Run Your Business on Encrypted Private Tools With Proton
Google reads your emails to serve you ads. Cloud storage providers scan your files. Your calendar data is being mined. If you handle sensitive client information — contracts, financials, personal data — you need tools that can't read your stuff. Here's how to switch to Proton's fully encrypted suite.
Tools You'll Need
| Tool | What It Does | Cost | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proton | Swiss-based encrypted email, VPN, cloud storage, calendar, and password manager in one suite | Free tier available / $10 – $13/month for Proton Unlimited | Get it → |
The Walkthrough
Step 1: Create Your Proton Account
What to do: Go to Proton and sign up. The free tier gives you Proton Mail (1 GB), Proton VPN, and Proton Drive (5 GB). Proton Unlimited ($10–$13/mo) gives you 500 GB of storage, custom email domains, and full access to all Proton apps.
Why you’re doing it: Proton is based in Switzerland and uses end-to-end encryption on everything. That means Proton themselves can’t read your emails, see your files, or access your calendar. Nobody can — not hackers, not governments, not advertisers.
What to expect: 5 minutes for account creation. You’ll get a @proton.me email address immediately.
Common mistakes: If you’re a professional service provider (lawyer, accountant), go straight to Proton Unlimited — the free tier’s storage is too limited for business use.
Step 2: Set Up Proton Mail for Business
What to do: In Proton Mail settings, connect your custom domain (yourbusiness.com) so you can send and receive encrypted email from a professional address. Import your existing emails using Proton’s Easy Switch tool — it transfers emails from Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo automatically.
Why you’re doing it: Email is where your most sensitive business communication happens. Proton Mail encrypts every message end-to-end between Proton users, and encrypts stored messages so even if Proton’s servers were breached, your emails remain unreadable.
What to expect: 30 minutes to connect a domain and import existing emails. Easy Switch handles the migration in the background — you can keep working while it transfers.
Step 3: Move Your Files to Proton Drive
What to do: Download the Proton Drive desktop app. Drag your important business files into Proton Drive — client contracts, financial documents, proposals, anything sensitive. Set up folder sync so new files automatically upload.
Why you’re doing it: Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive can access your files. Proton Drive uses end-to-end encryption — your files are encrypted before they leave your device, and only you can decrypt them.
What to expect: 15 minutes for setup. Upload time depends on how many files you’re moving. Start with your most sensitive documents and migrate the rest gradually.
Step 4: Enable Proton VPN
What to do: Download Proton VPN on your computer and phone. Connect to a server. Enable auto-connect in settings so the VPN activates whenever you go online.
Why you’re doing it: Proton VPN is included with every Proton account. It encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address. Unlike many free VPNs, Proton VPN has no ads, no data limits, and no tracking.
What to expect: 5 minutes to install and connect on each device.
Step 5: Switch Your Calendar and Passwords
What to do: Start using Proton Calendar for scheduling and Proton Pass for password management. Import your Google Calendar events. Move your saved passwords into Proton Pass.
Why you’re doing it: This completes the switch to a fully encrypted ecosystem. Your emails, files, calendar, passwords, and internet traffic are all protected. No single company can build a profile of your entire business activity.
What to expect: 20 minutes. Calendar import is automatic. Password migration can be done from your browser’s saved passwords.
Confidence Level
This workflow is Beta — Based on Best Available Knowledge. Proton is a well-established Swiss company backed by CERN and MIT scientists. Their encryption protocols are open source and independently audited.
What to Do If It Doesn’t Work
- Custom domain email not working: Double-check your DNS records. Proton provides exact DNS entries to add at your domain registrar. Allow up to 48 hours for propagation.
- Emails going to spam: Set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records (Proton guides you through this). These tell other email providers your messages are legitimate.
- VPN blocking a service: Use Proton VPN’s split tunneling to exclude specific apps or websites from the VPN tunnel.
- Need more help? Proton Support or email us at hello@thenewsbakery.com.