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There are two big updates going on for Google Drive that could dramatically change the way people use the platform. The first is a security update that might impact some old file sharing links, while the other change is a new desktop app.
Let’s start with the security update. Some files and folders in Google Drive will see changes in how their sharing links work in an effort to improve security. Google Drive allows users to generate share links to files and folders that will allow anyone with the link to access those items. Although convenient, these links can pose a security risk because it is technically possible for someone to guess the link and thus access the content.
In 2017, Google added special resource keys to links that make them much harder to guess. However, these keys only applied to links generated after the 2017 switchover. Starting September 13, Google will apply the change to pre-switch links that do not have resource keys.
The research giant has released an entire accompanying document detailing the impact of the change (available here). All this means for users is that some share links generated before 2017 may stop working properly, but there are several exceptions.
Google Drive notification regarding the upcoming security change.
First, the change will not affect Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms. Second, the change will not impact people who have previously accessed items using the old share links. However, if you reuse an old share link with someone new, this is where you might run into issues.
Google sent warnings via notifications in Drive and via email to some users. These warnings give access to a list of impacted files. However, Gizmodo note that you can also head to this link to view the list. Drive users can also search for “is: security_update_applied” or “is: security_update_applied type: folder” to view a list of affected files.
New Google Drive app for desktop
Image of the new Backup and Synchronization application. Image credit: Google
The other big change coming to Drive is Google’s new desktop app, which replaces the existing “Backup and Sync” tool on Windows and macOS.
According to Gizmodo, the new application makes it easier to access Drive files from your desktop. New features include local storage of some or all files, fast file downloads, and viewing files directly in Windows File Explorer or macOS Finder.
For those who only use Google Drive through the website, changes to the Backup & Sync app shouldn’t affect you. But if you’re using the app, you’ll want to be prepared to make the switch. In a blog post about the new app, Google says users will start seeing prompts to switch apps, and the company recommends doing so by September 2021. Google should walk users through the process. step by step so he hopefully won don’t be too difficult.
At the moment, it seems that Google Drive is still pointing to the download of the old app. Those who want to speed up the transition can download the new app from the Google Blog. Otherwise, you can wait for Google’s transition prompt. To learn more, you can visit the Google support page for the Backup and sync app.
Source: Google, (2), (3) Via: Gizmodo
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