Microsoft recently announced users will soon be afforded the ability to keep their most important information and personal files in a new section of OneDrive that benefits from additional layers of protection.
Dubbed the ‘Personal Vault’ the new area located in OneDrive can only be unlocked via “a strong authentication method or a second step of identity verification”. These alternatives include face and fingerprint recognition available on particular mobile devices or a unique PIN number or code sent to users via text message or email, according to the company. Users can also access OneDrive’s Personal Vault by utilising Microsoft’s own Authenticator app.
The OneDrive owner can safely utilise any one of these methods to get into their files without the burden of remembering complicated passwords.
Facilitating safe storage with OneDrive Personal Vault
Scanned documents, videos and pictures can all be uploaded directly to the Personal Vault through OneDrive, allowing users to make certain personal files and sensitive information stays clear of the less secure parts of their devices.
General Manager for Microsoft 365, Seth Patton commented:
“OneDrive runs on the trusted Microsoft Cloud, which has many security measures in place to keep your files safe, but we understand that some people want more protection for their most important and sensitive files, which is why we are introducing Personal Vault.”
He added that Personal Vault provided an extra layer of security measures as a preventative measure should a user’s device or account become compromised, but stressed it would not impair use. Patton said:
“This added security doesn’t mean added inconvenience. All your documents, photos and videos in Personal Vault are easy to access on Onedrive.com, your PC or capable devices.”
Personal Vault availability
OneDrive Personal Vault will be readily available to all by the end of 2019. For additional security, it will also relock automatically on your mobile device, PC or online following a short time of inactivity. Once fully locked, all files in use will also lock and then require authentication once more to access.
On PCs with Windows 10 Personal Vault, files will also be synced via OneDrive to a secure, Bitlocker encrypted location on your hard drive.
Microsoft is increasing the storage capacity of OneDrive in the current standalone plan to double the amount, rising from the 50 GB available to 100 GB for exactly the same cost per month. This will allow users enough room to store more than 50,000 images. Patton stated:
“This new plan is perfect for automatically backing up your phone’s camera roll and scanning and saving documents, receipts, and more right from your phone”.
If you’re looking for advice and support on using the very latest Microsoft technology to advance your company, you can contact our specialist team at WM Reply. We develop bespoke intranet solutions using collaborative software from Microsoft, including SharePoint and 365, to keep businesses moving forward. Staying in step with the cutting edge of technology will keep you at the forefront of your sector.