Proton, the company known for its privacy-first services like Proton Mail and Proton VPN, is back in the spotlight. This time with Proton Authenticator, a free, open-source app for secure two-factor authentication (2FA) across all major platforms.
A Privacy-Focused 2FA App Built for Everyone
The newly launched Proton Authenticator app helps users protect their online accounts with time-based one-time passwords (TOTPs). Whether you’re on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, or Linux, this new tool has you covered.
Just like Proton’s other offerings, this app is built with end-to-end encryption, ensuring that your 2FA codes are accessible only by you, even if your device is compromised. You can sync codes across devices, import from other apps, and back them up without any cloud-based tracking or third-party involvement—a major win for privacy advocates.
Works Offline, Syncs Securely
Unlike traditional authenticator apps that may rely on internet access or limited backup options, Proton Authenticator works entirely offline while still letting you automatically back up your codes and sync them securely across your Proton-linked devices. That means you won’t lose access to your logins even if your phone dies or is lost.
Why Proton Authenticator Matters
“Two-factor authentication is essential for everyone – not just those who care about their privacy,” said Eamonn Maguire, Head of Account Security at Proton. Proton emphasizes that while 2FA boosts account security, most mainstream apps today still rely on Google or Microsoft ecosystems. Proton Authenticator changes that by giving users a truly independent and transparent alternative.
“We believe strong security should never come at the cost of your convenience or privacy,” Maguire added.
App-Based 2FA vs. SMS 2FA
If you’re still using SMS-based 2FA, Proton recommends switching. Text-based authentication is vulnerable to SIM swapping attacks, which allow hackers to intercept your messages and calls. An app-based 2FA solution like Proton Authenticator ensures that your codes are generated locally and protected by encryption.
Bonus: Proton is Just Getting Started
The release of Proton Authenticator comes just days after the company launched Lumo, a privacy-first AI chatbot that doesn’t retain chat history or user data. It’s part of Proton’s bigger push to give users secure, decentralized alternatives to everyday digital tools.
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