Extended FAQ

General

What is DeadSwitch?

DeadSwitch is a portable encrypted USB vault paired with an automated dead man’s switch. You store your important digital information on an encrypted USB drive, designate beneficiaries, and configure an automatic check-in system. If something happens to you, the system detects your absence and delivers access to the people you chose.

Who is DeadSwitch for?

Anyone who has digital information that someone else would need if they were gone: passwords, financial accounts, crypto wallets, important documents, or personal messages. DeadSwitch is particularly valuable for people who hold cryptocurrency, manage complex financial portfolios, or simply want to make sure their family isn’t left scrambling.

Is DeadSwitch a password manager?

No. Password managers are designed for daily use — storing and autofilling passwords as you browse. DeadSwitch is designed for the day you can’t use a password manager anymore. It complements your existing password manager by adding a dead man’s switch, per-beneficiary access control, and video messages. You can import your passwords from 1Password, Bitwarden, LastPass, or KeePass.

Security

How is my data encrypted?

All vault data is encrypted with AES-256-GCM-SIV, a nonce-misuse-resistant authenticated encryption scheme. Your master password is processed through Argon2id, a memory-hard key derivation function. Media files (video and audio) use XChaCha20-Poly1305 with random 24-byte nonces. The database itself is encrypted with SQLCipher.

Can DeadSwitch read my data?

No. DeadSwitch uses a zero-knowledge architecture. Your vault data is encrypted on the USB drive using keys derived from your master password. Our servers store only encrypted key shares and metadata (email, check-in state). We never have access to your vault contents, master password, or full encryption keys.

What happens if the server is hacked?

An attacker would get encrypted key shares that are useless without the beneficiary’s physical emergency card secret. They would also get hashed passwords (scrypt) and beneficiary contact information. They would not get vault contents, encryption keys, or your master password. The physical USB drive remains secure regardless of server compromise.

Is the code open source?

Yes. The vault encryption engine, cryptographic primitives, and core security components are open source. You can audit every encryption operation, key derivation, and security mode implementation yourself.

Dead Man’s Switch

How often do I need to check in?

You choose: every 7, 14, or 30 days. DeadSwitch sends you a simple email or SMS with a link. Click it to confirm you’re alive. It takes less than 5 seconds.

What if I’m on vacation or hospitalized?

The system escalates gradually over multiple check-in periods. Missing one check-in just sends extra reminders. You’d need to miss several check-ins and then fail to respond during a 48-72 hour grace period before the switch triggers. If you know you’ll be unavailable, you can check in early.

Can I undo a trigger?

During the warning stages and grace period, yes — respond to any check-in message to cancel. Once the grace period expires and the switch fully triggers, the process is irreversible. Beneficiary emails have already been sent.

Pricing

Why is it a one-time payment?

We believe that protecting your family shouldn’t come with a recurring bill that might lapse. The USB vault and dead man’s switch are included in the one-time purchase. The only optional subscription is cloud backup for users who want an additional safety net.

What’s the difference between the tiers?

• Standard ($99): Up to 3 beneficiaries, USB for 1 platform, email check-in
• Pro ($149): Unlimited beneficiaries, USB for all platforms, email + SMS check-in, web dashboard, cloud backup eligible
• Family ($249): Everything in Pro plus 3 USB drives and family support priority

Is there a free trial?

Not currently. DeadSwitch involves physical hardware (USB drive), so a traditional free trial isn’t practical. However, we offer a full feature comparison and documentation so you can understand exactly what you’re getting before you buy.