FOLLOW US

  • facebook
  • twitter
Wed

March 11, 2026

America April 21, 2024

 Protect Against Ghost Hackers with a Digital Estate Plan

America ı By Jackie Allen

887 0 Comments

In the digital age, even death doesn't guarantee peace from cyber threats. The rise of ghost hackers presents a new online reality where the deceased become targets for exploitation. These hackers infiltrate the digital lives of the departed, pillaging assets, scamming and pretending to be the recently departed.  Ensuring Emergency Connectivity: 911 Systems and Recent Outages - USA Herald Cloud Seeding: Torrential Rainstorm in Dubai - USA Herald Project Nimbus: Google Employees Fired Amid Protest Controversy - USA Herald Introducing the New Atlas Robot: Boston Dynamics “Oddly Terrifying” Upgrade - USA Herald

Ghost Hackers

According to Tech writer Kim Komando, ghost hackers are stealing from the dead. And you need a digital estate plan to protect your assets. Ghost hackers scan obituaries and death notices, seeking vulnerable targets to exploit. Armed with methods ranging from password hacking to exploiting leaked credentials, these bad actors gain access to sensitive accounts, including banking and retirement funds. The scenario is as haunting as it is plausible: imagine receiving messages from a deceased loved one, seemingly sent from beyond the grave. Such is the twisted reality crafted by ghost hackers, who steal digital identities to orchestrate scams and frauds.  To combat this threat, Komando advocates for the adoption of digital estate plans. These plans serve as a comprehensive inventory of online assets, passwords, and instructions for their management posthumously. While not a legal document per se, a digital estate plan empowers individuals to safeguard their legacy in the digital realm.

Digital Estate Plan

A digital estate plan is the memorialization or deletion of social media accounts.  Platforms like Facebook offer mechanisms for memorializing accounts, ensuring they serve as digital memorials rather than avenues for exploitation.  Designating a legacy contact enables responsible management of one's online presence after death, providing peace of mind to both the deceased and their loved ones. It’s important to maintain an updated digital estate plan for all online accounts and assets.  From email and social media to financial accounts and cloud storage, no stone should be left unturned in the quest to protect one's digital legacy. Don’t forget to add online shopping credentials, streaming services, and loyalty programs to the estate planning process. Utilizing password managers can streamline the process, ensuring secure storage of login credentials and facilitating posthumous access for designated contacts. Traditional methods such as password notebooks also offer a tangible, but less secure, means of managing digital assets.
12

Previous Article

San Francisco Sues Oakland Over Airport Renaming, Claiming Trademark Infringement

Read More
Jackie Allen
3078 Posts

Jackie Allen

Jackie is a freelance journalist and technology geek. She worked as a telecom project director for AT&T and BellSouth. Before joining the USA Herald she has written books, articles, blogs and whitepapers. Her clients include Samsung and other technology companies.

Don’t Miss It
America March 09, 2026
While the World Watches Iran, Gaza Starves
By – Rochdi Rais
America March 8, 2026
US Cuba Economic Deal Emerges as Trump Administration Eyes Major Policy Shift

A potential US Cuba Economic Deal may soon reshape relations between Washington and Havana, according to two sources familiar with…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 8, 2026
Amazon FCC Denial of SpaceX Plan Urged in Satellite Showdown

A fierce new battle is unfolding in the race to dominate space-based internet as Amazon FCC denial of SpaceX plan…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 8, 2026
Country Joe McDonald Died at 84, Woodstock Legend and Protest Voice Falls Silent

The music world is mourning as Country Joe McDonald died at the age of 84, closing the chapter on a…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 8, 2026
The Northern Lights Return

The Northern Lights have a chance to be visible from several northern U.S. states on Tuesday night, forecasters at the…

By – Jackie Allen
America March 8, 2026
Malaysia Airlines MH370 Disappearance Remains Unsolved After New Ocean Search

More than a decade after one of aviation’s greatest mysteries began, the Malaysia Airlines MH370 disappearance remains unsolved as a…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 8, 2026
February Unemployment Up as Job Losses Surprise Economists

February Unemployment Up as the latest labor market data revealed weaker-than-expected job growth and a slight increase in the national…

By – Jackie Allen
America March 8, 2026
February Unemployment Up as Job Losses Surprise Economists

