Two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of those things we all know we should use—even if it feels like a hassle. Yeah, it’s a tiny bit annoying in the moment, but it’s a whole lot less annoying than dealing with a hacked account.
The problem with most 2FA apps is that they trap codes on a single device. That’s why I’ve ditched my old authenticator app for Proton Authenticator. This multiplatform 2FA app has quickly become one of my favorite low-effort security upgrades.
Proton
Like other 2FA apps, it generates those rotating login codes but what sets it apart is secure syncing across devices. Your codes are no longer locked to your phone. Proton Authenticator syncs them across all devices with end-to-end encryption.
In practice, that means you can log in on your laptop or tablet without reaching for your phone every single time. This might sound small, but it’s one of those quality-of-life upgrades that punches well above its weight.
If you’re already using another 2FA app, then switching over is surprisingly painless. You can import your existing codes from apps like Google Authenticator in just a few minutes.
The authenticator app is open-source, has no ads or trackers, and uses end-to-end encryption so even Proton can’t access your data. And I really like the modern upgrades Proton added such as a biometric lock for the app and an option to hide your codes from view so they can’t be visually snooped.
If you’re already using 2FA, this is an easy upgrade. And if you’re not, Proton Authenticator might finally make it easy enough to start.
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Author: Sam Singleton, Assistant Editor, PCWorld
Sam Singleton is PCWorld's VPN beat reporter and jack of all trades. When he's not on the hunt for the best computer deals he's covering VPNs, productivity software, laptops, and a wide gamut of consumer-grade hardware and software.