Storage service Dropbox has announced U2F or Universal 2nd Factor security keys, to increase security for its users. The team behind the service said this is a move to offer "stronger security authentication". The new feature has been announced on August 13, Thursday. USB devices will serve as physical keys for authenticating, which adds to the two-step verification process.

NDTV reports that the new security feature requires Dropbox users to type their passwords as they sign in to their accounts. They will then be told to insert the key into the USB port. This replaces what used to be a step that has users type in a six-digit entry code. Dropbox claims that the physical security key will save users time and worry from battery loss, unlike using digit codes.

The new security feature is available for Chrome browsers only, at least for now. The USB key can also be used in other Google services, which are similarly U2F-enabled. Users who don't have the physical key may still use the two-step verification process. This can be completed with the use of authenticator apps or security text messages. The feature also requires a Fast Identity Online (FIDO) U2F-compatible USB key.

Google, which owns Dropbox, has rolled out a similar security feature that also involves a physical USB key for the verification process for its services, allowing Chrome users to authenticate themselves. The feature has been introduced in October last year. The search company is part of the FIDO Alliance, which includes big names in the online industry such as Samsung, Alibaba and PayPal.

Dropbox is a cloud storage service which has over 400 million users. The new security feature may be a welcome change for its users. The company has been seeking to further the service in its different aspects. Late last month, Dropbox has announced its acquisition of workplace communication service, Clementine, in a bid to extend the service to Clementine users as well. Clementine services will shut down beginning August 31, following the deal.