February Unemployment Up as the latest labor market data revealed weaker-than-expected job growth and a slight increase in the national…

By – Jackie Allen
America March 8, 2026
Blast at US Embassy in Oslo Triggers Terrorism Investigation

An early morning blast at US embassy in Oslo has sparked a sweeping investigation by Norwegian authorities, who say terrorism…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 8, 2026
Iran’s Supreme Leader Selection Nears as War Intensifies Across the Region

The shadow of war hangs over Tehran as Iran’s Supreme Leader selection moves closer to public announcement following the death…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 8, 2026
Late-Night Attack by Venezuelan National at Florida Beach

A Late-night attack by a Venezuelan National has left a Florida community shaken after authorities say a 26-year-old man ambushed…

By – Jackie Allen
America March 8, 2026
Trump’s War in Iran: Congress Confronts Escalation After U.S. Strikes

Trump’s War in Iran  was triggered open conflict, casualties, and renewed constitutional debate in Washington. The crisis intensified following reports…

By – Jackie Allen
America March 7, 2026
Kanye West’s Malibu Mansion Trial Takes Dramatic Turn in Court

The courtroom drama surrounding Kanye West’s Malibu mansion trial took an unusual turn Friday as the artist now legally known…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 7, 2026
Kanye West’s Malibu Mansion Trial Takes Dramatic Turn in Court

The courtroom drama surrounding Kanye West’s Malibu mansion trial took an unusual turn Friday as the artist now legally known…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 7, 2026
Kuwait Cuts Oil Production as Gulf Tanker Threats Disrupt Global Energy Flow

In a move that underscores the growing shockwaves across global energy markets, Kuwait cuts oil production after tanker traffic through…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 7, 2026
OpenAI’s Caitlin Kalinowski Resigns Over Controversial Pentagon AI Agreement

The debate over artificial intelligence and national security intensified this week as OpenAI’s Caitlin Kalinowski resigns, stepping away from her…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 7, 2026
Tornadoes Damage in Michigan Leaves Multiple Dead as Severe Storms Sweep Across U.S.

Deadly storms carved a destructive path across the Midwest and southern Plains, leaving communities reeling after tornadoes damage in Michigan…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 5, 2026
US Draft AI Chip Sales Rules Could Reshape Global Tech Power Balance

The US draft AI chip sales rules being considered by the administration of Donald Trump could dramatically reshape the global…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 5, 2026
Six Flags Amusement Parks Sale Signals Major Shake-Up in Theme Park Industry

A sweeping restructuring is underway in the theme park world as the Six Flags amusement parks sale moves forward, marking…

By – Rachel Moore
America February 28, 2026
U.S. And Israel Launch Major Strikes On Iran — What It Means For America

TEHRAN, Iran – In a dramatic escalation of global tensions, the United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes against Iran…

By – Samuel Lopez
America February 26, 2026
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Overturns $8M Asbestos Verdict Against BNSF Railway Co.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has thrown out an $8 million jury verdict against BNSF Railway…

By – Tyler Brooks
America February 25, 2026
Missing DNA Evidence May Limit Investigation Into Nancy Guthrie Case, Sources Suggest

Investigators examining DNA recovered from the home of Nancy Guthrie are uncertain whether the biological material will provide enough information…

By – Ahmed Boughalleb
America February 24, 2026
Grand Theft Auto 6 Targets November 2026 Launch as Price Leak Fuels $100 Debate

After years of speculation, teaser trailers and headline-making leaks, Grand Theft Auto VI now has a confirmed global release date:…

By – Ahmed Boughalleb
America February 23, 2026
40 Million Under Blizzard Warnings as Major Winter Storm Threatens U.S. East Coast

More than 40 million people are under blizzard warnings as a powerful winter storm moves across the eastern United States,…

By – Tyler Brooks
America February 23, 2026
Violence Erupts Across Mexico After Cartel Leader “El Mencho” Killed in Military Raid, Triggering Roadblocks, Transport Disruptions, and Security Alert Across Several States

Violent clashes spread across western Mexico after security forces killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” during a…

By – Ahmed Boughalleb
America March 5, 2026
Six Flags Amusement Parks Sale Signals Major Shake-Up in Theme Park Industry

A sweeping restructuring is underway in the theme park world as the Six Flags amusement parks sale moves forward, marking…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 5, 2026
Vast $500M Funding Fuels Race to Build the Next Generation of Space Stations

