Guide: How to Password Protect OneDrive Links
The era of sharing content via hard drives or pen drives is already over. Now people are using cloud services for such needs. And why not? It’s convenient, easy to access, safe, and affordable. Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive are two good examples. The most common way to send the files and media through a cloud service is to generate a shareable link. All major cloud storage providers offer mobile apps with it feature built-in and easy to use unless you want to share something confidential. That’s where OneDrive scores against its rivals. Download OneDrive for iOS Last year, Microsoft announced new additions to protect shareable links before they are sent to others. After all, you don’t want to become a victim if the other person isn’t careful with the link that gives access to confidential files or media. In this post we will talk about how to secure shareable links and use them on mobile and web apps.
1. Add password protection
One of the most requested OneDrive features was eventually added by Microsoft. You can now add a password to a OneDrive link before sharing it with others. The recipient must use the exact password before accessing the files in the OneDrive link. You don’t have to worry about third parties accessing OneDrive files without access. Follow the steps below to access via OneDrive web. Step 1: Go to your OneDrive page and sign in with Microsoft credentials. Step 2: Choose the files or a folder you want to share. Step 3: Select the folder and tap the ‘Share button in the top left corner.
Step 4: In the sharing dialog box, select the option to set a password.
Step 5: Add a password to the link and select the ‘Get link’ option.
Step 6: Copy the link and share it with others (you must share the password with the recipient so that he can access the files in the link). Unfortunately, the functionality is only available on OneDrive Web and not all mobile apps or Windows 10 native app. Here Microsoft hopes to add the option mobile apps coming soon for more convenience.
2. Add a timer to links
Adding an expiration time to a OneDrive link is another handy way to make sure it isn’t misused. After a period of time, the link will go dead and there will be no more action if you tap it. Here is how to use it.
For OneDrive Web, you can use the steps above until the sharing dialog appears upNow instead of selecting the password option, tap the gradient link hook and add a timer to it. The generated link will expire after some time. Now for mobile apps, use these steps to add a timer. Step 1: Download OneDrive and log in with the relevant details. Step 2: Navigate to the folder, tap the three dot icons to select the share button
Step 3: Select the Link Settings option.
Step 4: Enable the Add due date option.
Step 5: Add a timer to link and copy it from the menu above. From the example above, the link would expire on Tuesday February 5th. I am using this feature more often because it is available on every platform and not just the internet. For maximum security, you can add a password as well as use an expiration date option from the OneDrive web. That way the link is password protected and will expire after a while. Note: In all of the examples, I’ve used the OneDrive iOS app to run the trick and since both OneDrive iOS and Android share the same user interface and design elements, the same technique also applies to the Android app.
3. Use the ‘View Only’ permission
Many people get confused between the ‘show only’ and ‘edit’ options while sharing the link. By default, OneDrive allows editing options in a generated link, which can be a pain if someone messes with it. My advice would be to use the ‘View only’ option and only allow the edit option if necessary. Here is how to use it.
For OneDrive Web, turn off the ‘Allow editing’ option in the sharing dialog box. That way, the service generates a ‘View only’ link by default. To use it up mobile apps, tap the three-dot menu, select share, and choose the Show only option from the sidebar menu.
Remember that the app will automatically generate an editable link. So, every time you share the OneDrive files and media, you have to select the View only options.
4. Use biometric data
This is the most basic of security feature everyone should use. Microsoft supports every standard biometric authentication on Android (fingerprint), iOS (Face ID) and Windows 10 (Windows Hello).
Go to Settings> Security and enable the relevant option. By default, you must set a 4-digit password in case you cannot use a biometric option.
Note: If you enable the Face ID / Passcode option on the OneDrive iOS app, you must grant Read permissions for OneDrive folders to appear in the Files app. Or else the biometric option blocks access.
Be carefree
Many believe that uploading files and media to the cloud platforms is more reliable and easier to access than storing them on hard drives. Sharing is also highly customizable with adequate security measures. Using the options listed above, you can share the uploaded content responsibly while tightening up security. Microsoft has increased its security for the shareable links, and it’s a welcome change. I’m amazed how Google still has to ignore Drive. The next up: Do you know that you can automatically duplicate Android folders to OneDrive folders. Read the message below how to use it with the OneSync app for Android.
How to Password Protect OneDrive Links: benefits
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