Proton Pass Explained

Proton Pass
Author:Andy Yen
Developer:Proton AG
Released:April 20, 2023 (paid beta)
June 28, 2023 (full launch)
Platform:Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and web browsers Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Brave, Safari
License:GNU GPLv3
Language:Multilingual
Genre:Password manager
Programming Language:Kotlin (Android), Swift (iOS), Rust (common library)

Proton Pass is a freemium open-source password manager developed by the Swiss software company Proton AG.

Overview

Proton Pass can store login credentials, email aliases, credit card data, passkeys, 2FA secret keys, files, and notes in virtual vaults that are encrypted using 256-bit AES-GCM.[1] [2]

Browser extensions are available for Chromium-based browsers (Chrome, Edge, Brave, etc.) and Firefox.[3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

History

Following Proton's acquisition of SimpleLogin, in April 2022, engineers from both companies worked on developing a password manager to release under the Proton brand.[8] [9] [10]

On April 20, 2023, Proton launched a beta version of Proton Pass to a limited audience of existing Proton customers.[11] [12] [13]

On 28 June 2023, Proton Pass was launched globally under a freemium model. Initially, it was available as a browser extension (Chromium-based browsers and Firefox) and as a mobile app (iPhone/iPad and Android).[14] [15] [16]

On 19 July 2023, Proton published the results of its security audit of Proton Pass mobile apps, browser extensions, and API, conducted by Cure53. At the same time, Proton released the source code for Proton Pass under the GNU General Public License v3.0.[17] [18] [19] [20]

On 25 October 2023, Proton announced the addition of a sharing feature to Proton Pass, allowing users to share passwords and other sensitive information with other Proton Pass users, via end-to-end encryption.[21] [22] [23]

On 25 January 2024, Proton announced that paid users would have access to the Proton Sentinel high-security program, which is designed to identify and prevent account takeover attacks.[24] [25] [26]

On 7 February 2024, Proton Pass for Business was launched, with 24/7 business support, increased sharing limits, unlimited vaults and a dedicated admin panel.[27] [28]

On 29 February 2024, Proton announced the launch of the Proton Pass Windows app.[29] [30]

On 21 March 2024, support was added for passkeys. This feature was made available to both free and paid plans.[31] [32]

On 22 April 2024, the Proton Pass Android app became available on F-Droid.[33]

On 6 May 2024, a collection of security features, dubbed Pass Monitor, was launched, which includes dark web leaked password monitoring and password strength warnings.[34] [35]

On 6 June 2024, the Proton Pass macOS and Linux desktop apps, and the Safari browser extension were launched.[36] [37]

On 12 July 2024, Proton Pass launched a secure sharing feature for paid plans, which allows users to share credentials and other information with non-Proton Pass users.[38] [39]

On 8 August 2024, Proton Pass launched its Identities feature which allows for storing and auto-filling common data such as name, address and telephone phone number. It also introduced biometric authentication.[40] [41]

On 9 October 2024, Proton Pass launched a family plan.[42] [43] In April 2025, Proton Pass added support for file attachments within the password manager.[44] [45]

Reviews

Proton Pass launched in 2023 to largely positive reviews, although its minimal feature set was criticized at the time.

Writing for Privacy Journal, Brett Day felt that "[Proton Pass is] a little feature barren, but the tools it offers are of high quality".[46] According to TechCrunch, it is a "solid password manager" despite not being as feature rich as 1Password or other programs, and PCMag stated, "While short on frills, Proton Pass does a perfectly capable job of managing your passwords."[47] In January 2024, PCMag named Proton Pass "Best for no-frills" password manager.[48]

In 2024, TechRadar named Proton Pass the best password manager for privacy, stating that despite its fairly recent release, Proton was still working very hard on its security.[49]

Security incidents

2025 DOM-based Extension Clickjacking

Security researcher Marek Tóth presented a vulnerability in browser extensions of several password managers (including ProtonPass) at DEF CON 33 on August 9, 2025. In their default configurations, these extensions were shown to be exposed to a DOM-based extension clickjacking technique, allowing attackers to exfiltrate user data with just a single click.[50] The affected password manager vendors were notified in April 2025. According to Tóth, ProtonPass version 1.31.6 addressed the issue.[51]

