Hacker News Board Hacker News, browsed like a classic message board
Live data from Hacker News

Dead Man's Switch

deadmansswitch.org

Post reply on HN
Print view View original

31–40 of 101 posts

Re: Dead Man's Switch

#31

Post by bentcorner »

noir_lord wrote: post #16
simonswords82 wrote: post #7

This is an idea that has been around in various forms for a number of years. A number of other sites have popped up but like a number of people have already said, I don't trust random third parties with the keys to my online life.

Two keys, you put one on memory sticks which you give to friends/family you trust. In the event anything happens to you the other key is sent to those people allowing them to decrypt it. Service can't access your data as it only has one and same for trusted person. I'm sure something like this already exists (and tbh the level of effort required to set it up pretty much makes it unlikely to catch on) but it is theore…

You don't need any keys. Just say "I wrote how to log into my email on a piece of paper in the safe deposit box. You may have found it already."

Re: Dead Man's Switch

#32

Post by bentcorner »

baby wrote: post #27

I've thought about that service a lot and this solution is not working because : * I have to constantly check my mails to prove I'm not dead * The other person's mail will without any doubt change if I die in 10+ years * Can this service live up to 50+ years? I'm really doubting that as well.

> * I have to constantly check my mails to prove I'm not dead

It nag mails you so you don't forget. Otherwise, add a reminder with a link to click on on the first of every month.

> * The other person's mail will without any doubt change if I die in 10+ years

You'll be clicking on this thing every month, I'm pretty certain if your SO's email changes you'll update it at that time.

> * Can this service live up to 50+ years? I'm really doubting that as well.

It only needs to be up when you die, again, you're clicking on this thing every month, if the service dies and you find utility in the concept, you'll find a different service to use.

Re: Dead Man's Switch

#33

Post by yannk »

john_b wrote: post #17

This is something I've thought about, and as I see it a lot of the problems common to crypto software are manifest in this space as well. Specifically with regard to security vs useability/ease-of-adoption issues. This particular implementation transmits sensitive data in the clear and does the encryption server-side, so it's hard to take it seriously except as a remote (and unsecure) notification service. Aside from…

I have been toying with the idea for a little while too. Distributed, open and safe where on the top of my list.

Re: Dead Man's Switch

#35

Post by Vespasian »

tbrownaw wrote: post #5
Vespasian wrote: post #4

Hmm I don't like the idea of involving a third (untrusted party) with what could be basically the key to your whole online identity. I would love to see a system which allows your heirs to access online accounts without having to fear that a simple government request will hand them everything they need on a silver plate (including stuff not obviously related to you). Probably physical objects need to be involved (cod…

Probably physical objects need to be involved (code on paper etc) but then again how to make sure the next best burglar doesn't get the prize of his lifetime. Does anyone know of such a solution? Put it in a safe deposit box at your local bank?

But wouldn't that allow a simple subpoena to get access to everything?

Certainly it's the best bet against criminals

Re: Dead Man's Switch

#36

Post by chrisBob »

This seems like a good option if I am ever in an action movie and I need to tell the bad guy that all of the information will be released to CNN and the NYT if anything happens to me.

If I come up with something I can't tell my wife while I am alive, I will probably just put it in my will.

Re: Dead Man's Switch

#37

Post by steveklabnik »

whywhywhy5 wrote: post #26
Ryel wrote: post #20

I wish there was a better way of determining whether you were alive or not. There's an endless number of possibilities as to what could happen in order for me to not be able to go online and verify with that link. Why would I put myself through the stress of potentially forgetting and now I have to worry about the secrets of my dying breathe being released to the public while I'm still around. If I wanted anything to…

How about a site where you enter your SSN? Then if you're ever listed as deceased in the Social Security Death Index, that will be the trigger.

SSNs aren't unique, so this seems quite risky.

Re: Dead Man's Switch

#39

Post by jlebrech »

I thought of something similar to send tweets from the grave, you add an app to twitter and it'll start tweeting messages after you stop tweeting for 2 years.
Post reply on HN