Secure Your Digital Legacy with Emergency Access Features in Password Managers like Proton

Planning for one’s digital legacy is essential, as crucial as managing physical assets, to prevent accounts, services, and logins from being left abandoned in data centers before they’re deleted due to data retention policies. While some service providers recognize the importance of digital legacies, such as Apple and Facebook with their legacy contacts, most online platforms do not.

Digital legacies face multiple obstacles without dedicated legacy contacts, making it difficult for family members or executors to access deceased individuals’ online accounts, often requiring court orders or legal documentation. However, password managers can simplify this process by offering built-in digital legacy features that can unlock an individual’s digital life in emergencies.

An individual’s digital legacy encompasses various aspects, from online banking logins to digital assets, and even a seemingly straightforward online presence can quickly become complex. A digital executor, similar to the executor of a will for physical assets, may be appointed to manage digital estates, but this doesn’t help in the immediate aftermath of someone’s passing. The probate process can take several months, if not years.

Password managers like Bitwarden provide a solution by allowing you to transfer access to your accounts to trusted relatives, spouses, or close friends, along with guidelines on how to manage them. However, the legality of this is somewhat unclear, as per the American Bar Association, accessing someone else’s account might violate the platform’s terms of service. It’s advisable to consult an attorney for long-term access.

In NordPass’s advice, “For anyone considering digital legacy planning, the best course of action is to set up Emergency Access in advance, clearly communicate the use cases of the credentials with your trusted contacts, and adhere to the terms of service of respective platforms.” Immediate access is vital not only in the event of death but also in cases of incapacitation. Password managers offer an emergency contact feature that allows for easy transfer of accounts.

There are several password managers available, and most offer ways to unlock accounts in emergencies, albeit through different methods. Here are three recommended options for most users:

1. Proton (Pass Plus, Yearly)
2. Proton (Pass Family, Yearly)

Proton recently introduced an emergency access feature that extends beyond just Proton Pass. Unlike most password managers, Proton Pass is only one part of the Proton suite, which also includes a VPN, encrypted crypto wallet, cloud storage, and even a calendar. Emergency access isn’t limited to one app with Proton; rather, it grants access to an entire account, making it particularly useful for managing multiple Proton apps.