See also

References

  1. News: 2024-03-01 . The Best Password Managers . 2024-05-27 . The New York Times . en-US . 0362-4331.
  2. Web site: Dillet . Romain . 2023-06-28 . Proton launches its password manager Proton Pass . 2024-05-27 . TechCrunch . en-US.
  3. Web site: android-pass/CHANGELOG.md at main · protonpass/android-pass . 2024-05-27 . GitHub . en.
  4. Web site: Roth . Emma . 2024-02-29 . Proton Pass is now available as a Windows app. . 2024-05-27 . The Verge . en.
  5. Web site: ios-pass/CHANGELOG.md at main · protonpass/ios-pass . 2024-05-27 . GitHub . en.
  6. Web site: WebClients/applications/pass-extension/CHANGELOG.md at main · ProtonMail/WebClients . 2024-05-27 . GitHub . en.
  7. Web site: WebClients/applications/pass/CHANGELOG.md at main · ProtonMail/WebClients . 2024-05-27 . GitHub . en.
  8. Web site: McDaniel . Allison . April 8, 2022 . ProtonMail acquires email alias startup SimpleLogin . 2024-05-27 . 9to5mac.com.
  9. Web site: Lomas . Natasha . 2022-04-08 . Proton acquires SimpleLogin . 2024-05-27 . TechCrunch . en-US.
  10. Web site: April 9, 2022 . Email service ProtonMail acquires email alias start-up SimpleLogin . 2024-05-27 . business-standard.com.
  11. Web site: Crider . Michael . April 21, 2023 . Proton Mail now includes an encrypted password manager . 2024-05-27 . PCWorld . en.
  12. Web site: Cawley . Conor . 2023-04-24 . Proton Pass Is the New Password Manager on the Block . 2024-05-27 . Tech.co . en-US . 2024-05-27 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240527083014/https://tech.co/news/proton-pass-new-password-manager . dead .
  13. Web site: Maruccia . Alfonso . 2023-04-21 . Proton Mail's new product is a secure password manager . 2024-05-27 . TechSpot . en-US.
  14. Web site: Potuck . Michael . 2023-06-28 . Proton Pass end-to-end encrypted password manager is here and free for everyone . 2024-05-27 . 9to5Mac . en-US.
  15. Web site: Toulas . Bill . June 29, 2023 . Proton launches open-source password manager with some limitations . 2024-05-27 . BleepingComputer . en-us.
  16. Web site: Tiwari . Aditya . June 28, 2023 . Proton launches its password manager Proton Pass, now available for download . 2024-05-27 . Neowin . en.
  17. Web site: 2023-07-17 . Pentest-Report Proton Pass Browser Addon, Apps & API 05.-06.2023 . 2024-05-27 . res.cloudinary.com.
  18. Web site: Brinkmann . Martin . 2023-07-19 . Proton Pass password manager apps released as open source - gHacks Tech News . 2024-05-27 . gHacks Technology News . en-US.
  19. Web site: Elizabella Wyciślik-Wilson . Sofia . 2023-07-20 . Proton Pass is now an independently security audited, open source password manager . 2024-05-27 . BetaNews . en.
  20. Web site: WebClients/applications/pass-extension at main · ProtonMail/WebClients . 2024-05-27 . GitHub . en.
  21. Web site: Castro . Chiara . 2023-10-25 . You can now securely share all your passwords with new Proton Pass tool . 2024-05-27 . TechRadar . en.
  22. Web site: Smith . Chris . 2023-10-25 . Proton Pass is free for a full year, as Secure Password Sharing launches . 2024-05-27 . BGR . en-US.
  23. Web site: Rixecker . Kim . 2024-01-19 . Passwörter sicher teilen: So funktioniert's . 2024-05-27 . t3n Magazin . de.
  24. Web site: Castro . Chiara . 2023-11-30 . Proton Pass users now have even more ways to protect their digital privacy . 2024-05-27 . TechRadar . en.
  25. Web site: Vermes . Krystle . 2023-11-30 . Latest Proton Pass enhancement could give it an edge over the competition . 2024-05-27 . Android Police . en.
  26. Web site: Potuck . Michael . December 1, 2023 . Proton Sentinel arrives for Proton Pass Plus users, secures accounts even when credentials are stolen . 2024-05-27 . 9to5mac.com.
