Proton, the privacy-focused company behind the blockbuster VPN service and an e-mail provider, introduced end-to-end encryption (E2EE) cloud storage for iOS and Android.
The announcement (opens in a new tab) Proton Drive’s launch follows the launch of the service as a web app in September 2022 and sees Proton continue to build ecosystems similar to Google Workspace, Microsoft365and dropbox. Even so, Proton has some unique features that might catch the attention of business users.
First, end-to-end encryption of both files and metadata means that not even Proton knows what is hosted on their service. Secondly, the data is stored in data centers in Switzerland and Germany, which makes it one of the strongest Privacy law in the world.
Cloud storage security
Proton claims cross-platform accessibility of files hosted on its cloud backup the service will not break the encryption.
Offline access to files, a common feature of cloud storage services, will be encrypted in such a way that they can only be accessed through the Proton Drive app. iOS users have the option to set a PIN required to open the app, which will then generate a key to encrypt all Proton Drive files stored locally.
Externally shared files also use links, which it claims deliver files in an “encrypted environment” while still being accessible to anyone who doesn’t have a Proton account. Links can also be password protected and have set expiration dates.
The company says Proton Drive takes data away from “big tech control” and “mass government surveillance,” which should appeal to any privacy-conscious business owner or IT manager, no matter the size of their tinfoil hat.
It was also announced that the Proton Drive app for Windows will be available in beta “soon”, followed by a macOS app. Both are expected to be released in full version in 2023.