By Russ Munisteri
We used to worry about who would get Grandma’s fine china, jewelry, or recipe box, but now we’re wondering who’s in charge of her social media accounts. As unusual as it sounds, our digital lives have become just as real (and sometimes just as messy) as the boxes in our closets. When someone passes away, their online world still exists. Their social media profiles stay active, subscriptions keep auto-renewing, and email inboxes keep filling up.
Sorting through it all doesn’t have to be a task you dread. With some guidance, figuring out what accounts they had, deciding what to keep or close, protecting against identity theft, and gathering the right paperwork, you can help wrap up a loved one’s digital footprint with care and clarity.
Let’s keep this as simple as possible. The first step is figuring out where your loved one “lived” online. Most of us have far more accounts than we remember, and chances are they did, too. Personally, I use a password manager (1Password), and I have hundreds of accounts. Your loved one’s email inbox is usually the best place to start. Checking their phone or computer, and apps, for saved passwords (look for the notebook in the drawer next to the fridge!), can help you build a quick map of everything they were connected to — from the big things, like banking, to the random apps they only used one time. You don’t need to find everything at once. Start with the obvious, and the rest usually follows.
Let’s Begin:
Check their email inbox for account alerts, subscriptions, and login notifications.
Look at saved passwords on their phone, computer, or desk drawer (if you have access).
Review their installed apps for social media, banking, or shopping accounts.
Note any subscriptions or automatic renewals you spot in emails or bank statements.
Make a simple list of all accounts you’ve identified so far.
Once you have an idea of your loved one’s accounts, the next step is making sure you have the proper paperwork. Whether it’s Facebook, LinkedIn, Venmo, PayPal or a bank, they won’t let you make changes without proof that you’re authorized to handle the person’s affairs. That usually means a death certificate and something that shows your role, like being the estate executor or next of kin. It may sound formal but having these ready upfront saves you from many phone calls and support tickets later.
With documents in hand, you can start deciding what to do with the accounts you’ve found. Social media platforms, for example, usually give you the option to either delete an account or turn it into a memorial page. Many platforms also let people decide ahead of time what happens to their accounts after they’re gone, which can make things easier. Financial accounts and subscriptions are best handled early so unexpected charges don’t keep popping up. Email and cloud storage, on the other hand, may contain photos, documents, or messages you’ll want to save before shutting anything down. There’s no perfect order to follow, and it may be difficult, so just try to take care of the practical, time-sensitive accounts first and leave the more emotional ones for when you feel ready.
Next:
Gather key documents (death certificate, proof of authority, your ID).
Check each account to see what documents or verification they require.
Decide whether to delete or memorialize any social media profiles.
Prioritize financial accounts and subscriptions to stop charges or transfers.
Review email and cloud storage for photos, files, or information to save.
Note which accounts can be closed immediately and which require follow-up.
One critical step that often gets overlooked is protecting your loved one from identity theft. Scammers tend to target the recently deceased because they know accounts may stay active for a while. A simple way to prevent this is by notifying the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and asking them to place a “deceased alert” on the person’s credit file. This tells lenders to decline any new applications made in their name. It’s also a good idea to look for unexpected bills or statements that arrive in the mail. This could be a sign of attempted fraud.
Final
Place a deceased alert with the three major credit bureaus.
Watch for unexpected bills or account statements in the mail.
Confirm all financial accounts have been fully closed or transferred.
Save important photos, files, or messages before shutting down email or cloud storage.
Delete or memorialize remaining social media or online profiles.
Wipe and recycle devices once all information has been reviewed.
Keep a small folder — digital or paper — with confirmation emails or closure records.
Personal Note:
As I gathered information for this article, I began thinking about my own digital life. I’ve now set up Facebook’s Legacy Contact, started auditing my accounts, and made a small list of my “must-access” logins. You can learn more about Facebook’s Legacy Contact at facebook.com/help/1070665206293088/.
Our lives are more digital than ever, so wrapping up a loved one’s online world is becoming a new part of how families support one another. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming, however. With a few checklists, and plenty of patience, the process can bring moments of connection and closure. By taking the time to organize our own accounts, we can leave behind a little less stress and a lot more peace for the people who matter most.
Stay safe, stay smart, and remember…cybersecurity starts with you!
Russ Munisteri is a Holly Springs resident and an expert in cybersecurity awareness training. He runs urcybersecurity.com. With over a decade of experience as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Information Technology Educator, Russ is dedicated to helping people stay safe online.
