Inactivity Protection Mechanism
With the recent updated inactive account policy implemented (https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts), I'd like to suggest the idea for Proton accounts to have an inactivity protection mechanism.
What is an Inactivity Protection Mechanism?
An inactivity protection mechanism is a system that automatically triggers a predetermined action when a user fails to engage with their email account within a specified timeframe. This feature would ensure that if a user becomes unavailable or incapacitated, their email account can be secured and protected from unauthorized access.
How it could work
- Users opt-in to enable the inactivity protection mechanism for their email account.
- The user sets a specific timeframe (e.g., 30 days) during which they must periodically "check in" by performing a simple action, such as logging into their account or clicking a confirmation link sent via email or SMS.
- If the user fails to check in within the specified timeframe, the inactivity protection mechanism is triggered, initiating a predefined sequence of events.
Possible Actions
Some examples of actions that could be triggered when the inactivity protection mechanism is activated:
- Automatically forwarding incoming emails to a trusted contact or emergency address.
- Sending a notification to a designated emergency contact with instructions on how to access the account.
- Temporarily locking or restricting access to the email account to prevent unauthorized use.
- Initiating a secure password reset process, ensuring that only authorized individuals can regain access.
Importance of Prevention
It's crucial for security software and email providers like yours to implement measures that prevent exploitation. With the increasing number of cyber threats and social engineering attacks, it's essential to have safeguards in place to protect users' sensitive information. An inactivity protection mechanism would help prevent unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
Benefits
Implementing an inactivity protection mechanism would provide an additional layer of security and peace of mind for your users. It would help protect their sensitive information and ensure that their email accounts are not exploited in the event they become incapacitated or unavailable. I believe this feature would be a valuable addition to your platform, setting you apart from other email providers and demonstrating your commitment to user security and well-being.
