Microsoft discards features from Authenticator - Proton enters the scene with a fresh 2FA application
Proton Authenticator: A Privacy-Focused Alternative to Microsoft Authenticator
Proton, the privacy-focused technology company known for its secure email service, has announced the release of Proton Authenticator, a free two-factor authentication (2FA) app. This dedicated 2FA app aims to provide an additional layer of security to your accounts, particularly for users who prioritize privacy, open-source transparency, and cross-device encrypted sync.
Unlike Microsoft Authenticator, Proton Authenticator is fully open source, allowing users and security researchers to verify its security claims. It offers end-to-end encrypted backups, meaning your 2FA codes are encrypted on your device before syncing, enhancing privacy. Users can choose to store 2FA codes locally or securely sync them across multiple devices, including offline usage. The app supports exporting and importing 2FA data, providing freedom from vendor lock-in, a feature notably missing in Microsoft Authenticator.
Proton Authenticator is available on Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, and Linux. Downloading the app will direct users to the appropriate app store for their device. It's worth noting that Proton Authenticator can be used across a wide range of devices and operating systems, making it a versatile choice for users with multiple devices.
The app also boasts biometric and PIN protection options to further secure access. Proton Authenticator will always be free to use on desktop and mobile apps.
Microsoft Authenticator, on the other hand, offers strong integration with Microsoft accounts, including passwordless sign-in and autofill capabilities. However, it has recently discontinued autofill for 2FA codes and does not support easy export/import of 2FA data, a limitation if you want to switch apps.
In conclusion, if your priority is privacy, open source verification, security, and multi-device sync with encryption, Proton Authenticator is an attractive and viable alternative to Microsoft Authenticator. If you need tight integration with Microsoft services or the convenience of autofill (with some current limitations), Microsoft Authenticator might remain preferable. It's essential to consider your specific needs and priorities when choosing a 2FA app.
[1] Proton Authenticator - Official Website: https://proton.me/authenticator [2] Microsoft Authenticator - Official Website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/phone-factors [3] Comparison of Proton Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator: https://proton.me/support/authenticator-comparison [5] Microsoft Discontinues Autofill for 2FA Codes: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-discontinues-autofill-for-two-factor-authentication-codes/
- The privacy-focused technology company, Proton, has launched Proton Authenticator, a two-factor authentication (2FA) app, offering an extra layer of security for users across various devices, such as Windows 11, desktop, laptop, iOS, Android, macOS, and Linux.
- Proton Authenticator supports biometric and PIN protection, providing additional security features, beyond what Microsoft Authenticator offers.
- Unlike Microsoft Authenticator, Proton Authenticator is fully open-source, allowing users to verify its security claims, and offers end-to-end encrypted backups for enhanced privacy.
- Users can choose to store 2FA codes locally or sync them across multiple devices, even offline, providing flexibility and freedom from vendor lock-in, features not available in Microsoft Authenticator.
- The app allows users to export and import 2FA data, a feature notably missing in Microsoft Authenticator.
- Microsoft Authenticator integrates well with Microsoft accounts, including passwordless sign-in and autofill capabilities, but it has recently discontinued autofill for 2FA codes and does not support easy export/import of 2FA data, a limitation if one decides to switch apps.
- Microsoft 365, Office, Edge, and gadgets are part of the technology offered by Microsoft, and while they are not directly related to two-factor authentication, they serve as additional software tools for data-and-cloud-computing.
