Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteProton Pass Secure Links let you share one login, bank card, note, or other supported item with someone who does not use Proton Pass. You create a link, set how long it works and how many times it can be opened, then send it. Proton says the item remains end-to-end encrypted; treat the link itself as a secret, because anyone who obtains the full URL may be able to open it.
What Proton Pass Secure Links do
Proton announced Secure Links on July 12, 2024, as a way to share individual Pass items with people outside the service. The announcement described sharing logins, bank cards, notes, and other items through unique links while preserving end-to-end encryption. The rollout began with Visionary and Lifetime users, then extended to paid Pass plans. See Proton’s launch announcement.
This is distinct from sharing an item or an entire vault with another Proton Pass user. Proton’s current secure password sharing page describes both kinds of sharing, plus revoking access and synchronizing changes to shared items for recipients.
How to create and control a link
In the launch instructions, the sender selects an item, generates a link, sets its expiry and view limit, and sends the resulting URL. Proton listed expiry choices from one hour to 30 days and view limits from one use to unlimited uses. A sender can delete a link from the sharing dashboard. These are product settings described by Proton, not guarantees that a recipient cannot copy or retain information they have already seen. Details appear in Proton Support’s secure-link guidance.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
- ✅ PROTECT ONLINE ACCOUNTS – A password manager, two-factor security key, and secure communication token in one, OnlyKey can keep your accounts safe even if your computer or a website is compromised. OnlyKey is open source, verified, and trustworthy.
- ✅ UNIVERSALLY SUPPORTED – Works with all websites including Twitter, Facebook, GitHub, and Google. Onlykey supports multiple methods of two-factor authentication including FIDO2 / U2F, Yubico OTP, TOTP, Challenge-response.
- ✅ PORTABLE PROTECTION – Extremely durable, waterproof, and tamper resistant design allows you to take your OnlyKey with you everywhere.
- ✅ PIN PROTECTED – The PIN used to unlock OnlyKey is entered directly on it. This means that if this device is stolen, data remains secure, after 10 failed attempts to unlock all data is securely erased.
- ✅ EASY LOG IN –No need to remember multiple passwords because by plugging OnlyKey to your computer, it automatically inputs your username and password. It works with Windows, Mac OS, Linux, or Chromebook, just press a button to login securely!
- Choose the specific login, card, note, or other supported item you need to share.
- Generate a Secure Link and choose the shortest expiry and lowest view limit that fit the situation.
- Send the full URL to the intended recipient through a communication channel you trust.
- Delete the link from the dashboard when the recipient no longer needs access.
- For a password that was exposed beyond its intended use, change it afterward; enable two-factor authentication where the account supports it.
What Proton says happens to the encryption key
Proton’s explanation is that the link key is generated locally. The item’s key is encrypted with that link key, and the link key is encrypted with the vault key; encrypted key material is uploaded. The share secret is carried in the URL after a fragment marker such as #link_key. Because browsers do not send the fragment portion of a URL in the request to the server, Proton says its server receives only the URL before the fragment, not the secret needed to decrypt the item. Read Proton’s description of why secure link sharing is safe.
That is Proton’s account of its implementation, not an independent verification of Secure Links. Proton’s security overview says Pass vault data uses 256-bit AES-GCM and that OpenPGP with ECC Curve25519 protects vault keys and supports sharing. Proton also says public audit reports are available, but the security information cited here does not identify a specific report or auditor for Secure Links. It therefore does not establish that this particular feature has been independently validated.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
The link is still a bearer secret
Encryption does not make a shared URL safe to post publicly or send through a channel that may expose it. Proton Support warns that anyone with the full link can access the shared item while the link is within its expiry period and view limit. Use a trusted channel, keep the validity window and number of opens as low as practical, and remove the link when sharing is done. A view limit restricts link access; it cannot prevent someone from copying a password or other content after opening it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who can use Secure Links now?
Proton’s current pricing page lists secure sharing with anyone, including single-item sharing, as a paid feature. Its FAQ says free and paid accounts have the same stated baseline privacy protection, while paid plans include selected additional capabilities such as single-item sharing with non-users. Check Proton Pass pricing and plan details for current availability and terms; no current price is established here.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- Requires 3 "AAA" batteries (included)
- Unit auto-locks for 30 minutes after 5 consecutive incorrect PINs
The launch announcement included a Pass Plus offer for $12 for one year, but that promotion ended July 21, 2024. It is historical and should not be treated as a current subscription offer.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- FIDO-ONLY FUNCTIONALITY: Supports FIDO2 (passkeys) and FIDO U2F protocols for passwordless and second-factor authentication. Does not support OTP, TOTP, Smart Card (PIV), or other advanced features - upgrade to YubiKey 5 Series for extended functionality
- SECURE AND CONVENIENT: Passwordless MFA login with the YubiKey Bio authenticator and biometric information using a fingerprint, with a PIN as a fallback. Simply plug in via USB and use your fingerprint to authenticate
- DEVICE & OS COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux. Works seamlessly with supported services like Google and Microsoft accounts, and major password managers. See the full compatibility list at "Works With YubiKey"
- DURABLE & RELIABLE: Resistant to tampering, water, and crushing. No batteries or network connectivity required, offering dependable authentication without any downtime. Securely manufactured in USA & Sweden
- Yubico Authenticator App - Fingerprint enrollment, passkey management and PIN configuration available via the app app - Upgrade to YubiKey 5 Series to generate one-time-passwords (OTP) via Yubico Authenticator and for advanced compatibility (OATH, PIV)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
