Ask Slashdot: How Do You Securely Store Private Information For Posterity?

An anonymous reader writes "In the event of my untimely demise, my wife and family will need access to all of my private data (email, phone, laptop password, SSN, etc) and financial accounts and passwords (banks, 401(k), mortgage, insurance, etc). What's the best way to securely store all that data knowing the data is somewhat volatile (e.g. password changes) and also that someone else who is not technically savvy will need to access the most up to date version of it? Suggestions include a printed copy in a safe deposit box, an encrypted file, a secure server in the cloud, or maybe a commercial product."

Comments

Easy, look at what was already posted here.

[Milharis]

Not even a year ago, almost the same thing.
http://ask.slashdot.org/story/11/11/01/1414234/ask-slashdot-how-to-securely-share-passwords

Re:Answer in the question

[fahrbot-bot]

Safety deposit box is probably the only reasonable solution.

Access can be an issue. Ensure that your spouse (or someone else you trust) is listed with the bank for the safe deposit box (not just the associated bank accounts). If not, no one - and I mean NO ONE - will have access to the box contents without either a court order or until after probate of your will and new ownership of the box is established. And no, Power of Attorney won't work as that expires when you die.

It should be obvious from the above that your Will should not be stored in a safe deposit box - especially one registered in only your name, or you and your spouse (if you die together, no access to your Wills). A better place for your Will is a home safe, your lawyer or accountant.

IANAL, but did have to work through all this when my wife died in 2006....