Proton Pass

Last updated
Proton Pass
Original author(s) Andy Yen
Developer(s) Proton AG
Initial releaseApril 20, 2023 (paid beta)

June 28, 2024 (free beta)

September 22, 2022
Repository
Platform Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and web browsers Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Brave, Safari
Available in Multilingual
Type Password manager
Website proton.me/pass   OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg

Proton Pass is a password manager developed by the Swiss software company Proton AG. It stores login credentials, email aliases, credit card data, passkeys, 2FA secret keys, and notes in virtual vaults that are encrypted using 256-bit AES-GCM. [1] [2]

Contents

Overview

Proton Pass is a freemium open-source password manager. It can store login credentials, email aliases, credit card data, passkeys, 2FA secret keys and notes in virtual vaults that are encrypted using 256-bit AES-GCM. Browser extensions are available for Chromium-based browsers (Chrome, Edge, Brave, etc.) and Firefox. [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

History

Following Proton's acquisition of SimpleLogin, in April 2022, engineers from both companies worked on developing a password manager to release under the Proton brand. [8] [9] [10]

On April 20, 2023, Proton launched a beta version of Proton Pass to a limited audience of existing Proton customers. [11] [12] [13]

On 28 June 2023, Proton Pass was launched globally under a freemium model. Initially, it was available as a browser extension (Chromium-based browsers and Firefox) and as a mobile app (iPhone/iPad and Android). [2] [14] [15] [16]

On 19 July 2023, Proton published the results of its security audit of Proton Pass mobile apps, browser extensions, and API, conducted by Cure53. At the same time, Proton released the Proton Pass source code under GNU General Public License v3.0. [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22]

On 25 October 2023, Proton announced the addition of a sharing feature to Proton Pass, allowing users to share passwords and other sensitive information with other Proton Pass users, via end-to-end encryption. [23] [24] [25]

On 25 January 2024, Proton announced that paid users would have access to the Proton Sentinel high-security program, which is designed to identify and prevent account takeover attacks. [26] [27] [28]

On 7 February 2024, Proton Pass for Business was launched, with 24/7 business support, increased sharing limits, unlimited vaults and a dedicated admin panel. [29] [30]

On 29 February 2024, Proton announced the launch of the Proton Pass Windows app. [31] [32]

On 21 March 2024, support was added for passkeys. This feature was made available to both free and paid plans. [33] [34]

On 22 April 2024, the Proton Pass Android app became available on F-Droid. [35]

Reviews

Proton Pass launched in 2023 to largely positive reviews but reviewers criticized the lack of features compared to competitors. Privacy Journal wrote that it is "a little feature barren, but the tools it offers are of high quality", [36] while TechCrunch stated, "Proton Pass doesn't have all the bells and whistles of 1Password, but it's a solid password manager", [2] and PCMag wrote, "While short on frills, Proton Pass does a perfectly capable job of managing your passwords". [37]

In January 2024, PCMag named Proton Pass "Best for no-frills" password manager. [38]

In 2024, TechRadar named Proton Pass "Best for privacy" in their review of password managers saying, "Although it is relatively new to the field, the company's ethos and reputation are reasons to be positive". [39]

Related Research Articles

The following tables compare general and technical information for a number of notable webmail providers who offer a web interface in English.

A password manager is a computer program that allows users to store and manage their passwords for local applications or online services such as web applications, online shops or social media. A web browser generally has a built in version of a password manager. These have been criticized frequently as many have stored the passwords in plaintext, allowing hacking attempts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jitsi</span> Videoconferencing and messaging software

Jitsi is a collection of free and open-source multiplatform voice (VoIP), video conferencing and instant messaging applications for the Web platform, Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS and Android. The Jitsi project began with the Jitsi Desktop. With the growth of WebRTC, the project team focus shifted to the Jitsi Videobridge for allowing web-based multi-party video calling. Later the team added Jitsi Meet, a full video conferencing application that includes web, Android, and iOS clients. Jitsi also operates meet.jit.si, a version of Jitsi Meet hosted by Jitsi for free community use. Other projects include: Jigasi, lib-jitsi-meet, Jidesha, and Jitsi.

