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Starting on Monday, September 13, 2021, Google will begin enforcing a security update to Google Drive. Beginning Monday, July 26, 2021, Google will send direct email notifications only to Union College Google users who own or manage files impacted by this security update. The email will provide instructions on steps to take and will include a link to view a list of impacted files you own or manage in Google Drive.
This update will change links (URLs) used for some Drive files shared in 2017 and prior. The links are being changed by adding a resource key that makes sharing links from Google Drive more secure. When file links are updated, users may receive new file access requests. Those who have not accessed files before the update will have to use URLs containing resource keys to access the files.
What steps do I need to take?
It is recommended to follow the instructions to view and take action on your affected Google Drive files. You will need to share a new updated link (URLs) for any of your files that still need to be accessible with a link, on websites or posted elsewhere.
Note, only Union College Google users with impacted files will be sent an email by Google. A banner in Google Drive (web) will also notify users of the security update.
Who is impacted by this change?
Only users (internal or external) who haven’t viewed the affected files previously.
When these users try to access the files via a link, they will be presented with a page to request access. The owner (My Drive) or manager (Shared Drive) of the file will get an email asking for approval. To reduce the number of access requests it is recommended you update links (URLs) you have distributed on websites or posted elsewhere.
What files are affected?
Only non-native Google files (e.g. Microsoft Word, PDFs, etc.) shared prior to 2017 will be affected by this security update. Google files (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms) will not be impacted. The email sent by Google will include a link to view a list of impacted files you own or manage in Google Drive (My Drive/Shared Drive).