We prepare for so many possibilities, from severe weather to medical emergencies. While we insure ourselves against many potential risks, one piece is often overlooked: protecting our digital presence.
If you or a loved one unexpectedly passes away or is unable to use technology anymore, will your digital legacy be safe? What assets or accounts could be accessed online without your consent? What subscriptions or memberships would continue to be charged?
Thinking through these risks can be overwhelming. From your favorite online shopping sites to your utilities, you probably have accounts and credit card information saved in dozens of places online. We all do. The best way to protect your digital legacy is to be proactive. Taking these steps today will help you and your loved ones have peace of mind looking forward.
Update Your Beneficiary Contacts
Make sure your bank, insurance, and retirement fund holder have your beneficiaries’ current contact information. This should be done after any major life change—marriage, divorce, death, new child, etc.—and after getting a new phone number or moving. Check with your major institutions periodically to stay current.
Designate a Legacy Contact
Many major tech companies, such as Apple, Google, and Meta (Facebook and Instagram), allow you to designate a Legacy Contact. This documents permission for your username and password to be shared with a designee should you pass away or become incapacitated. It gives your loved one easy access to your accounts in an emergency.
Share Login Information with a Trusted Designee
Give your designee all relevant usernames and passwords they may need to take care of your affairs. One of the easiest ways to keep this information accessible for you and your designee is to use a password management system, like LastPass or 1Password.
These systems require you to remember just one master password to open a digital vault that stores the usernames and passwords for all accounts you access on your device. By giving your master username and password to your designee, you give them the keys to all your accounts.
A password manager will automatically ask you to save accounts as you surf the internet, ensuring that you’ve tracked all your online accounts. Alternatively, you can keep a notebook with account information in a secure place at home. No matter how you track it, be sure your designee knows where to find this information.
At DANEnet, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to digital education and support, we know firsthand how overwhelming the process of protecting your digital legacy can be. The list below will guide you through the process.
Digital Checklist–What Accounts Do You Have?
- Digital financial assets (bank and retirement accounts, Venmo, PayPal)
- Email addresses (Gmail, Outlook, Hotmail, AOL)
- Social media accounts (Facebook, X, TikTok, Snapchat, LinkedIn)
- Entertainment services (Netflix, Hulu)
- Personal media (photos, videos)
- Purchased media (movies, TV shows)
- Communication apps (Zoom, Skype)
- Websites and blogs (personal, professional)
- Gaming accounts (Steam, Epic, Twitch)
- Shopping accounts (Amazon, favorite stores)
- Travel accounts and apps (Airbnb, Vrbo, Tripadvisor)
- Online profiles (Listservs, dating apps)
- Health and medical accounts (MyChart, Walgreens)
- Work products (especially if self-employed)
- Hardware and software used to access and store these assets (your laptop, tablet, phone)
Not Sure Where to Start?
DANEnet’s expert digital educator Tracy can help! As a part of our mission, DANEnet offers free one-on-one Computer Help Clinics at Madison Public Library’s Central location every Wednesday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. The Computer Help Clinic hours can be used to discuss setting up a password management system, getting a start on documenting digital accounts, and addressing any other tech questions you have. If you’re interested in reserving a 30-minute session with Tracy, call Central library’s reference desk at (608) 266-6350.
“I’ve helped clients feel comfortable using new devices, move photos from their phone to their computer, access their MyChart accounts, make sure their device will work for telehealth appointments, search for housing or jobs, find social resources, book travel tickets, and so much more!” says Tracy. “I love working with each client and watching them walk out the door with new knowledge and confidence working online.”
Taking steps today to protect your digital legacy will give you and your loved ones peace of mind looking forward!
Title photographs provided by DANEnet.
DANEnet
128 E. Olin Avenue, Suite 66
Madison, WI 53713
(608) 274-3107
danenet.org