NextCloud 14 Arrives

Nextcloud Gmbh has announced the release of Nextcloud 14, a fully open source enterprise file sync and storage (EFSS) solution. The new release brings many new features, including an even tighter focus on security.

Unlike its closest competitor Dropbox, Nextcloud is more of a platform than just a sync and storage solution. Nextcloud comes with online collaborative software, secure web chat, secure voice and video conferencing, calendering, contacts, and more.

Now Nextcloud is using a combination of its services to offer tighter security. It’s now using ‘video verification’ for sharing sensitive data. While sending a document, a user can choose to add a ‘Talk’ verification feature (Talk is the name of the video chat service of Nextcloud).

The recipient would have to appear online via video chat and confirm their identity in order for the file to be transferred. The sender would send a password for the file and the receiver would receive the password verbally through the video chat.

Another security-centric feature of Nextcloud 14 is a new 2-factor authentication. The feature allows users to use third party messaging apps like Signal, Telegram and SMS as second factor to secure their authentication.

Hypothetically, Nextcloud can take it to the next level by introducing a 3-factor authentication, by asking the recipient to verify the QR code sent via SMS during the video chat.

Nextcloud 14 is available for free download.