Microsoft Updates OneDrive with Personal Vault Secure Feature

OneDrive is the online document storage solution created by Microsoft which comes bundled as a free service with Windows 10. It can be used to store your documents and other data online in the cloud. Microsoft has updated the service with the new 'Personal Vault' feature that allows you to secure files in the cloud.

Personal Vault is a protected area in OneDrive that you can only access with a strong authentication method or a second step of identity verification, such as your fingerprint, face, PIN, or a code sent to you via email or SMS. Your locked files in Personal Vault have an extra layer of security, keeping them more secured in the event that someone gains access to your account or your device.

Personal Vault appears like a special folder in your account.

On devices running Windows 10, Microsoft is utilizing BitLocker to encrypt your files stored in Personal Vault. Your Personal Vault contents will be encrypted during transit and at-rest on the Microsoft servers.

You can record videos, scan documents, click photos and upload them directly to the secure vault, without the need to copy/paste from your regular OneDrive storage.

Personal Vault automatically locks itself on your device and/or on the web site online after a short period of inactivity. Once locked, you need unlock it again to access the files.

If you’re trying to access your files online using an unrecognized device, OneDrive Personal Vault won’t allow the browser to store any temporary data. Microsoft is also updating the OneDrive mobile app to easily scan and save sensitive documents directly into your Personal Vault.

OneDrive Personal Vault will be available soon in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. By the end of the year will be available to all regions. It is interesting that OneDrive Personal Vault will not initially launch in the USA.

In addition to Personal Vault, Microsoft is revealing new Office 365 personal storage pricing plans.

The base remains at 1TB, but you can now buy extra space in increments of 200GB. Users paying $1.99 monthly for 50GB without an Office 365 subscription (i.e. the OneDrive standalone plan) will now get 100GB at no additional charge.