IfGone uses the same level of security and cryptography as most banks to protect your data. But there is one crucial difference: we never see – and can never see – the unencrypted contents of your vaults. That means you are responsible for keeping your own keys safe.
What are “keys” (in the cryptographic sense)?
Your private key – can encrypt and decrypt data, and can prove your identity (this is called a ‘signature’). This key is impossible to guess or work out.
Your public key – you can freely share it with others so they can verify your signature is correct. This cannot be used to decrypt your data.
The important thing is the naming: the private key really is just that – private. Keep it safe and never give it to anyone. Your public key is automatically shared with IfGone, so our servers can check your signature and allow you to upload encrypted data.
Storing your private key safely
Your private key is created as a file on the device you used to set up your IfGone vault. We generate the keys inside your web browser – never on our servers. Because it's vital you know where your private key is, we ask you to prove you can find it before your vault is fully created.
The private key takes up very little space. You can easily copy it to another computer you control, or email it to yourself as a backup. But once again: do not share it with anyone you don't completely trust.
Printed QR code
During vault setup, an easily printable PDF document is created for you. You can save it during setup and print it immediately or later at your leisure. This is a handy hard‑copy backup of your private key. If you lose the digital copy, you can still access your vault using this printed code – all you need is a phone with a camera or a computer with a webcam.
This QR code (whether printed on paper or etched by IfGone onto an almost indestructible metal plate) is your private key in visual form. Store it somewhere safe but accessible – so your loved ones can access your vault when you are no longer around.
Using your private key
Your private key is needed to add information to your vault. Adding data is quick and simple, and we send you a confirmation email for extra reassurance. Go to the 'My Vault' link on the IfGone.io webpage to start adding the messages and information you want to pass on.
Seeing what's in your vault
Your vault's contents are not accessible to anyone – including you – until the Executor Access process is followed. (That's why we provide a guide on the best way to keep a copy you can access yourself.) This process includes deliberate delays enforced by IfGone's servers, giving you, as the vault owner, ample chance to cancel access if you wish.