Introduction
In our increasingly digital world, it becomes important to have your loved ones digital life accessible to you. It was the backdrop of hearing the problems people have when a loved one passes away and the difficulties removing their information from social media. Especially so if it’s a suicide or unexpected death situation.
What is a Digital Will?
It’s a list of all your login details for social media and important bank details and financial information. So that appropriate action can be taken by a partner or loved one or if you have Power of Attorney in the event of you not being able to access these accounts. Everyone should consider this and also to consider updating every year as passwords and logins change rapidly. Spend some time thinking about what should be included as you are the only one who knows what this is! Password protect your file and only let your partner or loved ones know the password. Calling the file “Digital Will “ is not a good idea if someone outside of the family gets hold of it.
What should be included and how should it be stored?
Essentially what is included is up to you but consider the following:-
- Online banking
- Financial investments
- Social Media eg Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube, TikTok
- Email accounts
Keep these details either in a book or ideally in an electronic file kept in a secure place – locked cabinet or box . Cloud based solutions are better than hard drives as they can constantly being backed up for failures but if you are unsure about cloud then please use an encryptions software such as Steganos or Bitlocker to keep this information in.
Of course, inform your partner or loved one(s) of the details.
When adding login details use a format like this
| Account: Faceboook Username: name@gmail.com Password: 1xTnv678! Date: 15.8.23 Review on: 15.8.24 |
If using a book make sure each entry for an account is on a separate page. Any updates cross-out the previous information so it’s clear what is current.
How often should I review this?
Yearly would be good. But note any changes made during that time somewhere you can access for that review or change it at the time.
Any login changes should be added as this is key for anyone trying to access your details when you are not there to verify. With that is mind please add any security questions –( important for any Apple accounts ). Most of us forget them when we’ve done them so it’s important to note them.
What about facial recognition and two-step verification?
There is a growth in the use of this means of identifying and protection of your identity. There are always alternative ways to access theses accounts. Recovery emails, text messages, emails. Always ensure when setting up these methods, especially for banks, that you have another means of access a loved one or partner can access. If you have any suggestions to make or add to this live document let me know at myles@aas123.com
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