reauthenticate every time they wish to access the folder.
Limited Areas Only
Microsoft incorporates this feature to OneDrive's web and Windows 10 PC versions, including its iOS and Android apps. The company initially offers its upgraded cloud storage service to customers in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. By the end of the year, the service will be available to all markets.
On Windows 10 PCs, the company is using the local hard drive's BitLocker-encrypted area to sync Personal Vault files. The 2FA-protected folder will also relock automatically after a period of inactivity. Users need to reauthenticate again to regain access (on a PC, they can use Windows Hello for this).
As an added security feature, stored files in the Personal Vault will not be cached by a browser. This capability will allow you to access files safely, even when using an unfamiliar PC.
The tech company is one of the first to include such a feature to its cloud storage. Apple's iCloud, Google Drive, and Dropbox still don't support 2FA-protected folders as of this writing.
Other Features
Microsoft is also increasing the amount of storage purchased by free and Office 365 OneDrive users. Its $1.99-per-month option will get additional storage from 50GB to 100GB. Existing subscribers of this product can automatically get the extra 50GB for free.
Moreover, Office 365 subscribers can now buy additional storage in addition to the 1TB included in the subscription package. Users can now add storage in 200GB increments, up to 1TB of extra storage for $9.99 every month.
