How Secure Is Proton Password Manager?
Proton AG, a company known for its email service and virtual private network, added a password manager, Proton Pass, to its list of privacy-focused products in 2023[1]. Built using open-source code, the password manager is available to users on a generous forever-free plan, in line with other products and services offered by the company[2].
In this comprehensive Proton Password Manager review, we'll examine the tool's safety measures and password management features, highlighting its ability to enhance your security online. We'll also discuss using virtual cards when transacting online to further shield your sensitive financial information from prying eyes.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is accurate as of August 2024. For the most up-to-date information, visit the official Proton website or contact customer support.
An Overview of Proton Password Manager
To understand the effectiveness of the Proton Password Manager, we'll explore four key areas:
- Security measures
- Password management features
- Device compatibility and customer support
- Pricing and plans
Security Measures
Proton Pass runs on a zero-knowledge architecture and uses industry-standard 256-bit AES-GCM encryption to safeguard passwords, credit card details, and other data users store in their vaults[3]. Additional security measures password manager employs include:
- Two-factor authentication(2FA)—Adds an extra layer of security by requiring a unique code from an authenticator app on top of the user's master password to access the password manager account[4]
- Proton Sentinel—Uses sophisticated AI systems and human analysis to increase account protection, reacting to suspicious activity with additional login challenges and providing greater visibility of login attempts[5]
- Extra password—Secures Proton Pass with an additional password to prevent unauthorized access even if someone gains access to the user's Proton account[6]
- Biometric login—Enables users to access their password manager account using fingerprint authentication for added convenience and security[7]
- Bug bounty program—Rewards security researchers for identifying, verifying, and resolving security vulnerabilities in the password manager[8]
- Independent audits—Underwent a security audit by an independent third-party security company[9]
Password Management Features
At the core of Proton Password Manager's features is its ability to generate and store strong, unique passwords for each new online account[10]. The passwords can combine numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters, and special characters, increasing their resistance to brute–force attacks.
Other password management features include:
- Autofill function—Automatically fills in login credentials for saved websites, protecting against phishing attacks and minimizing the risk of keyloggers capturing sensitive information[11]
- Dark web monitoring—Continuously monitors the dark web and sends alerts for compromised credentials, prompting immediate corrective action to secure accounts[12]
- Hide-my-email aliases—Generates unique email aliases, preventing exposure of personal emails to potential scammers or spammers[13]
- Password sharing—Enables secure sharing of vault items with trusted contacts without compromising the overall account security[14]
- Passkeys—Offers convenient and secure password alternatives to protect users against phishing and data breaches on supported websites[15]
- Two-factor authenticator—Can serve as the second step in 2FA for other accounts by generating time-based one-time passwords (TOTP)[16]
- Import/export passwords—Imports or exports passwords from other password managers or browsers, simplifying the transition to Proton Pass[17][18]
- Pass Monitor—Identifies weak or duplicate passwords from a central dashboard and sends alerts of potential security risks[19]
- Identities feature—Saves and organizes personal details in a single place for easy access when filling out forms online[7]
Device Compatibility and Customer Support
Proton Pass has apps and extensions for all major operating systems, mobile platforms, and browsers, as well as a web app[20]:
- Operating systems—Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Mobile devices—iOS and Android
- Browsers—Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Safari, and Edge
Passwords are automatically synced across all systems and browsers, allowing users seamless access to their stored information.
Proton provides multi-channel customer support to assist users with queries or concerns about their password manager. Users can contact support by:
- Filling out a web form[21]
- Sending an email[21]
- Engaging with the Proton community through their forum[22]
Users can also find FAQs, tutorials, and guides in a comprehensive knowledge base, making it easier to troubleshoot potential issues[23].
Pricing
Proton Pass' forever free plan comes with unlimited logins and notes, devices, passkeys, and secure vault sharing. Users who want advanced features like dark web monitoring and integrated 2FA authenticator can opt for the Pass Plus plan for $1.99 per month billed annually[24].
Users can also access all of Proton Pass's features with the Unlimited plan. At $9.99 per month, billed annually, the plan gives access to all premium Proton services. For business users, Proton Pass has plans starting at $1.99 per month per user[24].
