Reviewing, updating and changing your digital accounts is a good idea as part of your overall separation plan. Some of the unravelling of shared accounts, such as a family cell phone plan, or joint banking, will take coordination rather than unilateral action. However, there are steps you can take to limit unauthorised access to your own private data.
This is paramount in a high conflict matter to protect against the possibility of cyber stalking or misuse of digital and personal information.
Here is a brief, non-exhaustive checklist:
-passwords: change passwords for your email, computer, phone;
-for shared providers, limit who has access to your data;
-enable multi-factor verification;
-social media: turn your settings to private; do not post about your ex/kids/the separation; consider turning off locations and tagging; is it time to unfriend anyone?
-streaming services: (Netflix, Spotify etc): do accounts need to be separated? Consider changes to the account holder, billing address, passwords;
-cell phone plans -who gets the bill and the record of calls?
-Home security/devices: door codes, doorbell cameras and security systems: who has access?
-cell phones: update your privacy and security; check with whom you are sharing location and information. There is usually a privacy feature in “Settings” that you can check. On some phones you can check for tracking devices as well.
-online delivery (Amazon), food delivery, ride share: check and update account holder, access to information, billing and passwords.
-banking: update passwords and access to your own personal accounts, credit cards etc.
Parenting: Online safety is also a hot topic for parents to discuss both as part of a parenting plan, and with children. As part of a parenting plan, some parents have agreed guidelines on posting photos/information, access to a child’s accounts, use of social media, cellphones, gaming etc.
Evidence: Your lawyer will have told you, if your separation is not yet resolved, not to delete or destroy digital records that are relevant or evidence. This is different from taking steps to safeguard your own data and privacy. Talk to your lawyer for more information about your specific case.
Resources:
If you are afraid for your safety or have been a victim of a crime, call 9-1-1.
For additional resources on domestic violence: Fear is Not Love Toll-free: 1-866-606.SAFE (7233)
For additional tips on digital/online/cyber security:
University of Calgary: https://it.ucalgary.ca/it-security/top-10-cybersecurity-tips
Calgary Police Service online safety tips: https://www.calgary.ca/cps/community-programs-and-resources/crime-prevention/online-safety.html
For more tips, see 9 Tips for Separating Spouses or talk to Ceri or another of our lawyers to get information and advice.
This is general information only and is not legal comments or advice specific to your situation.
– Written by Ceri Chwieros