UF Dropbox and Google Update
To improve the security of shared files and links across UF’s Dropbox and Google environments, UF Information Technology is implementing new measures that will take effect on Thursday, April 10.
- Default Sharing Settings in Dropbox Tenant
Currently, Dropbox’s default sharing settings allow users to share files and links with “edit” access to anyone indefinitely.
Beginning Thursday, April 10, 2025, Dropbox sharing settings will default to “read” access. This change does not limit the sharing permissions available, as the type of access can be changed once the link is created.
All links created after April 10 will expire after one year. After a link expires, a new link must be created. This change will not affect existing links. It will only apply to new links created from the date of the tenant change.
“Anyone” links will still be available in Dropbox. However, “anyone” access will no longer be the default sharing option and will require the link creator to manually modify it to “anyone” access.
- Default Sharing Settings in Google Tenant
The current default sharing settings for the Google suite allow shared files to be set to “public” access without authentication.
Beginning Thursday, April 10, 2025, UF members will need to enter the specific recipients they intend to share the link or file(s).
Only UF members will be allowed to create new links to shared content when the content is available to external users. External users who have been previously granted “edit” access to content will no longer be able to generate links or share the content with additional people. External users will be required to ask a UF account owner with the appropriate access permissions to share the content with additional people. External users or “guests” will be required to authenticate with their email address when attempting to view shared content.
There is no option for tenantwide link expiration. Links previously created will still be active after the new default settings take effect.