Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vital Watchdog?

Vital Watchdog is an innovative application crafted to elevate your digital security. By incorporating features like the Dead Man's Switch, periodic check-in requests, and secure communication with trusted contacts, we provide a comprehensive solution to safeguard your online presence.

How does the Dead Man's Switch work?

The Dead Man's Switch is a crucial safety feature. If, for any reason, you are unable to respond to our periodic check-in requests, this function initiates predefined actions. These actions can include notifying your trusted contacts or implementing measures to secure your sensitive data.

What happens if I miss responding to a check-in request?

If a check-in request goes unanswered, our system interprets this as a potential issue and activates the Dead Man's Switch process. You have the flexibility to customize the actions triggered during this process according to your preferences in the settings.

How often will I receive check-in requests?

You have complete control over the frequency of check-in requests. Navigate to your preferences to set a schedule that suits your needs, whether it's daily, weekly, or at custom intervals.

Can I customize the actions of the Dead Man's Switch?

Absolutely! You have the flexibility to personalize the actions executed when the Dead Man's Switch is triggered. In addition to predefined actions, such as notifying contacts or securing your data, you can define custom API actions. This empowers you to integrate the Dead Man's Switch seamlessly into your unique workflow, enhancing the versatility of this powerful security feature.

How can I add trusted contacts?

In your profile settings, there's a straightforward option to add trusted contacts. These are individuals who will be promptly notified in case of an emergency or when the Dead Man's Switch is activated.

What happens if I forget my password?

If you forget your password, you can use the 'Forgot Password' link on the login page. Follow the instructions in the email we send you to reset your password securely.

Is my data truly secure with Vital Watchdog, and what security measures are in place?

Ensuring the security of your data is our top priority. Vital Watchdog employs industry-standard encryption and robust security measures to provide a strong defense against unauthorized access or data breaches. Users who are particularly concerned about the security of emails sent to trusted contacts have the flexibility to use PGP for email content encryption, adding an extra layer of protection. Additionally, all stored files are encrypted, and access is available for a limited amount of time after the Dead Man's Switch is triggered, further enhancing the security of your digital assets.

How does Vital Watchdog handle message encryption?

Vital Watchdog offers an option to encrypt messages that will be sent to your trusted contacts when the Dead Man's Switch is triggered. By encrypting these messages, you ensure that only the intended recipients with the correct secret key will be able to read the content, adding an extra layer of security to your communications.

Do I need to provide the secret key to my contacts?

Yes, it's essential that you provide the secret key to your trusted contacts before the Dead Man's Switch is triggered. Without this key, they will not be able to decrypt and read your message. For security reasons, Vital Watchdog does not store this key, so it is up to you to securely share it with the intended recipients.

Where is the secret key stored, and can it be recovered if I forget it?

For security reasons, the secret key is not stored in our database, and we cannot recover it if you forget it. This means you alone are responsible for remembering and securely storing the key. We temporarily store it in your browser's local storage while you're editing the message, but this temporary storage is cleared when you log out for added security.

Can I change or update the secret key for my encrypted messages?

Yes, you can update the secret key for your encrypted messages. However, you will need to re-encrypt the message with the new key. Remember to securely share the updated key with your trusted contacts, as they will need it to decrypt the message when the time comes.

What happens if my trusted contact loses the secret key?

If a trusted contact loses the secret key, they will not be able to decrypt and view your message. For this reason, it's recommended that you securely provide the key to them and suggest they store it in a safe place. Vital Watchdog cannot retrieve or reset the key for them.

What are the differences between the Free and Premium plans, and how does the Premium plan subscription work?

The Free plan offers a limited set of features, while the Premium plan provides an enhanced experience with unlimited contacts, multiple check-in requests configuration for more flexibility, secure message encryption, API calls, and 50MB of file storage capacity.

Will Vital Watchdog continue to introduce new features in the future?

Absolutely! At Vital Watchdog, we are committed to providing an evolving and enriched user experience. Our dedicated team is continuously working on innovative features to enhance the functionality, security, and overall usability of the service. Stay tuned for updates as we roll out exciting new features to make your digital security even more robust.

Can I delete my account?

Yes, you can delete your account in the profile settings. Keep in mind that this action is irreversible, and all data associated with your account will be permanently deleted.