Lately I started including what happens to my data in case I die unexpectedly in my threat model. As of now I’d like for everything to stay private. All my accounts have a strong password that I store on a keepass datbase that I store only on encrypted devices which themselves are protected only by PIN or Password with no biometrics (I use the pin only on my phone which is set up to get wiped after 20 failed unlock attempts to mitigate bruteforce attacks). As for what I post online, I keep it to a minimum and nothing really personal, preferring only viewing content through clients with no account when possible. I know some services allow to set up what happens after a certain period of inactivity but I was wondering if you guys can suggest anything else. Maybe some program that wipes the computer’s drive after a period of inactivity? Some other tools or some tips I didn’t consider?
The biggest reason I set up a dead man’s switch was for incapacitation over death. I don’t live anywhere near my family (who I trust to manage my affairs; not the same for everyone) so when the ‘Rona hit I wanted to make sure my life wouldn’t end if I got hospitalized for months on end. I feel that there is value in considering that possibility especially if you’re already considering an unexpected death. What about your rent/mortgage, your electric bill, your subscriptions, the things that keep your life moving? Some you want paid, others you want canceled without screwing your credit score (if you live in the US). If I miss a rent payment, I get evicted in a month.
On the other hand, if you’re dead, why make it harder for the people that have to clean up for you (“taken care of eventually”)? My family knows how to delete my presence from everything once they have access to my stuff so I can’t exist as a digital zombie forever.