“My parents made a point to write down all their essential passwords and store them where only our immediate family could access them. After they passed, having access to all the accounts and devices we needed to carry out their last wishes, get contact information for their closest friends, or know what assets needed to be handled through an estate, made the whole, unimaginable process a little bit easier.
Whether it was login information to get into my mom’s phone or email accounts, or to log into their computer for copies of legal documents, it was reassuring to know that we had access to everything we would need to ensure their last wishes and plans could be honored. I wouldn’t have even known where to start if we hadn’t had access. I can imagine it would include a few frantic calls to Apple Customer Support, but thankfully we didn’t have to go through all that.
This whole process has me considering who has access to my accounts and important passwords, and if I need to start finding ways of sharing that information with my executors and loved ones so they can be prepared, too.”
One of the 820 Foundation’s community members recently shared their personal experience with passwords, access, and the added technical or technological aspects of life that aren’t always factored into end-of-life and emergency planning. As we’ve been thinking more and more about our tech-dependent world, it also makes sense that we should consider all the ways that technology will impact our end-of-life and emergency planning, too.
So, who has access to your passwords?
Understandably, it’s important to safeguard your accounts and the most essential passwords for cybersecurity purposes. But it may also be helpful to think about what accounts, passwords and access your loved ones and trusted executors might need in the event of an accident or your passing.
Password sharing isn’t just for Netflix accounts, and can be a difficult step in handling estates without the proper access and authority. We encourage you to think about what passwords and accounts should be shared in the event of an emergency or death, and how to do so securely.
What accounts might need to be considered?
As the world becomes more and more reliant on technology, so much of our lives and information gets stored in apps, platforms and tech. As such, it may be valuable to sit down and consider what information would be most essential to your loved ones and executors in case of an emergency.
Consider:
- Access to phones/laptops/etc.
- Email account logins
- Bank access
- Contact information
- Medical information
- Access to important documents (if no physical copy)
This is certainly not an extensive list, so best practice would be to sit down and think about what day-to-day tasks may need to be continued, and what access would be essential for your loved ones and executors. Not sure where to start? The 820 Foundation has a free resource to help you keep track of your daily life and take an inventory of what important information should be accessible to your loved ones and executors.
How can I share my passwords and accounts securely?
1. Use a Password Manager
There are lots of different options for password manager apps that can help you store important passwords and login information for different accounts and platforms. Make sure to do some research and see what option will work best for you and your desired security levels.
2. Include them in your end-of-life and emergency plans
Keeping essential login information and passwords in your end-of-life and emergency plans can offer you and your loved ones peace of mind in knowing that all the necessary information is together in one place. Make sure to check in every once in a while to make sure your records are up-to-date with any password or access changes.
3. Check if your accounts have emergency access options.
Some accounts and platforms allow you to add an emergency contact/emergency user option so that you can include your loved ones and/or executors as designated users.
Make sure that you’re also factoring in security considerations as you make your plans – ensuring that your accounts are accessible while still being secure can avoid headaches and difficulty in the event of incapacitation or death.
We are not providing legal advice. All estate planning varies state by state. Please seek an attorney in your state for specific information and details.