How to Achieve Digital Empowerment in 9 Simple Steps

Have you ever assessed the security of your digital life? Protecting your information is essential to protecting your integrity and the trust you have with your clients.

In August 2023, a cyberattack on Rapattoni, a provider of Multiple Listing Services (MLS), caused significant disruptions across the U.S. real estate market ¹. This attack affected the ability to post or update listings, which is crucial for real estate transactions.

Additionally, in late 2023, Fidelity National Financial, a significant title services provider, and Mr. Cooper, a mortgage provider, experienced cyberattacks that compromised customer information and disrupted services. These incidents highlight the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in real estate.

You must first be aware of the threats lurking in the digital environment.

Phishing is a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details, often disguised as a trustworthy entity in an email or message.
Malware, short for malicious software, encompasses various software designed to harm or exploit computer systems. Examples include viruses, worms, Trojans, and spyware.
Ransomware is malware that encrypts a victim’s files or data and demands a ransom for decryption. Paying the ransom is not recommended, as it may not guarantee data recovery.
Social engineering involves manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information. This can occur through impersonation, pretexting, or other deceptive techniques.

Secondly, you must learn the best practices for creating and managing passwords, recognizing suspicious emails or websites, and protecting sensitive information:

1. Password Security:

Use strong, unique passwords for each online account. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.

2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):

Enable 2FA wherever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts. This usually involves receiving a one-time code on your mobile device.

3. Email Vigilance

Be cautious of unsolicited emails or attachments, especially those requesting personal or financial information. Verify the sender’s identity before responding.

4. Regular Updates

Keep your operating system, software, and antivirus programs updated with the latest security patches.

5. Backups:

To safeguard against data loss from ransomware or other threats, regularly back up important data to an external source or cloud storage.

6. Privacy Settings:

Review and adjust privacy settings on your devices and online accounts to control the information you share.

7. Employee Training:

If you’re responsible for a team or organization, provide cybersecurity training to employees to raise awareness of digital threats and safe practices.

8. Emergency Response Plan:

Develop an incident response plan to guide actions in case of a security breach, ensuring a swift and coordinated response.

9. Report Suspicious Activity:

If you encounter suspicious digital activity, please report it to your IT department, cybersecurity authorities, or relevant organizations.

Practical Tips:

Regularly update your software and devices to ensure you have the latest security features.
Please be on the lookout for suspicious communications to avoid phishing and other scams.
You can use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts, and consider using a password manager.
Regularly back up important data to protect against data loss.

Blog