Latest news with #ProtonDrive
Arabian Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Proton's New 2FA App Challenges Microsoft Authenticator
Proton has unveiled a new two-factor authentication app, which positions itself as a robust alternative to Microsoft Authenticator. As security concerns around digital identities grow, Proton's offering enters a competitive field, aiming to provide an enhanced user experience while addressing key issues in account protection. The app, designed by the Swiss company behind Proton Mail, integrates advanced security measures to protect sensitive user data from threats. Unlike Microsoft Authenticator, which has long been a staple in 2FA, Proton's app seeks to set itself apart by offering additional features that make account protection more seamless and user-friendly. A key focus is on providing a privacy-first solution, with end-to-end encryption for all authentication tokens. With the increasing frequency of data breaches, security experts have emphasised the importance of multi-layered security systems. Two-factor authentication has become an essential tool for protecting accounts across platforms, whether in banking, social media, or professional environments. Proton's app is seen as a response to the growing need for alternatives to traditional 2FA methods that rely on less secure options, such as SMS-based codes. ADVERTISEMENT Proton's new 2FA app promises to mitigate common vulnerabilities found in competing services. For example, Microsoft Authenticator has faced criticism over its reliance on cloud-based backups, which can be compromised in the event of a breach. Proton has addressed this issue by decentralising the process, ensuring that no sensitive data is stored on external servers. This means that users can regain access to their accounts in case of device failure without risking exposure to third-party entities. Privacy advocates have also applauded Proton's commitment to data protection. Proton is known for its strict privacy policies, which include not tracking or storing user activity, and the 2FA app adheres to the same principles. For those looking for a service that not only secures their accounts but also aligns with their privacy values, Proton's app offers a compelling option. Proton's entry into the 2FA market is timely, given the growing interest in alternative solutions as companies and users seek stronger security frameworks. Tech experts have noted that while Microsoft Authenticator remains a solid choice, it is not without limitations. Some users have expressed concerns over the app's user interface, which can be cumbersome for those managing multiple accounts. Proton's app, by contrast, has been praised for its intuitive design, which simplifies the process of managing authentication across various services. Proton's 2FA solution is built to integrate seamlessly with Proton's existing suite of services, including Proton Mail, Proton VPN, and Proton Drive. This level of integration offers added convenience for users already within the Proton ecosystem, allowing them to streamline their digital security measures across multiple platforms. However, some potential challenges remain. While Proton's app may appeal to privacy-conscious users and those seeking a more secure option than Microsoft Authenticator, its adoption could be hindered by familiarity bias. Microsoft Authenticator, for example, benefits from wide integration across Microsoft's own products, as well as a large, established user base. Transitioning to Proton's app may be an inconvenience for individuals who have grown accustomed to Microsoft's ecosystem.
Indian Express
26-07-2025
- Indian Express
Meet Lumo, the new AI chatbot that protects user privacy
Proton, the company that introduced the encrypted email service Proton Mail, has now unveiled an AI chatbot with focus on user privacy. Named Lumo, the chatbot can generate code, write email, summarise documents, and much more. Proton has dubbed its AI chatbot as an alternative to ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, etc. The AI chatbot preserves user privacy while storing data locally on users' devices. Lumo is powered by several open-source large language models that run on Proton's servers in Europe, including Mistral's Nemo, Mistral Small 3, Nvidia's OpenHands 32B, and the Allen Institute for AI's OLMO 2 32B model. Lumo can field requests through different models depending on which is better suited for a query. The company claims that the new chatbot will protect information with 'zero-access' encryption, which grants the user an encryption key that allows them exclusive access to their data. This encryption key will block third parties and even Proton from accessing the user content, meaning the company will not be sharing any personal information. Proton has reportedly used Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption for data transmission and 'asymmetrically' encrypts prompts, allowing only the Lumo GPU servers to decrypt them. When it comes to features, Ghost mode ensures that your active chat sessions are not saved, not even on local devices. With the Web search feature, Lumo can look up recent or new information on the internet to add to its current knowledge. It can also understand and analyse your files, but does not keep a record of them. Lastly, integration with Proton Drive makes it simple to add end-to-end encrypted files from your Proton Drive to your Lumo chats. The chatbot comes with internet search, however, it is disabled by default to ensure privacy. Once enabled, Lumo will deploy privacy-friendly search engines to provide responses to user queries. It can analyse uploaded files, but it does not store any of the data. Proton Drive files, which are meant to remain end-to-end encrypted while communicating with the chatbot, can also be linked by users to Lumo. The chatbot comes in both a free and premium version. Those without an account with Lumo or Proton, will be able to ask 25 queries per week. They will not be able to access chat histories. On the other hand, users with a free account can ask up to 100 questions per week. Lumo Plus plan is priced at $12.99 a month and comes with unlimited chats, an extended encrypted chat history, and more.
