Safely creating a complete digital copy of ones Emergency Kit?
The EK is a PDF file which isn't editable "out of the box" as I see the pen/pencil icon, I guess implying that one manually write out one's account password using pen or pencil only on the printed copy. And I do have printed out a hardcopy of my EK which is in my home but I do not feel comfortable leaving a 'complete' hardcopy copy in my safety deposit box (or elsewhere). And so it would seem like good practice to also have a digital copy also which would be saved to a couple of encrypted USB drives. I would have no issue leaving this encrypted drive off site say in a safety deposit box with only the password to this encrypted key given to a relative. So for others that do create a digital copy of your EK what reputable "local application" allows one to edit this pdf EK i.e. to simply type in ones MP? (There are several PDF edit services which have you uploading the file to work with it...clearly that wouldn't be the way to go wrt ones EK!)
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Correct, we suggest writing in the password.
I've personally used the Preview app on my Mac to type in the password just to ensure it was 100% readable for my heirs. Then, I saved the new PDF and securely removed it from my device once I printed it out.
I recommend being careful with encrypted drives. I've had a few failures, and they were useless after a few years. That said, it was many years back. I err on the side of safety and go with a printed copy. I have multiple owners on my account for assisted recovery and a recovery code for self-recovery. I have my own wish to see us develop a Legacy Access System. Hopefully, we can make that LAS a reality someday.
Beyond that, I have my Emergency Kit saved locally in a safe, at a relative's home, and in a safety deposit box.
I would never recommend uploading your Emergency Kit for the reason you mentioned. That's why I went with the Preview app.
My security determination may not be yours. Everyone must evaluate their own needs. For me, living entirely in the Apple ecosystem, the Preview app was the best option and one that I felt comfortable with.
For maximum protection, you would go with a handwritten password. I just didn't trust my kids to read my handwriting. I even wrote in block letters, but I wanted to leave nothing to chance when my number is up.
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I know @ag_tommy this topic of EK storage is discussed ad infinitum but as I get older I think about it more often.
I have my Emergency Kit saved locally in a safe, at a relative's home, and in a safety deposit box.
And I assume @ag_tommy that your EK includes all that is needed to recover your account by the person holding the EK paper i.e. MP etc.? Well as I mentioned in my OP I feel uneasy having a 'complete' EK hard copy being stored anywhere off site i.e. at a bank or even at a relative's home. (And so correspondingly I have the complete EK print out i.e. including MP, squirreled away in our home and one of our kid's knows the location).
But as an extra fallback I want to have my complete EK stored on two identical encrypted drives. And I would feel confident leaving one of these USBs in our safety deposit box, as on its own it of no use to anyone (who does not have the pw to the drive). (And of course I would provide our out of town son with this password).
And so, as windows user was looking for a safe option to edit the PDF EK that 1P provides i.e. to add electronically my MP and then resave it as a PDF to these encrypted drives. I don't think, given what I have described above, is 'reckless' behaviour (digitally speaking).
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I feel you, my friend. I, too, think about it more and more as I get older. When I lost my Mrs. about five years ago, it sent my quest for the preservation of our digital estate into overdrive. Yes, correct, they could fully recover my account if needed.
I felt the benefits of my actions outweighed the situation's possible negatives. Each of us needs to make our own choices. Some users in the community have opted to give half the Secret Key to one relative and then the other half to another for safekeeping. Or half of the password to one and half to another.
Sounds like you've given it some great thought and have a plan you're comfortable with. I applaud you for that. I talk with folks each day who are in unfortunate situations where no estate planning needs were ever considered. You're taking great steps. I encourage everyone to think about it no matter their age. For any young folks out there this includes you too. Age is not a factor when the time comes.
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A couple of Qs if I can be so bold:
- technically the EK (with MP) isn't enough to get the person into the account if the account from a new machine if the account also has 2FA on it...correct?
- when you print out your EK do you do it via a cable connection (rather than wirelessly)?
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You all are my family, too, and I do not mind sharing my life's experiences if they can help another person. It's been long enough for me to make it through all of the stages of grief, and I'm working my way out the other side now. Thank you for your thoughts. It's been a long road.
You've been a bright spot in the community since you joined. I still remember that. We're extremely glad to have you with us.
Correct, with 2FA turned on, you would also need that in order to access your account. I've added notes on how to find that on the back of my Emergency Kit.
My network is all ethernet. Once upon a time, back in my 20s, (that has been a long time. Whew!) I was a network installation tech. I ran wires for everything when I moved into my home. Most printers nowadays have USB ports where you can plug in a USB and print from it. I typically use either of those methods for sensitive documents if the need arises. I never print anything on a wireless network I do not control. I don't print from my phone and if needed use my Mac. I'm much more comfortable on the Mac and can finish the task in a few seconds. Because of my setup, I typically never have to consider a wireless option. Though wireless is available if needed.
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Most printers nowadays have USB ports where you can plug in a USB and print from it.
Yes. I do print wired when dealing with sensitive documents. I was just wondering if everyone else does as well in the same situation :).
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Yup. :)
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This thread and your replies did cause me to think long and hard about this "conundrum".
So I did take you advice @ag_tommy ie no digital save of the 1P PDF EKit which was to include the MP. But I did save the 'basic' PDF EK to two identical encrypted USB keys; one stored in our Safety Deposit Box and one at home. One of our kids (the responsible one ;)), who lives out of town will be given a hardcopy showing the password to these USBs as well as the MP (and details re 2FA). The only print out of the EK (which includes the MP) remains in our home and again the kid knows where.
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Sounds like a solid and well-thought-out plan.
I don't know all that many people who chose words like conundrum. Though, I do. My kids look at me like what did you say? What does that mean? Dare I pull out words like propaganda, cornucopia, and curmudgeonly? It's like I'm talking in some foreign language. 😂
Come back and chat anytime, @jmjm . It's been my pleasure to talk with you.
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