Lately I started including what happens to my data in case I die unexpectedly in my threat model. As of now I’d like for everything to stay private. All my accounts have a strong password that I store on a keepass datbase that I store only on encrypted devices which themselves are protected only by PIN or Password with no biometrics (I use the pin only on my phone which is set up to get wiped after 20 failed unlock attempts to mitigate bruteforce attacks). As for what I post online, I keep it to a minimum and nothing really personal, preferring only viewing content through clients with no account when possible. I know some services allow to set up what happens after a certain period of inactivity but I was wondering if you guys can suggest anything else. Maybe some program that wipes the computer’s drive after a period of inactivity? Some other tools or some tips I didn’t consider?
To those that “Humpf, don’t care, my data dies with me”, PLEASE remember the significant people in your life will have to deal with admin stuff after your death. And it’s on you to make that process a misery or not for them.
Maybe make sure they have at least access to whatever’s needed to deal with stuff after your demise?
If you don’t have friends and family or hate all humans, don’t mind me of course.
What administrative stuff?
You’re the second person writing about this. I think it varies by country? Like… for how I see it, other than my car I don’t plan on having other loans. As for bank accounts and other financial stuff I think there is some kind of process that starts once the death has been announced in some formal way. Everything else should just be forgotten. Like just do what people did in the 50s or sum. There was no common technology in which to store important stuff. Just do the same things as back then for whatever matters, everything else is in my phone and pc shouldn’t be so crucial.
In the US it can even vary by state. Dying without a will or transfer on death assets can be a nightmare for the deceased family. My father died without a will and my mother and I spent a year jumping through hoops and dealing with lawyers trying to get everything straightened out.
I encourage everyone to take a look at their local laws related to the subject. You may be surprised at how things would work out without some planning on your part.
That’s true, though personally I find a sort of warm feeling about the idea of my messages and content I produced being available for my descendants, beyond just my bank account.
I wish I had a way to see how my great-grandparents were. What their life was like. That I could check out conversations they had in a public forum. Or see what hobbies they had… but life back then left no traces, so their thoughts were lost to time after my grandparents and my father went away. If they wrote any letters they were lost. So I’d be ok if one day one of my descendants has a way to see what accounts I used and they come upon this message when wondering about me. Like a time-traveling high-five from past-me to my relatives.
I see the curiosity. For me though unless it’s some pictures we took together (which I would have shared with them in the first place) the rest is stuff only me and whoever was involved should remember. As I said in another reply, if I didn’t share it it’s because I didn’t need/want to in the first place.