TimeLock
Overview
TimeLock is a simple time-based lock for an individual access key. A user sets it when closing their Safe, usually for a selected number of hours, so that specific key cannot be used to open the same Safe until the time expires. It is intended for short, uncomfortable situations, such as going through security checkpoints or other moments when a device might be temporarily at risk. TimeLock is available in all tiers.
How It Works
- Per-Key Only: TimeLock applies to a single access key. It does not lock the entire Safe.
- Set When Closing the Safe: A user enables TimeLock as they close the Safe if they expect to be in a vulnerable situation for a while.
- Fixed Short Duration: The lock is set for some number of hours, during which that key cannot reopen the Safe.
- Automatic Expiry: Once the selected time has passed, the key becomes usable again.
- Separate from Key Management: TimeLock does not disable or revoke a key. If a user wants to disable an access key, they should use UnoLock's key management features instead.
Security Implications
- Short-Term Protection: TimeLock helps reduce the risk of someone using a key during a brief period when the user's device may be exposed or under pressure.
- Useful Under Coercion or Inspection: A time-locked key cannot immediately reopen the Safe, which can help in situations like checkpoints or other uncomfortable encounters.
- Narrow Scope by Design: Because TimeLock affects only one key, it provides a focused delay mechanism without changing the Safe's broader key-management setup.
Use Cases
- Security Checkpoints: Lock the access key for a few hours before going through airport security, border control, or similar inspections.
- Temporary Device Exposure: Add a delay when carrying a device through an environment where access pressure or opportunistic compromise is a concern.
- Short-Term Personal Safety: Close the Safe with a time lock before entering a situation where immediate access to the Safe should not be possible from that device.
Why It Matters
TimeLock is intentionally simple. It gives users a way to make one access key temporarily unusable for a short period, much like the time lock on a physical safe. That can be enough to get through a risky window without changing the rest of the Safe's configuration.
FAQs
Can I access my Safe while TimeLock is active?
TimeLock only affects the specific key that was time-locked. It does not lock the entire Safe.
What happens if I lose a device with a TimeLocked key?
TimeLock does not disable the key. If you need to disable or revoke an access key, use UnoLock's key management features.
Can I change the TimeLock period after activation?
TimeLock is meant to cover a selected number of hours after the Safe is closed. During that time, the affected key remains unusable until the time expires.
Does TimeLock work on all tiers?
Yes. TimeLock is available in all tiers.
Compliance & Privacy Regulations
- Privacy-Preserving Operation: TimeLock adds a temporary access delay to a key without changing UnoLock's underlying privacy and encryption model.
Integration with Other Features
- Access Keys & Safe Access: TimeLock applies at the access-key level, so it works naturally alongside UnoLock's multi-key access model.
- Key Management: If a key needs to be disabled or revoked, that should be handled through key management rather than TimeLock.