LastPass is a password manager application. The standard version of LastPass comes with a web interface, but also includes plugins for various web browsers and apps for many smartphones. It also includes support for bookmarklets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Google Authenticator</span> Two-step verification app

Google Authenticator is a software-based authenticator by Google. It implements multi-factor authentication services using the time-based one-time password and HMAC-based one-time password, for authenticating users of software applications.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1Password</span> Password management software

1Password is a password manager developed by the Canadian software company AgileBits Inc. It supports multiple platforms such as iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and macOS. It provides a place for users to store various passwords, software licenses, and other sensitive information in a virtual vault that is locked with a PBKDF2-guarded master password. By default, the user’s encrypted vault is hosted on AgileBits’ servers for a monthly fee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mega (service)</span> Cloud storage and file hosting service

Mega is a file hosting service offered by MEGA CLOUD SERVICES LIMITED, a company based in Auckland, New Zealand. The service is offered through web-based apps. MEGA mobile apps are also available for Android and iOS.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dashlane</span> Password manager software

Dashlane is a subscription-based password manager and digital wallet application available on macOS, Windows, iOS and Android. Dashlane uses a freemium pricing model with a subscription plan option.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Proton Mail</span> End-to-end encrypted email service

Proton Mail is a Swiss end-to-end encrypted email service founded in 2013 headquartered in Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland. It uses client-side encryption to protect email content and user data before they are sent to Proton Mail servers, unlike other common email providers such as Gmail and Outlook.com. The service can be accessed through a webmail client, the Tor network, Windows, macOS and Linux (beta) desktop apps and iOS and Android apps.

Keeper Security, Inc. (Keeper) is a global cybersecurity company founded in 2009 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Keeper provides zero-knowledge security and encryption software covering functions such as password and passkey management, secrets management, privileged access management, secure remote access and encrypted messaging.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Enpass</span> Password manager

Enpass is a cross-platform offline password management app available as a freemium software with subscription plans as also with one time payment licence.

Wire is an encrypted communication and collaboration app created by Wire Swiss. It is available for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, and web browsers such as Firefox. Wire offers a collaboration suite featuring messenger, voice calls, video calls, conference calls, file-sharing, and external collaboration – all protected by a secure end-to-end-encryption. Wire offers three solutions built on its security technology: Wire Pro – which offers Wire's collaboration feature for businesses, Wire Enterprise – includes Wire Pro capabilities with added features for large-scale or regulated organizations, and Wire Red – the on-demand crisis collaboration suite. They also offer Wire Personal, which is a secure messaging app for personal use.

NordVPN is a Lithuanian VPN service provided by Nordsec Ltd with applications for Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, and tvOS. Manual setup is available for wireless routers, NAS devices, and other platforms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Proton VPN</span> VPN service operated by Proton AG

Proton VPN is a VPN service launched in 2017 and operated by the Swiss company Proton AG, the company behind the email service Proton Mail. According to its official website, Proton VPN and Proton Mail share the same management team, offices, and technical resources, and are operated from Proton's headquarters in Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bitwarden</span> Open-source password manager


Bitwarden is a freemium open-source password management service that stores sensitive information, such as website credentials, in an encrypted vault. The platform offers a variety of client applications, including a web interface, desktop applications, browser extensions, mobile apps, and a command-line interface. Bitwarden offers a free US or European cloud-hosted service as well as the ability to self-host.

KeepSolid VPN Unlimited is a personal virtual private network software product available for iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, and Linux.

Firefox Lockwise is a deprecated password manager for the Firefox web browser, as well as the mobile operating systems iOS and Android. On desktop, Lockwise was simply part of Firefox, whereas on iOS and Android it was available as a standalone app.

Proton AG is a Swiss technology company offering privacy-focused online services. It was founded in 2014 by a group of scientists who met at CERN and created Proton Mail.

NordPass is a proprietary password manager launched in 2019. It allows its users to organize their passwords and secure notes by keeping them in a single encrypted vault. NordPass, which operates on a freemium business model, was developed by the VPN service NordVPN.

Proton Drive is an end-to-end encrypted, cloud-based file storage and synchronization service developed by Proton AG. Proton Drive enables storing files in the cloud, synchronizing files across devices, and sharing files securely. It is accessible through a web application, desktop applications for Windows and macOS, and mobile applications for Android and iOS.

