Show HN: If you lose your memory, how to regain access to your computer? (eljojo.github.io)

Article summary

The article presents ReMemory, a tool that allows users to encrypt their files and divide the key among trusted individuals, enabling them to recover the files if the user is unable to access them. This is achieved through Shamir's Secret Sharing, where the key is split into pieces and each person keeps one. The tool is designed to work offline, without accounts or servers, and the code is open source. The author built ReMemory after being inspired by a documentary about a man with severe amnesia and considering their own digital life's fragility.

Main themes

• Digital Legacy
• Encryption and Security
• Memory Loss and Access
• Trust and Verification
• Data Recovery

What commenters say

• Some commenters appreciate the idea of sharing passwords with loved ones posthumously, but note that it's essential to have a plan in place for accessing digital assets in case of memory loss or death.
• There are concerns about the reliability of backup codes and recovery processes, with some users sharing experiences of failed recovery attempts with Google.
• Alternative solutions, such as using a password manager with emergency access features or storing secrets in a physical safe, are proposed as more reliable options.
• The importance of making backups of valuable data and considering the security implications of relying on a single point of failure is emphasized.
• Some argue that using a lawyer as a broker of secrets or setting up a dead man's switch, like Google's Inactive Account Manager, can provide an additional layer of security and control.
• The limitations and potential vulnerabilities of physical safes and bank safe deposit boxes as storage solutions are discussed, highlighting the need for a robust security profile.