Proton launches its own free 2FA app with a native desktop version

Swiss technology company Proton—known for its privacy-centered software solutions and services—just launched Proton Authenticator, a new open-source two-factor authentication (2FA) app.

Proton Authenticator is very much like the other 2FA apps you’ve probably used in the past, including Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator, and third-party options like Authy. Proton’s version stands out for being open-source and offering best-in-class security and encryption, plus zero ads or tracking.

Proton Authenticator is launching with apps for all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. (That desktop availability is also a unique selling point, as not even Microsoft nor Google offer desktop versions of their 2FA apps.) And if you have a free Proton Account, you can stay synced between all platforms.

This is great news for privacy-conscious users who want to move away from megacorporations like Microsoft and Google, and it’s also great news for anyone who wants a desktop 2FA app. Proton offers a range of other privacy-focused solutions, including Proton Mail, Proton VPN, Proton Drive, and Proton Pass.

Further reading: How to lock down your accounts with 2FA properly