References

  1. "The Best Password Managers". The New York Times. 2024-03-01. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  2. 1 2 3 Dillet, Romain (2023-06-28). "Proton launches its password manager Proton Pass". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  3. "android-pass/CHANGELOG.md at main · protonpass/android-pass". GitHub. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  4. Roth, Emma (2024-02-29). "Proton Pass is now available as a Windows app". The Verge. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  5. "ios-pass/CHANGELOG.md at main · protonpass/ios-pass". GitHub. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  6. "WebClients/applications/pass-extension/CHANGELOG.md at main · ProtonMail/WebClients". GitHub. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  7. "WebClients/applications/pass/CHANGELOG.md at main · ProtonMail/WebClients". GitHub. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  8. McDaniel, Allison (April 8, 2022). "ProtonMail acquires email alias startup SimpleLogin". 9to5mac.com. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  9. Lomas, Natasha (2022-04-08). "Proton acquires SimpleLogin". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  10. "Email service ProtonMail acquires email alias start-up SimpleLogin". business-standard.com. April 9, 2022. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  11. Crider, Michael (April 21, 2023). "Proton Mail now includes an encrypted password manager". PCWorld. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  12. Cawley, Conor (2023-04-24). "Proton Pass Is the New Password Manager on the Block". Tech.co. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  13. Maruccia, Alfonso (2023-04-21). "Proton Mail's new product is a secure password manager". TechSpot. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  14. Potuck, Michael (2023-06-28). "Proton Pass end-to-end encrypted password manager is here and free for everyone". 9to5Mac. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  15. Toulas, Bill (June 29, 2023). "Proton launches open-source password manager with some limitations". BleepingComputer. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  16. Tiwari, Aditya (June 28, 2023). "Proton launches its password manager Proton Pass, now available for download". Neowin. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  17. "Pentest-Report Proton Pass Browser Addon, Apps & API 05.-06.2023" (PDF). res.cloudinary.com. 2023-07-17. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  18. Brinkmann, Martin (2023-07-19). "Proton Pass password manager apps released as open source - gHacks Tech News". gHacks Technology News. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  19. Elizabella Wyciślik-Wilson, Sofia (2023-07-20). "Proton Pass is now an independently security audited, open source password manager". BetaNews. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  20. "WebClients/applications/pass-extension at main · ProtonMail/WebClients". GitHub. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  21. protonpass/ios-pass, Proton Pass, 2024-05-24, retrieved 2024-05-27
  22. protonpass/android-pass, Proton Pass, 2024-05-26, retrieved 2024-05-27
  23. Castro, Chiara (2023-10-25). "You can now securely share all your passwords with new Proton Pass tool". TechRadar. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  24. Smith, Chris (2023-10-25). "Proton Pass is free for a full year, as Secure Password Sharing launches". BGR. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  25. Rixecker, Kim (2024-01-19). "Passwörter sicher teilen: So funktioniert's". t3n Magazin (in German). Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  26. Castro, Chiara (2023-11-30). "Proton Pass users now have even more ways to protect their digital privacy". TechRadar. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  27. Vermes, Krystle (2023-11-30). "Latest Proton Pass enhancement could give it an edge over the competition". Android Police. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  28. Potuck, Michael (December 1, 2023). "Proton Sentinel arrives for Proton Pass Plus users, secures accounts even when credentials are stolen". 9to5mac.com. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  29. Maddison, Lewis (2024-02-07). "Proton is bringing its password manager to the business world". TechRadar. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  30. Potuck, Michael (2024-02-08). "Proton launches open-source, end-to-end encrypted password manager for business". 9to5Mac. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  31. Ledford, Jerri (February 29, 2024). "Proton Pass Now Has a New Windows App". Lifewire. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  32. Fagioli, Brian (2024-02-29). "Proton Pass password manager app for Windows launches with offline mode -- macOS and Linux versions on the way". BetaNews. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  33. Maddison, Lewis (2024-03-21). "Proton Pass adds passkey support for all users - even those who don't pay". TechRadar. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  34. Smith, Chris (2024-03-22). "Proton Pass now supports passkeys on all of its plans". BGR. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  35. "Proton Pass: Password Manager". f-droid.org. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  36. Day, Brett (2023-12-28). "Proton Pass Review 2024: Pros & Cons, Features, Value". www.privacyjournal.net. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  37. Key, Kim (January 27, 2024). "Proton Pass Review". PCMAG. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  38. Key, Kim (May 20, 2024). "The Best Password Managers for 2024". PCMAG. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  39. Collins, Benedict; Ballard, Barclay (2022-09-29). "Best password manager of 2024". TechRadar. Retrieved 2024-05-27.