As the year winds down, now is a great time to get your digital life in order. From organising your online photos to refreshing your accounts with new, secure passwords or finally cleaning up your browser bookmarks; there’s a lot for you to tackle before 2019 hits.

In this week’s tech-support column, I’m taking on an uncomfortable issue: How to regain control of your accounts from a not-so-kind ex. I’m hoping your former loved one isn’t a complete psychopath — or, at least, isn’t a psychopath that has access to your accounts — but it’s an all-too-familiar story. You live with someone, you share your hopes and your dreams, and they find a way to get into your accounts. (That, or you share login credentials, which is a pretty bad idea, too.)

Mac: While most people set up their Macs so all they need is a password, or a finger-press, to authenticate into their machines, the computer your company gives you might be a little more strict. Instead of letting you save your login name or display a list of your system’s users to pick, for example, you might have to actually type in your account name and password.

Just last week, Instagram confirmed reports that it's working on modifications to its two-factor authentication setup that will allow you to create passcodes in your favourite security app - like Google Authenticator, for example. While this isn't the sexiest of news, it's great to see this security practice growing in popularity: using an app, rather than a text message, to authenticate into other apps and services.

Mac: It's been a few years since we've seen AgileBits release a major update to its killer password management app, 1Password, which is why everyone's so excited about last week's debut of 1Password 7. This app should pretty much be a household name at this point, as it's one of the major password managers we recommend to create and store super-secure passwords and passphrases.

Mac: The login screen on a Mac is purposefully devoid of information, but if you'd like to add just a little more info, MacIssues shows you how to with Terminal command.