### The Puzzle of Aging in a Digital World
John sat in his favorite armchair, gazing at the blinking cursor on his laptop screen. At seventy-five, he was no stranger to technology; he had seen the evolution from typewriters to tablets. But lately, it seemed the digital world was moving faster than he could keep up with. Passwords, PINs, and logins swirled in his mind like a confusing storm. Each app demanded a unique combination, and with security breaches making headlines, the stakes were higher than ever.
He tried to remember the password for his email. Was it the name of his childhood dog? Or was that the PIN for his banking app? After several failed attempts, he sighed and reached for his notebook—a thick, worn-out book filled with scribbled passwords and notes. It was his lifeline in this chaotic digital age. But even it was becoming hard to manage.
The apps he once found useful were now a source of frustration. What used to be simple interfaces had evolved into complex labyrinths of menus, settings, and features. Updates rolled in almost weekly, each one changing layouts and adding new layers of b confusion. Notifications popped up incessantly, each more cryptic than the last. John felt that all his hard work and accumulated assets would be gone with a few clicks if he followed instructions. John was ok to buy some crypto but moving it from the exchange to his personal secure wallet demanded that he:
- login into his phone using his PIN or his thumb print,
- login to the crypto exchange, but before he could do that the app was telling him to
- upgrade to the latest version
- login to the exchange with a different password
- buy the new crypto
- login to his bank account
- different password or use the thumb print
- get a OTP to increase his limit to make the transfer to the exchange
- copy the QR code from the exchange
- transfer money to the exchange using their QR code
- after all this then more steps to transfer the newly purchased crypto to his cold storage wallet
- 3 more verifications from the exchange before the cois are transferred
- Verify with the OTP
- Verify with Google authenticator
- Verify with registered email
- All very confusing and their advise is use a complicated password, don’t use the same password and never write them down as you can get hacked
John’s daughter, Emma, was his go-to for tech help. She was patient, guiding him through the maze of settings and security options. But he hated feeling dependent. He wanted to maintain his independence, to handle his affairs without always calling for help. Yet, the fear of getting something wrong loomed large. What if he accidentally shared his bank details in a phishing scam? What if he forgot his crypto wallet password, losing his investments forever?
The thought of making a will had been on his mind recently. He knew he needed to include his digital assets—bank accounts, social media profiles, and crypto holdings. He envisioned a secure envelope, tucked away with his will, containing all his crucial information: PINs, passwords, and account logins. But who could he trust with this sensitive data?
His first thought was Thai888 Law as they had been around and looked after the Expat community for over a decade and if something happened to the head guy kelvin then Thai888 Law could take over. Trustworthy and bound by confidentiality, this seemed like the safest bet. But then doubts crept in. John had heard stories before and was not convinced as his bar stool buddies said they could do a better job. What if the lawyer’s office got hacked? No one seemed immune to cyber threats these days.
Cyber threats and security. Thai888 Law takes this threat seriously and provides fireproof safes in a secure environment. Our building is under constant surveillance. Our mail and servers are safeguarded by Thai Data Hosts and all is cloud based under continual anti virus and hacking protocols. All our computers connect to our own domain that is continually checked.
John also considered Emma, but he worried about burdening her with the responsibility, and the potential risk if her devices were compromised.
John’s friend, Bill, had faced a similar dilemma. Bill had opted for a digital solution—a secure, encrypted vault service that stored all his sensitive information, accessible only by a master password known to his lawyer and his son. It seemed like a smart solution, but John wasn’t sure he trusted something he couldn’t physically see or touch.
As he pondered these thoughts, he realized the importance of finding a balance between security and practicality. He needed a plan that provided peace of mind without adding to his daily stress. The world had changed, and he needed to adapt.
That evening, John drafted a simple but comprehensive plan. He would use a reputable password manager to consolidate his digital credentials, protected by a strong, memorable passphrase. He’d update his will, including a sealed envelope with the master password, and share its location with both Emma and his lawyer. This way, even if one was compromised, the other could still safeguard his legacy.
He felt a wave of relief wash over him. The digital world might be complicated, but he had found a way to navigate it. As he closed his laptop, he smiled, knowing that he had taken a step toward securing his future and his peace of mind.
John leaned back in his chair, the cursor on his laptop screen now a comforting reminder that he could still learn, adapt, and find solutions in this ever-changing world.
Footnote: I personally have advised hundreds of client making their will to take advantage of Thai888 Law and what is on offer. I have told clients to arrive unannounced to check our safes that securely hold their envelopes, will and personal information. There they will find their sealed envelopes ready for their inspection and clearly marked to be opened on death.
getting old is no fun and the World is getting incredibly fast and more confusing with our own banking, finances, smart phones, computers. Meanwhile age creeps in and we forget things and so write them down. Whatever you write down make sure its pen and paper as if your computer is hacked and your security pass words are in word docs then it could be hacked and used to change your world around. BE CAREFUL and not stupid