Protecting a folder with a password(new window) is a simple yet effective way of securing files. You may wonder whether you can password-protect a folder in Google Drive. We explain what access controls Google Drive offers and what you can do to improve your security when sharing files.
How to password-protect a Google Drive folder
Unfortunately, you can’t password-protect a folder in Google Drive. The best you can do is set permission controls that let you determine who can and cannot access a folder — or more precisely, which email addresses.
If you’re the owner of a folder (the person who created it), you can remove permission to access it from whomever you gave it to whenever you want. While this gives you some measure of control, it may still feel a little unsafe, especially when sharing folders. After all, when you share a file or folder, you want to make sure only the intended recipient can access it.
Password-protecting a shared folder
If you want to password-protect a shared folder or have real control over the files you share and who you share them with, Proton Drive makes access control simple. We developed our cloud storage(new window) service so everyone can securely store their files online and access them anywhere.
There are several factors that make Proton Drive unique among cloud storage providers. Most importantly, we use end-to-end encryption(new window) to protect your files and folders, meaning your files and their metadata are encrypted at all times. As a result, nobody but you and your intended recipient can see the files you share, not even us. Google Drive does not offer this type of security.
On top of that, we offer a lot more access control options when you share folders(new window). For example, besides letting you decide exactly who to share your files with and allowing you to revoke access at any time, you can also set expiration dates on links. Most importantly, you can also password-protect links for extra security, adding a layer of security that Google Drive and most other cloud storage services simply don’t have.
We can do all this because unlike Google, we put our customers first. While Big Tech firms rely on surveillance capitalist business models, we’re entirely supported by you, the Proton community. As a result, we can focus on providing features and services that help you protect your information rather than trying to find ways to collect it surreptitiously.
We offer up to 5 GB of storage for free, so anyone can try Proton Drive. If free private storage with a company that puts you first sounds like something you’d like to be part of, create an account today.