  27. Web site: Maddison . Lewis . 2024-02-07 . Proton is bringing its password manager to the business world . 2024-05-27 . TechRadar . en.
  28. Web site: Potuck . Michael . 2024-02-08 . Proton launches open-source, end-to-end encrypted password manager for business . 2024-05-27 . 9to5Mac . en-US.
  29. Web site: Ledford . Jerri . February 29, 2024 . Proton Pass Now Has a New Windows App . 2024-05-27 . Lifewire . en.
  30. Web site: Fagioli . Brian . 2024-02-29 . Proton Pass password manager app for Windows launches with offline mode -- macOS and Linux versions on the way . 2024-05-27 . BetaNews . en.
  31. Web site: Maddison . Lewis . 2024-03-21 . Proton Pass adds passkey support for all users - even those who don't pay . 2024-05-27 . TechRadar . en.
  32. Web site: Smith . Chris . 2024-03-22 . Proton Pass now supports passkeys on all of its plans . 2024-05-27 . BGR . en-US.
  33. Web site: Proton Pass: Password Manager . 2024-05-27 . f-droid.org.
  34. Web site: Collins . Benedict . 2024-05-06 . Proton Pass launches new Pass Monitor security suite . 2024-11-13 . techradar.com.
  35. Web site: Hawkins . Joshua . 2024-05-06 . Proton Pass Can Now Judge Your Passwords and Find Your Info on the Dark Web . 2024-11-13 . lifehacker.com.
  36. Web site: Das . Ankush . 2024-06-06 . Proton Pass Launched for Linux and macOS With a Steal Deal for its Plus Plan . 2024-11-13 . itsfoss.com.
  37. Web site: Davenport . Corbin . 2024-06-06 . Proton Pass Arrives on Mac and Linux . 2024-11-13 . howtogeek.com.
  38. Web site: Irwin . Kate . 2024-07-12 . Proton Pass Now Lets You Share Passwords With Anyone Via Secure Links . 2024-11-13 . pcmag.com.
  39. Web site: LeFebvre . Rob . 2024-07-12 . Proton Pass Launches New Secure Links for Sharing With Anyone . 2024-11-13 . lifewire.com.
  40. Web site: Fisher . Jon . 2024-08-08 . New Proton Pass Identities Can Autofill Form Data for You . 2024-11-13 . msn.com.
  41. Web site: Wallen . Jack . 2024-08-08 . Proton Pass password manager adds identity data, biometric authentication . 2024-11-13 . zdnet.com.
  42. Web site: Collins . Benedict . 2024-10-09 . Proton Pass launches new family plan . 2024-11-13 . techradar.com.
  43. Web site: Thomas . Chris . 2024-10-09 . Proton Pass gets a family plan with up to six accounts and new admin tools . 2024-11-13 . androidpolice.com.
  44. Web site: Cantisano . Timi . 2025-04-17 . Proton Pass now lets you store sensitive info right alongside your passwords . 2025-06-23 . Android Police . en.
  45. Web site: 2025-04-28 . You Can Now Attach Files to Your Passwords with Proton Pass . 2025-06-23 . It's FOSS News . en.
  46. Web site: Day . Brett . 2023-12-28 . Proton Pass Review 2024: Pros & Cons, Features, Value . 2024-05-27 . www.privacyjournal.net . en-US.
  47. Web site: Key . Kim . January 27, 2024 . Proton Pass Review . 2024-05-27 . PCMAG . en.
  48. Web site: Key . Kim . May 20, 2024 . The Best Password Managers for 2024 . 2024-05-27 . PCMAG . en.
  49. Web site: Collins . Benedict . Ballard . Barclay . 2022-09-29 . Best password manager of 2024 . 2024-05-27 . TechRadar . en.
  50. Web site: Benedict Collins . 2025-08-22 . Multiple top password managers vulnerable to password stealing clickjacking attacks - here's what we know . 2025-11-09 . TechRadar . en.
  51. Web site: Tóth . Marek . 2025-08-09 . DOM-based Extension Clickjacking: Your Password Manager Data at Risk . 2025-11-09 . marektoth.com . en.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Proton Pass".

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