Protecting Your Digital Legacy

We had someone reach out to us recently that illustrated the need for protecting your digital legacy. We want to share with you what a digital legacy is and what it should contain. And while this article is about the technology side of things, it is best to also have an attorney who’s practice areas include wills and estate planning as this will make things go smoothly for your trusted friends and family.

What is a digital legacy

Think of a digital legacy as a business continuity plan, but for you and your family. It’s providing those you trust with access to important devices and accounts should you ever become incapacitated or you pass.

While you’re still on the right side of the Earth, you might find yourself traveling and something happens where you can’t access important online accounts, or you lose your phone, or something to that extent. Those close to you, if they’re part of your digital legacy plan, can help you out of the jam that you’re in.

Digital legacy plan

What should you have in your digital legacy plan?

Along with legal documents, which we aren’t qualified to discuss, you’ll need an inventory of your devices, applications, and online accounts.

You’ll also need:

• Important contact information for digital stuff.
• A list of passwords which you’ll have to frequently update. This list must be securely stored and those you trust must know where and how to access it.
• Access to your email account(s) and your phone is critical for your family. Account recovery relies on email addresses and phone numbers.

The consequences of not protecting your digital legacy

Your family won’t be able to access any important emails. The same goes for needing immediate access to financial information, services you’ve subscribed to, insurance documents, payment information, tax info, and the list goes on. Family won’t have access to One-Time Passwords for 2FA/MFA. It becomes a mess and adds more stress for trusted family/friends to an already awful situation.

Your next steps:

• Fill out the the contact form below to set up time to learn how we can help with your digital legacy plan.
• Sign up for our information security and research newsletter to stay up to date with news, tips, tricks, and tools.