Vaulternal is a zero-knowledge encrypted vault that stores important files and messages and delivers them to recipients based on conditions you set—date, inactivity, manual trigger, or trusted contacts.
What is Vaulternal?
Vaulternal is a web-based platform that lets you upload files (documents, password lists, letters, etc.) and specify delivery rules for each file. Files are encrypted on your device before upload, so only you (and your designated recipients) can decrypt them. The service is built by the team at vaulternal.com and uses distributed storage across multiple independent networks to ensure data persistence.
Key Features
- Zero-knowledge encryption — Files are encrypted client-side before leaving your browser; encryption keys never leave your device.
- Conditional delivery — Set up to 5 delivery rules (Starter) or unlimited (Pro) based on a future date, a period of inactivity (e.g., if you stop checking in), a manual release with cancel window, or confirmation from trusted contacts.
- Distributed storage — Encrypted data is stored across multiple independent networks (not a single cloud provider), designed to outlast any one point of failure.
- Recipient access without account — Recipients can access delivered files without needing a Vaulternal account.
- Update ritual — You can add, refresh, or remove files at any time; the service prompts you to check in periodically to keep your vault current.
- Real-time vault sharing — Upcoming feature to share vault access with family members in real time.
- Permanent on-chain storage — Optional "Vault Permanent" for blockchain-anchored storage.
Who is it for?
- Individuals planning estate handoffs — Store wills, deeds, insurance policies, and account logins, and set them to deliver automatically after a period of inactivity or on a specific date.
- Parents writing future messages — Compose letters or videos for children’s milestones (e.g., 18th birthday, graduation) and schedule delivery years in advance.
- Anyone needing secure password sharing — Store sensitive passwords or account credentials that should only be revealed after your death or upon a trusted contact’s confirmation.
What can you do with Vaulternal?
- Schedule birthday letters — Upload a PDF letter to your daughter and set delivery for her 21st birthday in 2033.
- Distribute emergency documents — Store insurance policies, house deed, and account logins, and deliver them to your spouse automatically if you stop checking in for a set period.
- Release a final message — Write a message to a loved one and trigger delivery manually when you decide, with a cancel window in case you change your mind.
Pricing
Vaulternal operates on a freemium model with three tiers:
- Free ($0) — 2 GB encrypted storage, 1 delivery rule, 1 recipient per rule, time-based delivery only, email support.
- Starter ($7/month billed yearly) — 100 GB storage, 5 delivery rules, 5 recipients per rule, includes time, manual, and trusted-contact delivery.
- Pro ($15/month billed yearly) — 1 TB storage, unlimited delivery rules and recipients, all delivery types (time, manual, inactivity, trusted contacts), priority email support.
All plans include zero-knowledge encryption and the ability to cancel anytime.
How does Vaulternal work?
- Upload a file — it is encrypted on your device before transmission.
- Set delivery conditions — choose a date, inactivity timeout, manual trigger, or trusted contact confirmation.
- Store — encrypted fragments are distributed across independent networks.
- Recipients receive access when conditions are met, without needing an account.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- True zero-knowledge encryption — even Vaulternal cannot read your files.
- Flexible delivery triggers covering common estate planning needs.
- No single point of failure due to distributed storage.
Cons:
- Free tier is limited to 2 GB and only one delivery rule.
- Recipients must use the web platform to access files (no desktop app mentioned).
- Vault sharing is not yet available (coming soon).
