Proton Launches Cross-Platform, Open-Source Authenticator App

Proton introduced its very first two-factor authentication app on Thursday. Now available across Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux, Proton Authenticator is an open-source alternative to mainstream authenticator services that lack key security features and user control options.

The app works like other 2FA tools by generating short-lived login codes every 30 seconds. These one-time codes can be used instead of SMS-based verification and are meant to provide an extra layer of security during account sign-ins.

Proton Authenticator doesn't rely on ads, trackers, or cloud services controlled by larger tech companies, per our colleagues at PCMag . Not only is the app free to use, but a Proton isn't required to get started. The app also works offline and comes with automatic end-to-end encrypted backups while ensuring authentications sync across mobile and desktop devices.

Basic security features include locking the app with a PIN or biometric authentication. Proton wants to solve common issues found in other 2FA apps, like a lack of encryption and closed systems that make it hard to export saved data. If users currently have a compatible 2FA app with a data export option, they can import their current authentication options into Proton Authenticator.

From my perspective, the best thing about this application is that it's available on computer-based operating systems. Other well-known apps, like Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator , are only available on mobile devices, which makes logging into 2FA-enabled services trickier when you're using a laptop or desktop.

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