Getting Started with Vertueal Password Manager

This guide walks you through setting up your zero-knowledge vault, configuring your master password, verifying your hardware device, and backing up your emergency recovery key.

---

Prerequisites

Before beginning, ensure you have:

1. An active Authentic Profile account (profile.vertueal.com). If you do not have one, you will be prompted to register during sign-in.
2. A modern web browser supporting the W3C Web Crypto API (Chrome 80+, Firefox 75+, Safari 13.1+, Edge 80+).
3. A secure, private location to write down or download your Emergency Recovery Key.

---

Onboarding Walkthrough

---

Step 1: Sign In with Authentic Profile

1. Navigate to passwordmanager.vertueal.com.
2. Click Sign in with Authentic Profile.
3. Authenticate with your email and password or federated social login.
4. Authorize Vertueal Password Manager to read your profile information and email address.

---

Step 2: Establish Your Master Password

When launching the vault for the first time, you will be prompted to set up your Master Password.

1. Choose a strong, memorable passphrase. We recommend a combination of at least 4 random words (e.g. correct-horse-battery-staple).
2. Type your Master Password in the Master Password input field.
3. Confirm the password in the Confirm Master Password field.
4. Click Create Vault.

---

Step 3: Secure Your Emergency Recovery Key

Immediately after creating your master password, the system generates a 32-byte cryptographic Emergency Recovery Key:

1. Read the displayed hexadecimal recovery key carefully.
2. Click Download Recovery Kit to save an encrypted PDF / text backup to your local machine, or click Copy to Clipboard and store it in a physical safe or secure external password manager.
3. Check the confirmation box: "I have safely stored my recovery key".
4. Click Continue to Vault.

---

Step 4: Verify Your Device

To prevent unauthorized access from unrecognized computers, Vertueal applies a Zero-Trust Quarantine to all new devices.

1. If logging in from a new computer or browser, the vault prompts: "Device Verification Required".
2. Check your email inbox for an email from security@vertueal.com with the subject "Your Device Verification Code".
3. Retrieve the 6-digit verification code (valid for 5 minutes).
4. Enter the code in the verification modal and click Verify Device.
5. Once verified, your device is marked as trusted, and your vault is immediately decrypted into local memory.

---

Setting Up Inactivity Auto-Lock

To ensure that unattended laptops or shared office workstations do not leave your credentials exposed:

1. Click Settings in the bottom sidebar.
2. Under Security Preferences, locate Auto-Lock Timeout.
3. Choose your preferred inactivity threshold:
   • 5 Minutes (Default & Recommended)
   • 15 Minutes
   • 1 Hour
   • On Window Close / Tab Switch
4. Click Save Preferences.

---

Next Steps

Now that your vault is active:

• Add your first login credentials
• Use the built-in password generator
• Store payment cards and secure notes