Security Tips

Safeguard your personal information and legacy documents from environmental damage, theft, fraud and other risks.

Secure Storage & Archiving

Protect physical and digital documents for the long term.

Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention

Minimize risk of document misuse and unauthorized access.

Digital Security & Password Management

Safeguard online access to sensitive information.

Document Disposal

Ensure sensitive information is destroyed properly.

Secure Storage and Archiving

Natural disasters, theft, and environmental damage can destroy irreplaceable records. Without proper storage, sensitive documents like birth certificates and wills may degrade or be lost when needed most.

Dual-Location Backup for Disaster Protection – Keeping important documents in two separate locations (e.g., a fireproof safe at home and a bank deposit box) prevents total loss from theft, fire, or flooding. A secondary location ensures accessibility even if one set is compromised.
Climate-Controlled Storage for Longevity – Paper documents degrade over time due to moisture, heat, and exposure to light. Using acid-free folders, archival-quality sleeves, and temperature-controlled environments helps prevent fading, warping, or mold damage to family documents.
Emergency Grab-and-Go Folder – In case of an emergency, having a dedicated fireproof pouch with critical paper documents (passport, insurance, medical records) ensures quick access when evacuation is necessary. Without this, crucial records may be left behind or lost in chaos.

Identity Theft and Fraud Prevention

Sensitive personal documents contain information that criminals can exploit for identity theft, financial fraud, and unauthorized access to accounts. Without safeguards, even discarded documents can be used to steal someone’s identity.

Watermark Digital Copies to Prevent Misuse – Scanned versions of personal documents (like passports or IDs) can be stolen and misused online. Adding a visible watermark (e.g., “For Verification Only”) prevents fraudsters from repurposing your identity for illegal activities.
Use “Decoy” Information for Security Questions – Many online accounts rely on security questions that use publicly available or easy-to-guess information (like your mother’s maiden name). Creating unrelated answers prevents criminals from accessing your accounts via social engineering tactics.
Mail Protection Measures – Unsecured mail can be intercepted and used to open fraudulent accounts or steal sensitive financial details. Using a locked mailbox and opting out of pre-approved credit offers reduces exposure to mail theft-related fraud.

Digital Security and Password Management

Digital records and passwords are vulnerable to hacking, phishing scams, and data breaches. Weak storage practices can expose confidential files, allowing cybercriminals to access bank accounts, personal data, and government records.

Secure Digital Vault for Online Records – Storing digital copies of sensitive records in an encrypted vault (such as a password manager or cloud storage with 2FA) ensures they are protected from hacking and accidental leaks. Without encryption, these files can be accessed if your device is lost or hacked.
Avoid Storing Passwords in Your Browser – Browsers are often the target of cyberattacks, and saved passwords can be extracted by malware or unauthorized users. Using a dedicated password manager provides a higher level of security and prevents unauthorized access to your accounts.
Digital Estate Planning for Online Accounts – If no one has access to your key online accounts after your death, it can create financial and legal complications for your loved ones. Establishing a digital estate plan ensures a trusted person can manage or close your accounts when necessary.

Document Disposal

Improper disposal of personal documents can leave you vulnerable to identity theft. Criminals often search through discarded paperwork to gather financial details, addresses, or account numbers to commit fraud.

Cross-Cut Shred Highly Sensitive Documents – Documents like old tax returns, medical records, and bank statements contain personal details that can be misused if found. A micro-cut or cross-cut shredder makes it impossible for thieves to reconstruct the information.
Blackout or Remove Personal Data Before Discarding – Even non-shreddable documents, such as prescription labels, shipping labels, and event tickets, can contain personal data. Before discarding, always black out or peel off labels to prevent exposure.