Proton Drive Launches as a Secure Alternative to iCloud, Offering Default Encryption

In the quest to provide secure, privacy-centric alternatives to popular cloud services like Google and Apple's iCloud, Proton has made a notable stride with the introduction of Proton Drive. Aimed at those particularly concerned with digital privacy, this service brings a promise of default full encryption to Mac users who might otherwise rely on alternatives such as iCloud.

Proton Drive stands out by ensuring that all files and folders are encrypted by default, contrasting with Apple's iCloud, which also supports end-to-end encryption but requires users to enable it manually. Proton's solution takes this a step further by encrypting metadata and file names without requiring any action from the user.

The service kicks off with a complimentary 1GB of storage space, offering larger storage tiers for a monthly fee. Starting at $4, users can get 200GB of space and additional benefits, including an automatic backup of file versions for up to a decade.

Currently, the Mac version of Proton Drive has some limitations, such as syncing files exclusively from its designated folder to the cloud. Yet, plans are in motion to expand this feature to allow synchronization from any local folder on the user’s Mac.

While Proton has a history of open-sourcing its applications, encouraging third-party reviews by security experts, the Proton Drive Mac app hasn't followed this path just yet. However, the company has committed to making the application open-source in the future.

Linux users also have something to look forward to as Proton acknowledges their needs in its long-term plans, although they will have to wait a bit longer for a dedicated Proton Drive version.