Users who want password managers that offer dark web monitoring with their free plans can opt for standalone alternatives like RoboForm or LastPass or browser-based solutions such as Firefox and Microsoft Edge password managers.
Want To Shop Around Some More?
With its mix of security measures and password management features, Proton Pass has plenty to offer. If you're still not sure about committing, here are some other password managers that might be a good choice:
- 1Password—A premium password manager with a strong focus on security, with features such as Secret Key that strengthen vault protections
- Microsoft Authenticator—A free authenticator app that doubles as a password manager and integrates into the Windows ecosystem
- Norton Password Manager—A free password manager from a company known for its online security products
- NordPass—A password manager from the developers of NordVPN that utilizes cutting-edge encryption algorithms
- Apple Password Manager—A good choice for Apple users who also want to manage their passwords on Windows devices
Does Proton Password Manager Offer Complete Protection Online?
Password managers can enhance your online safety and convenience by securely storing your passwords and payment card numbers and automatically filling them out when you're ready to use them. However, their protection is limited—they can only secure your information while it's stored in them.
Once you provide your payment card details to a merchant, a password manager cannot protect them from being stolen if the merchant's servers are breached. The security of your financial information depends solely on the vendor's safety practices.
To boost the protection of your payment details, consider using virtual cards for online transactions instead of your actual card. Virtual cards come with unique card numbers you can use at checkout, safeguarding your underlying bank account or payment card information from hackers who might try to steal it.
If you want industry-grade security and greater financial control over your online spending, opt for an independent virtual card provider like Privacy.
How Privacy Virtual Cards Enable Safer Online Transactions
Privacy is a BBB-accredited virtual card provider trusted by over 250,000 users. When you sign up for its services, you can connect your bank account or debit card to it and generate virtual cards for every online transaction.
Each Privacy Card has a unique 16-digit card number, expiration date, and security code. When you pay with a Privacy Card at checkout, your actual financial details remain hidden, blocking potential hackers from accessing your sensitive information.
Being a PCI-DSS compliant company, Privacy employs the following stringent security protocols to safeguard your financial information:
- AES-256 encryption—Encrypts your data in a way that reduces the risk of theft during transmission and storage
- Two-factor authentication—Adds a second layer of security by requiring a unique SMS, email, or TOTP code generated on your phone to access your account
- PBKDF2 with 100k iterations—Strengthens password security by transforming your data into a string of characters that is harder to decrypt
- Regular security audits—Checks for and addresses vulnerabilities in the system's infrastructure to maintain the highest level of security
Privacy Card Types and Their Features
Privacy lets you create three types of virtual cards:
Privacy also allows you to set spending limits on your cards, and it will decline any charges above the limit. This feature helps protect against merchants billing you for more than you've agreed to.
When stopping a subscription service, pause or close the linked Privacy Card to protect against accidental charges. Privacy will decline all charge attempts on a paused or closed card, giving you peace of mind as you work on canceling your subscription service.
Additional Privacy Convenience Features
Privacy's benefits don't end at securing online transactions. The following convenience features make card management easier and your online shopping experience smoother:
- 1Password integration—With 1Password integration, you can connect Privacy to your 1Password account for secure access to your passwords and payment information from the password manager's browser extension.
- Privacy App—Available for Android and iOS, the mobile app enables you to create new cards, set limits, and pause or close cards, offering full control over your finances on the go.
- Privacy Browser Extension—The browser extension, available for Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari, Safari for iOS, and Chrome, lets you generate new cards while transacting online. It also autofills your card details, facilitating faster and more seamless checkout.
- Shared Cards—You can securely share your virtual card details with trusted friends and family members, making it easier to manage shared expenses and track spending.
- Card Notes—This feature allows you to keep your transactions organized by attaching notes to your virtual cards, such as purchase reminders, merchant requirements, or the date when the card will be charged next.
How To Get Started with Privacy
To start creating Privacy Cards, complete these four quick steps:
- Register
- Complete the KYC process to verify your identity
- Link your debit card or bank account to fund your Privacy account
- Request and generate your first virtual card
Privacy offers four monthly plans—learn more about them in the table below:
