This Google Drive security update could break your file links
Prepare for a wave of new file access requests
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Googleis readying a new security update for itscloud storageservice that will make it more difficult to access olderGoogle Drivelinks.
In a post on theGoogle Workspaceblog, the search giant explained that the update is being applied to some files in Google Drive in an effort to make sharing links more secure.
The update itself will add a resource key to sharing links for older files in Drive and those without this key will need to request it to access these files. However, if a user has viewed one of the affected files before or has direct access, they won’t need the resource key to access it.
As a result, users will likely be greeted with a bevy of new file access requests when the update is applied in mid-September.
Link sharing
As Google prepares to roll out its new security update in Drive, admins will receive an update in the Alert Center that will inform them of the changes being made. From here they’ll have until July 23 to choose how the security update will be applied for their organization.
Unless an admin chooses to opt their organization out of the security update, end users who own or manage an impacted file will receive an email notification beginning on July 26. They will then have until September 13 to decide how the update is applied to their files. This timeline also applies to personalGoogle accountholders that are not part of a Google Workspace domain.
In addition to changing how links are shared in Drive, Google also announced that it will makeYouTubeunlisted links for videos uploaded before 2017 private starting on July 23. Creators will have a chance to opt out of this security update as well and keep their videos in their current state. It’s worth noting that once an unlisted video is made private, those who previously had a link will be unable to view it.
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While somewhat inconvenient, the changes Google is making to how links are shared in both Drive andYouTubeare designed to help keep users and their content more secure online.
After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.
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