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Emergency Access

Emergency access allows users to request access to password-protected fields when they don't know the password. This provides a secure way to access critical information in emergencies while maintaining an audit trail.

How Emergency Access Works​

When someone encounters a protected field and doesn't have the password:

  1. They click Request Emergency Access
  2. The field owner receives a notification
  3. The owner has a set time to approve or deny the request
  4. If no response, access is auto-granted after the timeout
  5. Access is temporary and logged

Requesting Emergency Access​

For Field Viewers​

When you need access to a protected field:

  1. View the tag containing the protected field
  2. Click the Request Emergency Access button on the locked field
  3. Optionally provide a reason for the request
  4. Wait for owner approval or timeout

What Happens Next​

  • You receive a notification when your request is processed
  • If approved: Field unlocks for 2 hours
  • If denied: You're notified of the denial
  • If no response: Access auto-grants after the timeout period

Managing Requests (For Owners)​

Receiving Requests​

When someone requests emergency access to your protected field:

  1. You receive an email and/or push notification
  2. The notification includes:
    • Who is requesting access
    • Which field they're requesting
    • The timeout period before auto-grant
  3. Click the links to approve or deny

Approving a Request​

  1. Click Approve in the notification
  2. The requester gains access for 2 hours
  3. They receive a notification of approval
  4. Access is logged for your records

Denying a Request​

  1. Click Deny in the notification
  2. The requester is notified of the denial
  3. The protected field remains locked
  4. Denial is logged

Auto-Grant Timeout​

If you don't respond within the timeout period:

  • Access is automatically granted
  • Both you and the requester are notified
  • Access expires after 2 hours
  • The auto-grant is logged

Configuring Emergency Access​

Set Timeout Period​

When creating protected fields, you can set the auto-grant timeout:

  • 15 minutes - Quick access for critical information
  • 30 minutes - Balanced (default)
  • 1 hour - More time to review
  • 2 hours - Extended review period
  • No auto-grant - Always require explicit approval

Disable Emergency Access​

If you don't want to allow emergency access:

  1. Edit the protected field settings
  2. Disable Allow Emergency Access
  3. Viewers will only see the password prompt

Use Cases​

Critical Equipment Information​

A technician on-site needs server credentials from a protected field but can't reach IT:

  1. Requests emergency access
  2. IT gets notified but is unavailable
  3. Access auto-grants after 30 minutes
  4. Technician can complete repairs
  5. IT sees the access log and can rotate credentials

Emergency Contact Information​

Someone needs after-hours emergency contact details:

  1. Public tag shows regular business hours
  2. Protected field has emergency contacts
  3. Request submitted, auto-grants if no response
  4. Caller reaches the right person

Documentation Access​

A contractor needs access to internal procedures:

  1. Owner is on vacation
  2. Emergency request sent
  3. Auto-grants after timeout
  4. Contractor completes work
  5. Owner reviews access log upon return

Security Considerations​

Access Logging​

All emergency access is logged:

  • Who requested access
  • When the request was made
  • Whether it was approved, denied, or auto-granted
  • When the protected content was accessed
  • IP address and device information

Time-Limited Access​

Emergency access is temporary:

  • 2-hour access window
  • Must re-request if more time needed
  • Each request is separately logged

Notification Assurance​

Multiple notification methods ensure you know about requests:

  • Email notifications
  • Push notifications (if enabled)
  • In-app notifications
  • All configurable in notification preferences

Best Practices​

  1. Keep notifications enabled - Don't miss emergency requests
  2. Set appropriate timeouts - Balance security and accessibility
  3. Review access logs regularly - Monitor who's using emergency access
  4. Rotate credentials after use - Update passwords after emergency access

Troubleshooting​

Not Receiving Notifications​

  1. Check email spam folder
  2. Verify notification preferences are enabled
  3. Ensure push notifications are allowed
  4. Check that email address is verified

Request Not Going Through​

  1. Verify you're signed in
  2. Check internet connection
  3. Try refreshing the page
  4. Ensure the field allows emergency access

Access Expired Before Completion​

  1. Request access again
  2. Owner is notified of repeat request
  3. Consider asking owner to extend timeout

Next Steps​