One of the nation’s largest agencies just admitted an employee’s emails are irretrievable due to a “computer crash”. The scandal at the IRS is significant, especially in an election year. So what lessons can you take away from the case? More importantly, is there anything you should be doing to protect your electronic data during a divorce?
A recent USA Today article faced this issue head on. The article includes helpful tips on what you can do to keep yourself, your passwords, and your data safe:
● Change your passwords! This is a vital step in reaching the goal of safeguarding your information from your soon to be ex-spouse. Many couples use the same password, or provide their spouse with the information. When you are splitting up, it is crucial to maintain your privacy. Emails can be misconstrued and possibly used against you in Court. To make sure your private information stays private when you are divorcing, changing your passwords is a must.
● Separate yourself from shared accounts. This includes social media. A lot of couples share a Facebook or other social networking account. When you make the decision to separate, that includes separating yourself from all shared accounts.
● Clear your devices. Once you have changed passwords and separated other accounts you should make a clean sweep of the devices once shared. A tablet or laptop used by both parties may still contain private information, so it is important to clear these devices.
● Check your privacy settings and who your friends are online. You might want to consider deleting your ex as a Facebook friend, or from your LinkedIn network.
Doing these things will help you maintain privacy, and ensure your accounts are not used by anyone else. Obtaining your own devices can also provide assurances your browsing history is not being viewed. In an electronic age, things you post can and will be used against you. Make sure your posts are your own, and not put on sites by your ex. Separating your accounts and changing passwords goes a long way in giving you your own identity and avoiding these types of issues.
For more information about protecting your electronic life, contact a Stuart and Treasure Coast family law attorney with experience. The fee for your fist visit is a flat fee and we work with you for a cost effective result.