Proton, the creator of the first popular encrypted email service, is improving its cloud storage options. Users can now download a Mac client where they can access their files without going through a browser.
Proton had already released a client for other platforms, such as Windows and smartphones, but with this last one, it can now compete with other providers. Android Police says:
Google Drive is among the first names that come to mind when we think of the best cloud storage providers. But, come to think of it, there are just a few parameters which any service has to offer to become one of the best — privacy, support for multiple operating systems, and effortless file sync. Proton Drive nails the privacy aspect like all other Proton services, and it is now finally stepping up to Google Drive with a native app for macOS, making it possible to sync files across all major operating systems.
Proton Drive is a relatively new service from Proton, launched in September 2022. Proton has earned a reputation for respecting user privacy with its services like ProtonMail, Proton VPN, and Proton Pass for password management. The cloud storage service carries the reputation of this Swiss brand as well, and lives up to the hype with encrypted file storage. The web app ensures Proton Drive is platform-agnostic, while dedicated apps for Windows, Android, and iOS. Notably, a native macOS app hasn’t been available until now.
Proton’s main competitors now are Big Tech firms that provide full services, such as Google’s Drive and Apple’s iCloud. Google Drive and Gmail remain very popular, but are not encrypted at rest, meaning Google can see customers’ files. Apple’s iCloud allows full encryption, where even Apple cannot see files, but it is not a default option. Apple’s calendars and emails remain unencrypted. Tech Crunch continues:
Proton Drive constitutes part of Proton’s grand plan to bring secure, privacy-focused Google-alternative products to market. Or, perhaps more accurately in the case of most Mac users, an alternative to Apple’s iCloud.
Indeed, Proton Drive promises full encryption for files and folders by default — although Apple did recently introduce end-to-end-encryption for some types of data on iCloud, it has to be manually activated by users. Proton Drive, on the other hand, says it uses full encryption across all data, including metadata and file-names, by default.
Proton provides encrypted emails, files, calendars, and password manager. This could set it up for creating its own operating system in the future, which could run on Android phones. It would still have to release other apps, such as a photo manager, if it hopes to fully compete with Google and Apple in the future.
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