(Credit: Proton)
Proton has added a new password-sharing feature for its Proton Pass password manager for paying users, allowing passwords to be shared with anyone via what the company calls "Secure Links."
Secure Links are links that can be used for sharing individual passwords with another person. The recipient doesn't need a Proton account, and the sender can choose when they want the link to expire. Secure Links can expire anytime between an hour and a month depending on the sharer's preference, and can also be revoked anytime via a "Remove" button on the sharer's Pass dashboard.
The sender can see how many times their link has been viewed and can set a specific limit for the number of permitted views. The links will automatically change if a password is changed so that users don't have to re-share passwords with existing links. Proton's servers can't see the full URL of the links shared, meaning it's not able to access your shared passwords.
This new password link-sharing feature is different from Proton Pass's existing vault-sharing feature, which can allow Pass users to share items in their password manager or their entire password set with others.
Proton also now allows Pass users to create a second password to protect their Pass accounts. The "Extra Password" feature is available for both free and paid users.
Secure Links is another step toward giving Proton users more utility without having to compromise security. The new links preserve the end-to-end encryption in its Pass software, so are inherently more secure than simply sending a password over an unencrypted platform.
While Proton is primarily known for its encrypted email service, Proton has continued to add new features across its suite of privacy-focused apps, which includes a VPN. This year, the Swiss non-profit has rolled out new offerings like desktop apps and encrypted Docs, vowing to protect its users' content from AI models. Proton previously told PCMag that its goal is to become an end-to-end encrypted Google alternative.