Files Restore available for personal OneDrive accounts

Apr 6, 2018 06:13 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft’s Files Restore feature, which protects users against ransomware attacks, is being promoted from an exclusive tool aimed at OneDrive for Business to a consumer weapon against cyberinfections.

The company announced today that Files Restore would be offered for personal OneDrive accounts as well if an Office 365 subscription exists, along with several other features to enhance security.

Files Restore enables users to recover their files stored in the cloud should a ransomware outbreak compromise their systems. Ransomware typically encrypts data and doesn’t allow users to access them until they pay a ransom. The new OneDrive feature makes it possible to restore files to a previous point in time within the last 30 days, and Microsoft says it can be used for mass deletion and file corruption as well.

Additionally, the company enables a new security feature in Office 365 that automatically detects possible ransomware attacks, warning users with an email, mobile, or desktop notification.

OneDrive is also being updated with password-protected sharing links, which means that whoever wants to access the files that you share also needs to enter a password. This prevents the link from falling in the wrong hands in case it’s being forwarded accidentally or stolen.

Email encryption

Furthermore, Microsoft says that Outlook.com will come with email encryption to protect your data and even recommend to encrypt messages that include information like social security numbers.

“Recipients receive a link to a trusted Office 365 webpage where they can choose to receive a one-time passcode or re-authenticate with a trusted provider before viewing the email. Outlook.com email recipients who view the encrypted email in Outlook.com, the Outlook for iOS and Android app, or the Windows Mail app can read and reply just like they can with any other email—no extra steps needed. When composing an email in Outlook.com, sensitive information like social security numbers can be detected to provide you with a suggestion to send with encryption,” Microsoft explains.

And last but not least, Microsoft will also start offering security tools to prevent recipients from forwarding or copying emails sent from Outlook.com. Documents attached in emails can also be encrypted, so if the email is forwarded, nobody else can open them.

The rollout of all these features except for password-protected links has already started, but it’ll take place in stages and everyone should get them by the end of the month.