The push to establish humanity’s long-term presence in orbit just received a powerful boost. Vast $500M Funding was announced Thursday…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 5, 2026
Alexander Brothers Sex-Trafficking Trial Heads to Jury After Dramatic Closing Arguments

The Alexander Brothers Sex-Trafficking Trial reached a critical turning point Thursday as jurors in Manhattan federal court began deliberations in…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 5, 2026
Savannah Guthrie Return to NBC Planned Amid Ongoing Search for Missing Mother

The Savannah Guthrie return to NBC appears to be taking shape behind the scenes, even as the beloved morning anchor…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 5, 2026
Supreme Court Ruling on Tariff Refunds Sparks Major Legal Push by Businesses

A rapidly expanding wave of lawsuits over import duties gained new momentum this week as courts began shaping the aftermath…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 5, 2026
Trump, Bondi TikTok Assets Sale Suit Ignites New Legal Battle in Washington

A newly formed anti-corruption organization has launched a legal challenge that is already sending shockwaves through Washington. The Trump, Bondi…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America February 21, 2026
When The Files Are Finally Unsealed The Most Mind-Bending Truth May Not Be What We Expect

[USA HERALD] – There is a widespread assumption that if governments release their most highly classified files related to unidentified…

By – Samuel Lopez
America February 17, 2026
Civil Rights Icon Rev. Jesse Jackson Dies at 84 As President Trump Issues Personal Tribute

[USA HERALD] — The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering figure of the American civil rights movement whose career spanned more than…

By – Samuel Lopez
America February 13, 2026
Clues to Savannah Guthrie Missing Mom’s Disappearance Found on Security System

The disappearance of the mother of Savannah Guthrie has taken a dramatic turn as investigators focus on digital clues tied…

By – Jackie Allen
America February 8, 2026
Mike Tyson Urges Americans to ‘Eat Real Food’ in Emotional Super Bowl Ad Highlighting Health Risks

Boxing legend Mike Tyson is using his platform ahead of Super Bowl 60 to address a personal and national health…

By – Tyler Brooks
America February 7, 2026
Deadly “Death Cap” Mushrooms in California Cause Multiple Deaths and Liver Transplants Amid Rare Super Bloom

California health officials are warning the public after four deaths and three liver transplants linked to the highly toxic death…

By – Ahmed Boughalleb
America February 7, 2026
From Migraines to Miracles: How Becca Valle Survived a Glioblastoma Diagnosis Against the Odds

Becca Valle, 41, thought her headaches were just migraines—until a sudden, unbearable pain revealed something far more serious. In September…

By – Tyler Brooks
America March 1, 2026
Cadillac Names Inaugural Formula 1 Car MAC-26 in Tribute to Mario Andretti Ahead of 2026 Australian Grand Prix Debut

Cadillac has officially revealed the name of its first Formula 1 challenger, confirming that its 2026 car will be called…

By – Ahmed Boughalleb
America February 20, 2026
Norway Tops Medal Table After Day 13 at 2026 Winter Olympics as Team USA Surges Into Second Place

With 13 days complete at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, Norway sits atop the overall medal standings, collecting 34…

By – Ahmed Boughalleb
America February 18, 2026
Olympic Science Explained: How Figure Skaters Spin at Blinding Speeds Without Getting Dizzy

When Amber Glenn finishes her routine, the arena usually rises with her. The music builds, her blades carve a tight…

By – Tyler Brooks
America February 16, 2026
Olympic Villages Run Out of Condoms at 2026 Milan-Cortina Games

Condom supplies in the Olympic Villages at the 2026 Winter Games have been temporarily depleted, the Milan-Cortina organizing committee confirmed,…

By – Tyler Brooks
America February 12, 2026
Arizona Authorities Escalate Search for Savannah Guthrie’s Mom to a Criminal Investigation

In Arizona, police are intensifying their investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie’s Mom. The 84-year-old mother of…

By – Jackie Allen
America February 10, 2026
What is Aegosexuality?

As conversations around sexuality continue to expand, so does the language we use to describe it. Sexuality terms are gaining…

By – Jackie Allen

No posts found.

No posts found.

No comments No comments yet. Be the first to comment!

Signup for the USA Herald
exclusive Newsletter