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In the unlikely event that Aeon becomes unreachable, you can recover your private key material using the configured backup system. This guide explains the complete disaster recovery process.
This is an emergency procedure. Only use these steps if Aeon’s infrastructure is completely unavailable and you cannot access your funds through normal means.

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When to Use Disaster Recovery

Use this process only when:
  • Aeon’s web application is completely inaccessible
  • Aeon’s infrastructure has been down for an extended period
  • You need immediate access to funds and cannot wait for service restoration
  • Normal support channels are unresponsive
Before starting disaster recovery, try contacting Aeon support at [email protected] to confirm the service status.

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Prerequisites

Before beginning recovery, ensure you have:
  • The latest backup-share.json file from your configured backup email
  • Seed phrases from all designated backup users
  • Access to a computer with internet connection
  • The Aeon recovery tool (downloaded during the process)

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Recovery Process

1

Download Backup File

Download the latest backup-share.json file from your configured backup email. This file contains encrypted backup shares needed for recovery.
2

Download Recovery Tool

Download the recovery tool for your operating system:
Mac Users:Other Operating Systems:
Contact the Aeon team if you need the tool for Windows or Linux.
3

Prepare Recovery Environment

  1. Extract the recovery tool to a secure directory 2. Open terminal/command prompt 3. Navigate to the recovery tool directory 4. Ensure you have the backup file and seed phrases ready
4

Run Recovery Tool

Execute the recovery command: bash ./aeon-recovery recover
5

Provide Required Information

The tool will prompt you for: - Backup File: Enter the path to backup-share.json or paste its content directly - Seed Phrases: Enter seed phrases of all backup users (order doesn’t matter)
Seed phrases will be visible in the console during this process. Ensure you’re in a secure environment.
6

Verify Recovery

The tool will: 1. Process the backup shares and seed phrases 2. Reconstruct the private key material 3. Sign a dummy message to verify the recovered keys match your public keys 4. Save the recovered key material to output.json

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Using Recovered Keys

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Important Limitations

Aeon uses a non-standard derivation path [44, 2366, 0, 0, 0]. Recovered private keys may not work with standard wallets like MetaMask or hardware wallets.

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Transfer Options

Aeon provides custom tools for using recovered keys:
  1. Custom Transfer Tool: Use Aeon’s transfer utility to move funds to standard wallets
  2. Recovery Wallet: Import keys into Aeon’s recovery wallet interface
  3. Manual Integration: Work with Aeon support to integrate with your preferred wallet

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Security Considerations

  • Immediate Transfer: Move funds to a new, secure wallet as soon as possible
  • Key Rotation: Generate new keys for future use
  • Secure Cleanup: Securely delete recovery files after successful transfer

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Recovery Verification

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Verification Steps

1

Check Key Material

Verify that the output.json file contains valid private key data
2

Test Signing

The recovery tool automatically tests signing capability during recovery
3

Verify Addresses

Confirm that derived addresses match your known wallet addresses
4

Small Test Transfer

If possible, test with a small amount before transferring large sums

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Post-Recovery Actions

After successful recovery:

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Immediate Actions

  1. Secure Transfer: Move funds to a new, secure wallet
  2. Document Process: Record what worked and any issues encountered
  3. Contact Aeon: Inform Aeon support about the recovery for future improvements

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Long-term Actions

  1. Review Security: Assess what led to the need for disaster recovery
  2. Update Procedures: Improve backup and recovery documentation
  3. Test Regularly: Periodically verify backup materials are accessible

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Troubleshooting

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Common Issues

Missing Backup File

Solution: Check all backup user emails for the latest backup file. Contact backup users if needed.

Incorrect Seed Phrase

Solution: Verify seed phrases with backup users. Ensure correct word order and spelling.

Tool Won't Run

Solution: Check file permissions. On Mac/Linux, run chmod +x aeon-recovery first.

Invalid Output

Solution: Verify all inputs are correct. Contact Aeon support if the issue persists.

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Getting Help

If you encounter issues during recovery:
  1. Document the Error: Save any error messages or logs
  2. Contact Support: Email [email protected] with detailed information
  3. Provide Context: Include your workspace ID and recovery attempt details
  4. Be Patient: Emergency recovery may take time to resolve

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Prevention

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Avoiding Disaster Recovery

  • Regular Backups: Ensure backup emails are current and accessible
  • Test Procedures: Periodically verify you can access backup materials
  • Multiple Contacts: Have backup users in different locations/organizations
  • Documentation: Keep recovery procedures documented and updated
The best disaster recovery is prevention. Regularly verify your backup system and keep emergency procedures documented and tested.

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Support

For assistance with disaster recovery:
  • Emergency Email: [email protected]
  • Include Information: Workspace ID, error messages, recovery attempt details
  • Be Specific: Describe exactly what step failed and any error messages received