When couples divorce, it is natural for them to think about protecting their assets. This is why couples take inventory of their marital assets after initiating divorce proceedings. However, your physical assets are not the only things you should consider protecting.
Safeguarding your digital privacy during divorce is often just as important as consulting a divorce attorney. It is possible to share financial information with your spouse to facilitate smoother asset division without giving them direct access to your personal accounts.
Below are three ways you can secure your digital privacy during divorce.
Change your passwords
Change the passwords on your online accounts, from more sensitive ones like your bank account and email to everyday ones like your phone and social media accounts.
Set strong passwords that do not reference or include information about you that your spouse can easily guess. Moreover, make sure to keep your new passwords somewhere your spouse cannot access.
Enable two-factor authentication
Add another layer of protection to your most important accounts with two-factor authentication (TFA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA). It is also recommended to use TFA on accounts your spouse may use to harass you or cause you to lose money. Examples of these include:
- Amazon account
- Google account
- Apple account
- Delivery apps
- Smart home app
Secure personal devices and log out of shared devices
Update the password and security settings on your personal devices as well. If it is your device, make sure your spouse can’t use their face or fingerprint to open it.
Moreover, remember to log out of your accounts from shared or communal devices—especially after finalizing the divorce. Some apps may not log you out automatically even after changing passwords, instead simply retaining access. If you and your spouse have a shared computer or tablet, remove your saved passwords on the accounts or browsers.
Exercise caution and vigilance
Failure to secure your digital privacy may adversely affect not only your finances but also give your spouse information they can use against you. However, as long you are cautious with your device use and avoid sharing sensitive information or leaving them out in the open, you can ensure your digital privacy during divorce. An experienced legal professional may offer more tips on how to secure your digital accounts during your divorce.