Dear friends,
Password managers and security tools are designed to be impenetrable fortresses, protecting your most sensitive information with military-grade encryption. This creates a paradox in legacy planning: the very security measures that protect you in life can permanently lock out your loved ones after death unless you plan appropriately.
Your password manager likely contains credentials for dozens or hundreds of accounts, including financial institutions, email accounts, and critical services. Without access to this vault, your family may be unable to manage your digital estate, access important accounts, or even complete basic administrative tasks after your death.
Critical challenges include no cloud sync by default - database file stored locally on your computer, master password and key file (if used) both required for access, and database file location may be unknown to family members. These security layers protect against unauthorized access but can also prevent legitimate access by authorized family members and estate executors.
DeathNote helps you securely document master passwords, recovery keys, 2FA backup codes, and hardware security device PINs. You can provide step-by-step instructions for accessing your password vault while ensuring this information remains encrypted and protected until properly verified death triggers delivery to your designated contacts.
Consider creating a layered access plan: emergency contacts who can access critical accounts immediately, trusted executors who receive full vault access, and detailed documentation of what's stored where. This planning ensures security during life while enabling access when needed.
Offline password storage, encrypted database file, no cloud sync (by default), portable USB storage
Free (no accounts - it's a desktop application), no subscription, no cloud service
Login credentials stored in encrypted .kdbx database file, key files, master password, portable database on USB drives
KeePass stores passwords in a local .kdbx file on your computer. Your family must find this file to access your passwords. Location is critical for inheritance.
KeePass requires master password AND key file (if configured) for access. Both must be stored securely for inheritance. Losing either makes database permanently inaccessible.