Protecting Your Messages with 2FA and Secure Login

Why Security Matters

Dead Man's Switch stores highly sensitive information, including:

• Bank account details
• Passwords and login credentials
• Insurance policy information
• Personal messages
• Information meant only for family

If this information falls into the wrong hands, it could lead to serious consequences.

Real Risks with Password-Only Protection:

Scenario 1: Password Breach
 → Unauthorized access
 → Message contents viewed by strangers
 → Bank account information exploited

Scenario 2: Phishing Attack
 → Password entered on fake site
 → Account takeover
 → Message contents altered

With 2FA Enabled:

Password + Smartphone Authentication Code
 ↓
Even if password is compromised,
login impossible without smartphone
 ↓
Dramatically improved security

What is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?

Basic Mechanism

Two-Factor Authentication verifies identity using two different factors.

The Three Authentication Factors:

1. Knowledge Factor: Something you know

   • Password
   • PIN code
   • Secret question answers

2. Possession Factor: Something you have

   • Smartphone
   • Security key
   • Authentication app

3. Inherence Factor: Something you are

   • Fingerprint
   • Face recognition
   • Iris scan

2FA Combination:

Password (knowledge factor)
    +
Smartphone authentication code (possession factor)
    =
Two-Factor Authentication

Dead Man's Switch 2FA Methods

Dead Man's Switch supports the following 2FA methods:

1. Authenticator App Method (Recommended)

Compatible apps:
・Google Authenticator
・Authy
・Microsoft Authenticator
・Other TOTP-compatible apps

Features:
✅ Works offline
✅ Most secure method
✅ Free to use

2. Email Authentication Method

How it works:
Authentication code sent to registered
email address during login

Features:
✅ No special app required
✅ Easy setup
⚠️ Depends on email account security

3. Backup Code Method

How it works:
10 pre-generated codes to save
Use when smartphone is lost

Features:
✅ Emergency recovery option
✅ Single-use only
⚠️ Requires secure storage

Setting Up 2FA: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Install Authentication App

Recommended App: Google Authenticator

For iOS (iPhone):

1. Open App Store
2. Search for "Google Authenticator"
3. Tap "Get"
4. Installation complete

For Android:

1. Open Google Play Store
2. Search for "Google Authenticator"
3. Tap "Install"
4. Installation complete

Other Recommended Apps:

• Authy: Syncs across multiple devices (convenient but slightly less secure)
• Microsoft Authenticator: Great integration with Microsoft accounts
• 1Password: Integrated with password management

Step 2: Enable 2FA in Dead Man's Switch

Setup Procedure:

1. Log in to Dead Man's Switch
   ↓
2. Click "Settings" in top right of dashboard
   ↓
3. Select "Security" tab
   ↓
4. Click "Enable Two-Factor Authentication"
   ↓
5. QR code is displayed

Step 3: Scan QR Code

On Your Smartphone:

1. Open Google Authenticator app
   ↓
2. Tap "+" button in bottom right
   ↓
3. Select "Scan QR code"
   ↓
4. Point camera at QR code on computer screen
   ↓
5. "Dead Man's Switch" entry is added
   ↓
6. 6-digit code displays (refreshes every 30 seconds)

If QR Code Won't Scan:

Select "Manual entry"
 ↓
Enter displayed secret key
Example: JBSWY3DPEHPK3PXP

Time-based: ON
Account name: Dead Man's Switch

Step 4: Enter and Verify Authentication Code

On Your Computer:

1. Enter 6-digit code displayed on smartphone
   Example: 123456
   ↓
2. Click "Verify"
   ↓
3. "Two-factor authentication enabled" message appears

Step 5: Save Backup Codes (CRITICAL)

What are Backup Codes:

• Emergency recovery option when smartphone is lost
• 10 single-use codes are generated
• Each code can only be used once

How to Save:

Copy the 10 codes displayed:

1. ABC123DEF456
2. GHI789JKL012
3. MNO345PQR678
...(10 codes total)

[Choose Storage Location]

