Perhaps far from your mind, is the need to separate your online presence from that of your former partner. However, in our technological age, it is even more important to be alert to your digital security in the event of a separation, and to consider taking the following steps to protect yourself from potential misuse of information by your former partner:
Change your passwords
We often share our passwords with family, friends and our partner without giving this a second’s thought. Many people also reuse passwords for different accounts and devices.
We would recommend that you immediately change your passwords on every account and app so these cannot be accessed by your former partner, and use different passwords for each account going forward.
Even if you did not share your password(s) with your ex-partner, if you remain logged in on any device owned by them, or previously saved your password on their device by mistake, you are vulnerable to personal and financial information being accessed.
It is also worth bearing in mind that some financial, e-mail, and other service providers have two factor authentication available. If this setting is in use, you will not only need to enter your password, but will also be sent an authentication code by text message. This will provide an additional layer of protection to avoid any misuse by an ex-partner.
Create new e-mail accounts
Many people use their e-mail accounts for personal and professional use. In addition, if you have engaged with a solicitor following your separation, confidential correspondence and sensitive information could be exchanged via e-mail as well.
Although it is inconvenient to start fresh with registering a new e-mail account, this is the most sensible option to safeguard against sensitive information potentially being accessed by a former partner. You might also want to consider having a separate e-mail account for legal correspondence.
By creating a new e-mail account, you will be able to change all of your passwords via this new account which is not accessible by your ex-partner.
Stop the syncing
Apple products and subscriptions can sync or “talk” to other devices. Various pieces of information can be shared this way such as contacts, messages, calendar entries and internet history.
Apple has created “Called Safety Check” setting which can stop sharing information with people or apps. You can also review who has access to sensitive information, such as your location, on this setting. You may want to also consider setting up a new Apple or Google account if you have a shared one with your ex-partner.
Online finance
You might be able to sign up for e-mail alerts when your card is used in a transaction, and this will make you aware of any misuse of your financial information at the earliest opportunity. Not all bank or credit card companies allow this but it is a useful service to take advantage of if available.
If you share any online finance or streaming services with your former partner, for example Amazon or Netflix, you will want to remove them from the account if possible with a change of password, or set up your own new account.
Social media accounts and posts
Although it can be tempting to look at your former partner’s social media accounts, it is advisable to remove them from all platforms, and if necessary, to block them. It is also sensible to amend and customise your privacy settings to try to prevent them accessing your account.
However, even after taking these steps to protect your privacy on your social media forums, your profiles may still be accessed by your ex-partner through accounts belonging to friends you have in common. You should carefully consider what you post on social media, and do not share too much personal information. Posts and photos shared can be saved and potentially used as evidence in any legal dispute; especially those surrounding children.
If you would like further advice in relation to separation, our Family Law Team would be delighted to help.