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    • First Steps
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UnexpectedPassing.com

Beyond Wills & Estate Planning
  • Home
  • First Steps
  • Death Planning
  • Funerals, Etc.
  • Financial Details
  • Real Estate
  • Digital Footprint
  • Subscriptions
  • Shared Stories
  • Checklists
  • About Us & Site Policies

Digital Footprint

What is a Digital Footprint?

 If you google "Digital Footprint", the definition is "the information about a particular person that exists on the Internet as a result of their online activity."


Think of what you do online - by phone, tablet, and computer. That is your digital footprint.

In  today's increasingly digital society, we are often overwhelmed with our  multifaceted digital footprint and bombarded by the complex issues  surrounding digital security, including personal privacy and personal  data. 

Trying  to keep personal information safe is becoming an ongoing concern.  Between mobile phones, computers, home devices, passwords, security  questions, and two-step verification, we have our hands full! 


If  you are pre-planning for yourself (or involved with the passing of a  loved one), a critical component will be ensuring a designated person  knows the information for digital access - to a mobile phone, to  computers, to home security systems, etc. 

Remember  to arrange access to your digital presence with someone - your  Executor/Executrix, lawyer or an identified person-in-charge (PIC).


This  task is not one to undertake in one sitting. First consider the most  important details - the critical information - that will be essential to  pass along to your designated confidant.

Core Components of Your Digital Footprint

Devices

Devices: from phones to home security systems to smart appliances

  • Smart Phones
  • Computers
  • Tablets
  • Home Security Systems (cameras, security alarms, home AI-systems)

More

Apps & Online Accounts

Apps & Online Activity: from utility accounts to banking & credit cards; from digital news subscriptions to personal medical records

  • Online Wallets
  • Apps
  • Social Media
  • Memberships 
  • Bank Accounts/Brokerage Accounts
  • Credit Cards
  • Magazine & News Subscriptions
  • Social Security, Government Sites, Medical Accounts, Retirement Accounts

More

Social Media, Etc.

 Representative examples, but certainly not all:

  • Email Accounts
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • What's App
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblir
  • Snapchat
  • Online Dating      Sites
  • Gaming Sites
  • Websites
  • Blogs

More

Software Programs, Etc.

Again, some examples but not all:

  • Microsoft Office
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Security Software
  • Digital/Password Vaults
  • Transportation sites - EZ-pass, Transit/Parking sites
  • Online websites - for jobs or job applications, business, music/podcasts, community      notices & groups
  • E-cards, E-invitations, etc.

More

A Final Word on Digital Footprints...

With each of these components, there is likely to be a login code (possibly a nickname or email), a password, security questions /answers, and multi-step verification. Perhaps even a stored credit card number for renewal.


Do you have some form of password software that tracks and updates all of your passwords? 

Do your devices automatically save passwords? 

How often do you change your passwords? 

Are all your devices synced?


These questions begin to tell the story of how difficult it will be for someone besides yourself to manageyour digital security if necessary. Make it easier for those you leave behind and inform them as to how they can access the key passwords they will need.  


The following is a story that is all too familiar...

A Widow's Tale

A common story about digital passwords and security

My friend's husband passed away suddenly. They were in their late sixties and had made some preparations for these eventualities. However, my friend had left most of the associated tasks in her husband's hands. 


They each had their own computers, but he handled most of the financial and joint accounts. She knew that her husband had all of their passwords listed somewhere in his computer - BUT she didn't know his computer password, nor did she have a copy of the file.


Finally, their accountant helped her find a computer consultant who was able to open her husband's computer and find the passwords and digital history that would ease the burden of changing all joint accounts and closing his accounts. 


But it was a substantial cost to have someone do everything - starting with hacking into her husband's computer files.


(Although another friend told me she gained access (as the Executrix) to a friend's computer by contacting Microsoft directly and supplying them with the death certificate. Microsoft provided the old password and allowed her to change the login and password for free.) 


Make sure that you and your loved ones share information on how to access individual digital devices and crucial accounts. Leave the information with a lawyer, in a safe or safe deposit box, with a close relative or a friend, or with prepared documents that are readily accessible.


As cumbersome as it is, put the codes for your digital footprint in one printable file, address book, or journal in a secure location with your other personal papers (Will, Healthcare Proxy, Power of Attorney, etc.). 


Ensure that your digital footprint will be readily accessible for those you leave behind. 

Locked Personal Computer

Devices - Apps - Security

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    For each section, dowload and personalize a pdf checklist

    More

    When I Leave You & Digital Footprint Checklist

    When I Leave You - Our preplan document


    Digital Footprint Checklist 

    When_I_Leave_You (pdf)

    Download

    Digital Footprint Checklist (pdf)

    Download

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