Security Update for Google Drive Coming July 26, 2021

Google is applying a security update in Google Drive to make sharing links more secure. This update will change links (URLs) used for some Drive files shared in 2017 and prior. Individuals may be impacted when trying to view these files on websites (public or internal), or posted elsewhere.

On July 26, 2021, Google will send direct email notifications only to UAlberta 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 (My Drive/Shared Drive).

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 UAlberta 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).