Method A: Paper Storage (Recommended)
・Write codes on paper or in notebook
・Store in safe or locked drawer
・Tell family where codes are stored

Method B: Password Manager
・1Password "Secure Notes"
・Bitwarden "Notes"
・Stored in encrypted state

Method C: USB Drive
・Save in text file
・Store USB in safe
・Don't create multiple copies

⚠️ Never Do This:
❌ Save in smartphone notes app
❌ Save unencrypted in cloud
❌ Send via email

Login Process After Enabling 2FA

Standard Login

Procedure:

1. Access Dead Man's Switch login page
   ↓
2. Enter email address and password
   ↓
3. Click "Login"
   ↓
4. 2FA code entry screen appears
   ↓
5. Open Google Authenticator on smartphone
   ↓
6. Enter displayed 6-digit code
   ↓
7. Login complete

Time Required: Approximately 30 seconds

Tips:

• Authentication code refreshes every 30 seconds
• If time is running out, wait for next code
• Enter carefully, no need to rush

If Smartphone is Lost

Use Backup Code:

1. Enter email and password as normal
   ↓
2. On 2FA code entry screen,
   click "Use backup code"
   ↓
3. Enter one of your saved backup codes
   ↓
4. Login complete
   ↓
5. Immediately reconfigure 2FA in "Settings"

Important: Used backup codes become invalid. Check remaining codes and regenerate when running low.

What is Secure Login?

Basic Mechanism

Secure login is a special login method using a long random URL.

Standard Login URL:

https://entrust-this.com/login

Secure Login URL:

https://entrust-this.com/secure-login?token=
f90fd0a855e219afec441b7f4d890809989dfa1510575ccd01018f224624e20c

Features:

• Only accessible to those who know the URL
• No password entry required (2FA still required)
• Token is 256-bit random string
• Impossible to guess (resistant to brute force attacks)

Benefits of Secure Login

1. Reduced Password Exposure Risk

Standard login:
Enter password every time
 ↓
Risk of keylogger (malware that records keystrokes)
 ↓
Password could be stolen

Secure login:
Just click URL
 ↓
No password entry
 ↓
Avoids keylogger threats

2. Safe Login When Traveling

Scenario: Internet cafe or shared computer
・Can't use password manager
・Keyboard input might be observed
・Browser history concerns

Secure login:
・Scan QR code on smartphone
・Or enter shortened URL
・Safe without password entry

3. Quick Emergency Login

Scenario: Reminder email received
"Messages will send in 24 hours"

Secure login:
Tap bookmark on smartphone
 ↓
Enter authentication code (2FA)
 ↓
Login complete immediately (5 seconds)

Setting Up Secure Login

Step 1: Generate Secure Token

Procedure:

1. Log in to dashboard
   ↓
2. Click "Secure Token" in left menu
   ↓
3. Click "Generate New Token" button
   ↓
4. Secure login URL is displayed

Display Example:

Secure Login URL:
https://entrust-this.com/secure-login?token=
f90fd0a855e219afec441b7f4d890809989dfa1510575ccd01018f224624e20c

QR Code:
[QR code image]

Short URL (Optional):
https://ent-this.com/s/abc123

Step 2: Save the URL

Method 1: Smartphone Bookmark (Recommended)

For iPhone:

1. Open secure login page in Safari
2. Tap "Share" button at bottom
3. Select "Add to Home Screen"
4. Rename to "DMS Emergency Login" or similar
5. Tap "Add"
 ↓
Icon added to home screen

For Android:

1. Open secure login page in Chrome
2. Tap menu (⋮) in top right
3. Select "Add to Home screen"
4. Set name
5. Tap "Add"

Method 2: QR Code Storage

1. Save QR code as image
2. Print on paper
3. Store in safe
4. Scan with smartphone in emergency

Method 3: Password Manager

Save in 1Password, Bitwarden, etc.:
・Title: Dead Man's Switch Secure Login
・URL: [Secure Login URL]
・Tags: Emergency, Important

