Proton Drive Launches Private and Encrypted Cloud Storage for MacOS

By Andy Yen, founder and CEO, Proton AG

Cloud storage is a critical piece of our mission to build an Internet that protects your privacy and secures your data. It’s where you keep your most sensitive files, from personal photos to identity documents. Unfortunately, the leading cloud storage providers today can scan your data and don’t use end-to-end encryption by default.

That’s why we announce that Proton Drive’s encrypted cloud storage is available on all major platforms with the launch of macOS app. In addition to Proton Drive apps for iPhone, Android, Windows, and web, we now offer Mac users a privacy-first alternative to Big Tech.

Being available on all major platforms is a milestone because Proton is platform agnostic. Whether you use Mac or Windows, or iPhone or Android, it does not tie you to any specific hardware or OS, and if you use Proton Drive, you can move from one platform to another without losing functionality. 

The app lets user sync files between Mac and the cloud, access them offline, and free up space on your computer – all with end-to-end encryption and privacy by default.

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Encrypted Swiss vault for files on Mac
Unlike iCloud, which does not offer end-to-end encryption by default for files and folders, Proton Drive uses end-to-end encryption for all data across all devices. File encryption happens automatically on your device before uploading to the cloud. That means nobody – not even Proton – can see files’ contents. End-to-end encryption is also used for all metadata, such as file names and modified date.

Like other Proton Drive apps, Mac app also employs cryptographic signatures to guarantee file authenticity and prevent data tampering. And as with all Proton apps, Proton Drive for macOS will be open sourced and is undergoing an independent security audit, so anybody can verify how our encryption works.

Seamlessly sync files
The macOS app makes file syncing and access an experience. When user enable sync, all the files in Proton Drive account sync directly to Mac. 

Synced files appear in the Proton Drive folder on HDD. But unlike other files on the computer, these files are synced on-demand, meaning they don’t take up any space on computer until you need them. A small cloud icon next to the file or folder name makes it easy to see which files are on the cloud and which are available locally. Once you’re done with a file, user can free up space again by opening the menu and selecting Remove download.

Files and folders you save in the Proton Drive folder automatically sync online to Proton Drive, and any changes user make on your Mac are mirrored across all user’s other devices. This is especially helpful if the Mac is stolen or malfunctions.

The app also comes with a handy Tray app located in the top right corner of the screen. Clicking on the app icon provides you with an overview of the sync status. Additional options include pausing sync in one click, quick access to Proton Drive, and more.

Offline access and version history
Whether you’re on the go or off the grid, you can always use Proton Drive. The macOS app lets you click on a file or folder and download it for offline access, so you can access your data even without an internet connection. While offline, you can edit and save your work, and Proton Drive will sync the changes when you’re back online.

Additionally, Proton Drive for macOS stores edits as new versions of the file. User can access and restore previous versions of the files via the web interface. This feature lets you track changes and revert to previous versions when needed, adding an extra layer of protection for your files.

Get started with encrypted cloud storage
The company believe everyone should have access to online services that respect their privacy. Proton Drive Free plan lets you get started storing your files and folders with end-to-end encryption and gives user access to other encrypted services: Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, Proton VPN(new window), and Proton Pass.

And unlike Big Tech companies that offer ‘free’ services while profiting off your data, Proton is free. You can support Proton’s mission by upgrading to premium plans for more storage space and advanced features. 

Check out our Proton Drive plans.

What’s coming next in Proton Drive for Mac
With the introduction of Proton Drive for macOS, we’ve achieved a milestone in the fight for a better Internet. But there’s more work to be done. Next on our roadmap is the ability to sync any folder on your Mac with Proton Drive, a feature in our Windows app.

Download Proton Drive for macOS