How Can I Protect My Digital Security During Divorce?

The security of your digital assets or online accounts may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you decide to end your marriage. This is understandable, as legally terminating a marriage is an emotional decision that is often accompanied by more pressing issues, like child custody, alimony, and asset division. Digital security is, however, something that divorcing couples should consider as soon as possible in the divorce process to help protect their privacy and their assets.

Changing Your Passwords 

One of the first steps you should take when updating your digital security during divorce is to change your passwords to you online accounts, including your:

• Email accounts;
• Financial accounts;
• Online storage accounts;
• Online shopping accounts; and
• Social media accounts.

If you shared electronic devices with your spouse during your marriage, there’s a good chance that you may still be logged in to one of them, so changing your password is a safe way to ensure that no one gains access to your accounts but you.

Enable Two-Step Verification for Your Financial Accounts 

Two-factor authentication, or two-step verification is a type of security process that requires users to provide two methods of identifying themselves before logging on to an account. For instance, instead of just being required to use a password, two-factor authentication also requires the use of a security token, fingerprint, or facial scan to obtain access to an account. This type of system essentially adds another layer of security, making it a lot harder for others to gain access to your devices and online accounts. The use of these security systems is especially encouraged on cellphones to ensure that even if someone else gets access to that device, he or she won’t automatically be logged on to a private account with a saved password. Two-factor authentication can be used to protect your most important financial accounts, including your checking and savings accounts, as well as any accounts related to digital currency.

Stay Off Social Media 

Another way to ensure your digital privacy that often goes overlooked by divorcing couples is to stay off social media. Although you don’t necessarily need to delete your accounts entirely, it’s a good idea to change your password, check and potentially change your privacy settings, avoid confirming new friends, block those you don’t trust, and above all, avoid posting new photos or status updates. This comes as a surprise to many couples who don’t imagine that the things they post can end up being used against them by a spouse. This does, however, occur a lot more often than most people realize, which is why it’s best for divorcing couples to err on the side of caution and simply stay off social media until their divorce is finalized.

Reach Out to an Experienced Florida Divorce Lawyer Today 

To learn more about the steps you can take to protect your digital privacy during divorce, please call Florida divorce lawyer Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A. at 954-945-7591. Initial consultations are offered free of charge, so don’t hesitate to call or contact us online to set up an appointment today.

Sources: 

cnbc.com/2021/06/01/divorcing-spouses-are-using-cryptocurrency-to-hide-money-how-experts-find-it.html

forbes.com/sites/jefflanders/2013/08/20/how-social-media-can-affect-your-divorce/