Step 3: Regenerate Periodically (Recommended)

Security Best Practice:

Recommended Frequency: Every 6 months to 1 year

Procedure:
1. Click "Generate new token"
2. New URL is issued
3. Old token becomes invalid
4. Update stored locations

When to Regenerate:

• Regular security maintenance
• Smartphone lost or replaced
• Possibility URL was seen by others

Security Best Practices

What You Should Do (Recommended)

✅ 1. Always Enable 2FA

Reason: Password alone is insufficient
Effect: Reduces unauthorized access risk by 99%+

✅ 2. Use Strong Passwords

Good Password Requirements:
・12+ characters
・Mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, symbols
・Not dictionary words
・Not reused from other services

Examples:
Bad: password123
Good: Kf8$mP2@nQ9#vL3!

✅ 3. Use Password Manager

Recommended Tools:
・1Password (paid, feature-rich)
・Bitwarden (free plan available)
・LastPass (limited free plan)

Benefits:
・Auto-generate strong passwords
・Securely manage all passwords
・Control everything with one master password

✅ 4. Check Login History Regularly

How to Check:
Dashboard > Security > Login History

Check For:
・Unfamiliar IP addresses
・Login at unusual times
・Access from foreign countries

✅ 5. Store Backup Codes Securely

Storage Options:
・Safe
・Locked drawer
・Password manager

Tell Family:
"If I can't log in,
 backup codes are in the safe"

What You Must Never Do (Prohibited)

❌ 1. Reuse Passwords

Risk:
One service compromised
 ↓
All accounts at risk

❌ 2. Save Passwords in Notes App

Risk:
Smartphone stolen
 ↓
All passwords compromised

❌ 3. Share Secure Login URL

Risk:
URL discovered
 ↓
Account access granted to others

❌ 4. Important Operations on Public Wi-Fi

Risk:
Communications could be intercepted
 ↓
Passwords and authentication stolen

Solution:
・Use VPN
・Or use mobile data

❌ 5. Disable 2FA

Risk:
Password-only protection
 ↓
Unauthorized access risk dramatically increases

Troubleshooting

Q1. Authentication Code Doesn't Work

Causes and Solutions:

Cause 1: Smartphone clock is wrong
Solution:
・Settings > Date & Time
・Turn "Automatic" ON

Cause 2: Code expired
Solution:
・Wait for new code to appear
・Enter with time to spare

Cause 3: Multiple accounts exist
Solution:
・Verify correct account in Google Authenticator
・Select "Dead Man's Switch" entry

Q2. Lost Smartphone or Changed Devices

Solutions:

Method 1: Use backup code
1. Log in with saved backup code
2. Disable 2FA temporarily
3. Reconfigure on new smartphone

Method 2: Contact support
1. Contact via support form
2. Identity verification (email from registered address)
3. Support team resets 2FA

Q3. Lost Backup Codes Too

Solution:

Contact Support Team:
support@entrust-this.com

Required Information:
・Registered email address
・Account creation date
・Last login date/time
・Recipient email addresses for messages

Account will be reset after identity verification

Conclusion: Start Securing Today

You can start protecting your important messages today.

Three Actions You Can Take Now:

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (15 minutes)

   • Install Google Authenticator
   • Scan QR code
   • Save backup codes

2. Set Up Secure Login (5 minutes)

   • Generate secure token
   • Add to smartphone home screen

3. Strengthen Your Password (10 minutes)

   • Install password manager
   • Change to strong password

Security Impact:

Before:
Unauthorized access possible with password breach

After:
Password + Smartphone + 2FA
 ↓
Unauthorized access risk reduced by 99%+

Start securing your messages to loved ones today.

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Related Articles:

• How Dead Man's Switch Works
• FAQ: What If I Can't Log In? How to Prevent Accidental Sending
• Password Management and Safe Emergency Sharing