Divorce can prompt mental health issues, financial duress, and several other problems…but did you know that it can also be a security risk? Cybersecurity is of increasing concern in an age in which hacking can destroy your finances, your livelihood, or your reputation. Your ex may attempt to use personal information obtained without your permission against you in court. Follow these steps to protect yourself as you proceed with your separation or divorce:

Change Your Passwords

While experts advise against sharing passwords with spouses, most couples ignore such suggestions in favor of convenience. If you have previously shared passwords to social media pages, email inboxes, banking apps, or any other private accounts, make changes as soon as possible. Do not settle for easy-to-crack updates that include personal information; use passwords consisting of random strings of letters or numbers to keep all digital accounts secure.

Watch For Signs of Eavesdropping or Other Privacy Violations

Social media and other electronic records play an increasingly significant role in the divorce process. In an effort to gain access to such information, your spouse may violate your privacy in the immediate aftermath of your separation. Some concerning behaviors may extend beyond digital infiltration to become full-on stalking.

What, exactly, constitutes a breach of privacy can vary from one jurisdiction to the next. In general, your ex should not:

• Hack your passwords
• Intercept chat logs, emails, or other private discourse
• Place telephone wiretaps
• Record private conversations
• Secretly use tracking devices to determine your whereabouts

Don’t hesitate to report stalking. Work with a trusted family lawyer to secure a restraining order, if necessary.

Your law firm could provide valuable legal protections as you deal with the fallout from your divorce. Contact the law firm of Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd. to learn more about cybersecurity and other issues related to divorce.