# aeterna

> Aeterna is a self-hosted, open-source dead man's switch that delivers messages and files if you stop checking in. Encrypts data at rest with AES-256-GCM.

- **Category:** Personal Productivity
- **Licence:** GPL-3.0
- **Latest version:** v1.5.5
- **Open source:** oss
- **Languages:** Go, JavaScript
- **Platforms:** Docker Compose, Linux
- **Tags:** SQLite, Webhooks, Automation, Encryption, Privacy Focused, Docker, Go, React, Self Hosted, Aes 256 gcm, Dead man's switch, Email Automation, Digital Legacy, End Of Life Planning

## Description

Aeterna is a self-hosted dead man's switch designed for end-of-life planning and digital legacy. Users write messages and attach files, then check in periodically via a web UI or email link. If check-ins stop, Aeterna automatically delivers the messages and attachments to designated recipients via email and can trigger webhooks for home automation or custom scripts. All data is encrypted at rest using AES-256-GCM, with the encryption key stored securely on the server and never exposed in environment variables. Attachments are automatically deleted after delivery for privacy. The software runs as a Go backend API and React frontend, using SQLite for storage. It can be deployed via an interactive install.sh script (which handles Nginx, Let's Encrypt SSL, and key generation), Docker Compose with published images from GHCR or Docker Hub, or compiled natively from source (Go 1.21+ and Node.js). SMTP settings are configured post-installation through the web UI. The project is licensed under GPL-3.0.

## Links

- [Homepage](https://github.com/alpyxn/aeterna)
- [Website](https://alpyxn.github.io/aeterna/)
- [Docker](ghcr.io/alpyxn/aeterna-backend)
- [GitHub Repository](https://github.com/alpyxn/aeterna)
- [Reverse Proxy Templates](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/alpyxn/aeterna/main/docs/proxy-templates.md)

---
Source: https://selfhost.directory/project/aeterna