Questions
Is my data safe?
Yes! Your data is secured using a method called “AES Encryption” – the same method used by banks and governments around the world. AES encryption keeps information secure, like a digital lock. It can only be opened with a special code, called an encryption key. It’s important to keep the key safe so that only authorized people can access the information. When you first run the Forethought app, a new key is generated, so you are the only one that can unlock your data. This key is saved securely on your device.
If you have a Premium (paid) account, your encrypted vault is copied to the Forethought servers for backup. Since it’s locked, even we can’t see what’s inside it without your key.
When I’m gone, how will my survivors get access to my vault?
If you have a Basic (free) account, you need to make sure that someone you trust has access to the PIN or password to unlock your phone. They can then run the Forethought app on your phone to see the contents of your vault.
If you have a Premium (paid) account, you will designate 2 or more people to be your “VaultKeepers” and we will contact each of them by email on your behalf. If they accept your invitation to be one of your VaultKeepers, they will each get a unique key, as well as an email with a special link they can use to let us know you’re gone. If one VaultKeeper does this, the other VaultKeepers will get an email asking them to confirm you’re gone. When all the VaultKeepers have confirmed, they will receive an email with a link to their copy of your vault contents that only their key will unlock.
Why would I buy a premium account when I can use the app for free?
The main reason you would want a premium account is so that if your phone is lost or destroyed, your survivors can still get the information you want them to have. Another reason is that if you lose your phone and get a new one, you just need to log in again and your vault is restored from the online backup.