Encrypt a message that automatically reveals itself if you stop checking in. Useful for sensitive disclosures that should publish only if you cannot.
A dead man's switch publishes a message after a configured period of inactivity. PGP Tool's version stores an encrypted message locally and counts down a timer. As long as you visit and check in, the timer resets. If you don't, the message becomes available.
Set a check-in interval (days), arm the switch with your message and (optionally) a recipient key, and check in regularly. A red badge in the sidebar warns when the timer is close to expiring.
Important caveat: this is a local-browser switch. If your browser data is wiped or the device is destroyed, the switch is destroyed with it. For genuinely high-stakes use cases, pair this with off-site key custody (Split Key + trusted parties) and a separate publishing arrangement.
Frequently asked questions
What happens when the switch fires?
The encrypted message becomes visible in the tool. If a recipient key was set, the message is encrypted to them; otherwise it is held in plaintext (locally). The tool does not auto-publish — you (or your designated party) need to share it.
Will this work if I lose my device?
No. The switch lives in browser localStorage on the specific device. For device-loss resilience, share the encrypted package with a trusted party and have them publish it on the trigger condition.
How often should I check in?
Match the interval to your risk tolerance. Daily check-ins fire fast (good for active risk), weekly or monthly are easier to maintain. The default suggests 30 days.
Can I cancel the switch?
Yes — disarm it explicitly from the tool UI. As long as the timer has not expired, the message can be retrieved and the switch removed.
Is the message visible in localStorage?
Encrypted, yes. Anyone with access to your browser data can see the encrypted blob, but cannot decrypt it without the configured key or passphrase. Use full-disk encryption to protect against device theft.