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Proton's new privacy-first AI assistant encrypts all chats, keeps no logs
Privacy-focused productivity tools maker Proton on Wednesday released its AI assistant, called Lumo, which it says prioritizes protecting user data. The company says the chatbot keeps no logs of your conversations, has end-to-end encryption for storing chats, and offers a ghost mode for conversations that disappear as soon as you close the window. Available via a web client, as well as Android and iOS apps, Lumo doesn't require you to have an account to use the chatbot and ask questions. You can upload files to have the chatbot answer questions about them, and if you have a Proton Drive account, you can connect it with Lumo to access files stored in the cloud. While the chatbot has access to the web, it might not find you the latest results if you use it to search. Proton seems intent on making it clear that its focus is on privacy. The company says Lumo is based on open-source models, and it will only depend on them for research and development going forward without utilizing user data to train its models. It also said Lumo relies on zero-access encryption, an encryption method that other Proton products also use, to let users store their conversation history, which can be decrypted on the device. Throughout its blog post about Lumo, Proton emphasized its European base, saying it gives the company a leg up over AI companies based in the U.S. and China when it comes to privacy. 'Lumo is based upon open-source language models and operates from Proton's European datacenters. This gives you much greater transparency into the way Lumo works than any other major AI assistant. Unlike Apple Intelligence and others, Lumo is not a partnership with OpenAI or other American or Chinese AI companies, and your queries are never sent to any third parties,' Proton said. This is not Proton's first foray into the fast-developing AI tools space: Last year, it rolled out an AI-powered writing assistant for its Mail product that also runs on the user's device. Sign in to access your portfolio
TechCrunch
23-07-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
Proton's new privacy-first AI assistant encrypts all chats, keeps no logs
Privacy-focused productivity tools maker Proton on Wednesday released its AI assistant, called Lumo, which it says prioritizes protecting user data. The company says the chatbot keeps no logs of your conversations, has end-to-end encryption for storing chats, and offers a ghost mode for conversations that disappear as soon as you close the window. Available via a web client, as well as Android and iOS apps, Lumo doesn't require you to have an account to use the chatbot and ask questions. You can upload files to have the chatbot answer questions about them, and if you have a Proton Drive account, you can connect it with Lumo to access files stored in the cloud. While the chatbot has access to the web, it might not find you the latest results if you use it to search. Image Credits: Screenshot by TechCrunch Proton seems intent on making it clear that its focus is on privacy. The company says Lumo is based on open-source models, and it will only depend on them for research and development going forward without utilizing user data to train its models. It also said Lumo relies on zero-access encryption, an encryption method that other Proton products also use, to let users store their conversation history, which can be decrypted on the device. Throughout its blog post about Lumo, Proton emphasized its European base, saying it gives the company a leg up over AI companies based in the U.S. and China when it comes to privacy. Image credits: 'Lumo is based upon open-source language models and operates from Proton's European datacenters. This gives you much greater transparency into the way Lumo works than any other major AI assistant. Unlike Apple Intelligence and others, Lumo is not a partnership with OpenAI or other American or Chinese AI companies, and your queries are never sent to any third parties,' Proton said. This is not Proton's first foray into the fast-developing AI tools space: Last year, it rolled out an AI-powered writing assistant for its Mail product that also runs on the user's device.
TechCrunch
30-06-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
Privacy-focused app maker Proton sues Apple over alleged anticompetive practices and fees
Privacy-focused software provider Proton, makers of Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, Proton Drive, and other apps, has sued Apple, alleging anticompetitive practices in Apple's App Store. In the new lawsuit, Proton says the iPhone maker holds a monopoly in the smartphone, app distribution, and app payment processing markets. It also compares Apple's fees to tariffs on internet commerce, calling them 'artificial and arbitrary.' The suit is looking for changes to the App Store and monetary damages, which Proton says will be donated to organizations fighting for democracy and human rights. The court papers, filed in the Northern District of California, are a part of a larger class-action suit against Apple. Proton says it's joining other developers, including a group of Korean developers, who are also suing the tech giant. The suit is among the latest to challenge Apple's chokehold on the mobile app market. It follows another yearslong battle between Epic Games and Apple, which Apple largely won as it was declared not to be a monopoly, setting a precedent for the new lawsuit to argue against. However, the judge in that case also ruled that Apple must let U.S. app developers link to their websites where they offer alternative payment mechanisms, without charging a commission on those sales. (Apple is still fighting this matter on appeal.) Proton's case takes a different angle. It cites the Epic case, saying that the evidence proved that Apple makes such a large profit on App Store fees that it questions whether the fees are really necessary to support the maintenance of the App Store, as Apple claims. Proton, similarly, takes issue with Apple's policies around payments. It points out how Apple barred developers from talking directly to their customers in the app, where they could inform them of discounts on the web. In addition, apps that don't support Apple's payment system are at risk of being removed from the App Store, the suit states. Techcrunch event Save $450 on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Save $200+ on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Boston, MA | REGISTER NOW The arguments around payments delve into other nuances about how the system works, like how it's harder to manage payments and subscriptions across devices because of Apple's rules. For instance, the company explained in a blog post that customers who upgraded their accounts on the web can't downgrade from their iOS device, which is a poor customer experience. Proton also argues that its Calendar app can't be set as the default, although iOS allows users to swap out the defaults for other apps like browsers, email, phone calls, messaging, and more. And it notes that its Proton Drive is restricted from background processing, whereas iCloud is not. Notably, Proton's case focuses on how Apple's single point of distribution with the App Store makes it a tool used by dictatorships around the world to silence free speech. On this front, it points to all the apps Apple has to remove to comply with laws in markets like Russia and China. That decision trickles down to iOS developers, Proton says, like when its VPN app was threatened with removal because it claimed to 'unblock censored websites.' 'Apple's monopoly control of software distribution on iOS devices presents a myriad of problems for consumers, businesses, and society as a whole,' Proton's post reads. 'Anti-monopoly laws exist because the power gifted by monopoly status inevitably leads to abuse. In the case of oligarchic tech giants, these abuses have wide implications for society, and it's vital to the future of the internet that they be addressed now.' We reached out to Apple for comment and did not immediately hear back.
