As computer security becomes better known and an active part in our everyday life, more and more of us are becoming accustomed to safeguarding our sensitive information to prevent identity theft. Online banking, investments and even contact databases are being secured with strong passwords and secured services. And now the providers that store this sensitive information are focused on finding ways to improve privacy and security for their client’s information.
However, all the increased security is creating a new problem that has caused great hardship for many Americans. What happens when an individual passes away? How do families or next-of-kin gain access to their loved ones password-protected accounts and information for well-meaning purposes?
Many corporations are now faced with the difficult task of walking the fine line between privacy for their clients and providing needed information for the next-of-kin. As a Microsoft spokeswoman wrote in a recent email to ZDNet: “We have tried to institute a policy that is very focused on privacy, but at the same time honors the request of bereaved family members going through a difficult time.”
Yahoo! on the other hand has been subject to several lawsuits related to handing over personal email and contacts from their popular online Yahoo! Mail services. One woman tried to retrieve her late father’s contacts to inform them of his death and funeral services, but Yahoo! refused. A father of a U.S. Marine who was killed in Iraq was given access to his son’s personal Yahoo! Mail account only after securing a court order.
The challenge is safeguarding your sensitive information and accounts without sacrificing the risk of sharing your passwords to others.
One idea is to use a password manager system that stores all your account, username and password information, which is then safeguarded by one master password. Then store the master password in a safe deposit box or other safe place. Then all of your passwords can be updated regularly, stored in the password manager and your next-of-kin needs only the one master password, which should still be updated regularly and resaved in your safe deposit box. Another idea is to include your digital assets and transfer of ownership and access as a provision in your living trust. While it is not a guarantee that all companies will honor the amendment to the trust, having a plan and your request in writing is better than not.
Rob Gardner, founder of Santa Clarita Web Services, has more than 15 years experience working with computer and web technologies, including information security, regulatory compliance and data loss prevention for Fortune 500 companies.
If you’re a business owner and have questions about your website or corporate security, please call him at 661-799-9100 or email rmg@eSCV.com .