Quantum-safe encrypted cloud storage Tuta Drive debuts in closed beta

Tuta has launched an invite-only beta for Tuta Drive, a new end-to-end encrypted cloud storage service designed with post-quantum cryptography.

The release marks a significant step in the company’s effort to build a privacy-focused alternative to mainstream cloud platforms.

The company says the limited rollout follows several months of development and testing, with broader access planned in stages over the coming months.

Tuta is a German privacy technology provider known for its encrypted email and calendar services, Tuta Mail and Tuta Calendar, which collectively serve over 10 million users. The introduction of Tuta Drive expands its ecosystem into cloud storage, aiming to offer a fully integrated suite of communication and productivity tools secured with post-quantum encryption.

Tuta Drive is built on a zero-knowledge architecture, meaning that all files are encrypted on the user’s device before upload and that the service provider cannot access the stored data. The platform applies end-to-end encryption by default, covering documents, images, videos, and backups without requiring additional configuration. The company emphasizes that the service operates without advertising, tracking, or AI-based data analysis.

The project behind Tuta Drive, known as “PQDrive,” builds on the company’s earlier research into quantum-resistant cryptography. After launching its PQMail initiative in 2020, Tuta began development of its secure cloud storage platform in 2023 with support from a €1.5 million German government research grant under the KMU-innovativ program. The effort is being carried out in collaboration with cryptography researchers at the University of Wuppertal, who are contributing to the design of encryption schemes that are expected to withstand future quantum computing threats.

In its current beta form, Tuta Drive is accessible only via the Tuta Mail web client in desktop and mobile browsers. The company plans to expand availability with dedicated mobile apps for Android and iOS, as well as integration into its existing desktop clients for Linux, Windows, and macOS.

Functionality available to beta users includes encrypted file uploads, cross-device synchronization, and secure backups. While these features are common among cloud storage providers, Tuta’s implementation differentiates itself by applying post-quantum cryptographic algorithms alongside standard encryption practices. Earlier this year, the company completed the rollout of its “TutaCrypt” system across all accounts, extending quantum-resistant encryption to its email platform as well.

The company has not yet announced a timeline for public beta availability, but says it will expand access gradually based on feedback from early testers. Users accepted in the closed beta should note that features and stability may evolve before general release.