When someone passes on, we are often caught up in funeral arrangements, writing a eulogy, and contacting loved ones, among many other things. Something that is often overlooked is what happens to all of your digital stuff?
For example, your cell phone or iPad/tablet with pictures and apps, home computer, or even items stored in the cloud such as photos, backups, or even social media accounts like Facebook or Instagram. Some of these items may not be important, but others like passwords to your email, bank, and credit card accounts are critical.
I’ve listed four steps that should be reviewed regardless of your age to ensure that your relatives or friends have the ability to access your information once you pass on and to close out your digital accounts. Closing out any accounts prevents fraud and private information from being stolen.
1 – Passwords: For friends or family to take care of your data, they will need your passwords. This can be done by giving access to your password manager or having an up-to-date copy placed somewhere securely and entrusting at least one person to know about it.
2 – Apple Devices: With the latest software version, iOS 15.2, Apple introduced Digital Legacy. This allows you to name up to 5 contacts who will have access to your account information. You can set this feature up by going to Settings > Password & Security > Legacy Contact.
You can choose what information they will have access to after you pass away during the setup.
3 – Google/Gmail: Google uses what is called the Inactive Account Manager. You first determine a set time to wait for inactivity on your account, then choose who is notified of the account and the inactivity, then what they will have access to before the account is deleted entirely.
4 – Facebook/Instagram/Twitter: Each of these is a little bit different. Facebook is similar to Apple and Google in that you can choose a legacy contact. Twitter and Instagram require additional steps with paperwork and a death certificate. As with any social account, it is good to close them to prevent unauthorized use in the future.
Listen to a deep dive about digital legacy and being cyber aware on the Power Up Wealth podcast.
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