In today’s modern age, it has become inevitable and impossible to prevent data breaches, hacking, and other cybercrime attacks from happening. These malicious acts are usually what causes businesses to falter; with confidential data getting exposed out in the open, making both ends vulnerable.
In the real estate sector, confidentiality is a must. So much of a real estate property’s files and documents need to be protected, especially those personal, banking, and title information from and for the client. Fortunately, there are ways and practices that you can use to reduce the risk of having to go through sudden cyber threats and attacks. According to MDL Technology, cybersecurity automation is now being adopted in many companies and organizations, no matter how big or small.
As for the real estate industry, while you’re at it, might as well look through these tips and ways on how to increase cybersecurity and reduce the risk of losing all relevant and valuable documents in the hands of a cyber hacker.
Keep Softwares Updated
One of the very first and essential things to do to keep your documents safe is to update your current software. Always ensure that your advanced endpoint anti-virus softwares are all updated and accurately configured. Most of the time, hackers get to pass through security and anti-virus firewalls because of your software getting way behind all updates. To make sure that you don’t lose any important data amidst updating, do perform regular backups also to prevent these documents from getting into the wrong hands.
Communicate With Your Clients And Educate Them
Cyber thieves, hackers, and attackers can get clients wired into their tricks and make them lose a great deal of money by creating look-a-like email addresses and headers–ones that look so similar to what your company uses and sends to all clients. With this, learn how to be transparent with all your clients. Educate them about how cybersecurity is inevitable yet preventive if you keep following instructions on how to increase one’s cybersecurity.
Most importantly, never communicate financial reports and banking information online. Might as well talk about all crucial and vital matters personally over meetings to prevent hackers from getting into much detail and keep taking big chunks of cash from your clients. Additionally, instruct your clients to always check in with you via phone calls if they have any concerns, or should they receive anything malicious and suspicious under your company’s name.
Lastly, use common sense. Social media networks are not secure, and they will never be. Never disclose confidential client information via social media platforms.
Change Your Passwords
This is very basic, yet highly important still. Change your passwords and start using letters, numbers, and other special characters. Use encrypted passwords as much as possible. This can prevent anyone from figuring it out as it is difficult. Most importantly, never use the same password over all your accounts because if a hacker gets through one account, then he’ll be able to get through all of your accounts. So be wise in encrypting your passwords and incorporate multi-factor authentication across all your websites and social media profiles.
Protect Your Wireless Router
It’s also crucial that you start protecting your wireless router. Change its administrative password into something much more difficult, something even you wouldn’t think of. If you don’t do this now, it’ll make it easy for hackers to get into your wireless network, have access to your data, and change the password. In turn, they can install bugs, Trojans, and worms that can gain control of your desktop.
Learn About Your State Laws Regarding Data Breach
When all else fails, learn and look more into your state’s laws that concern data breaches. Also, you may want to seek advice from a company lawyer so you’d know what to do and which step to take next. Additionally, you can also speak with IT professionals to make sure your company itself doesn’t violate any data-related state laws. It’s an important factor to consider learning more about these laws for when the time comes that you’re faced with such cases concerning this matter, you’d know your rights and where you stand.
Wrapping Up
As mentioned, it has become nearly impossible today to protect company data, especially when they’re all vulnerable to cyber threats and attacks. What you should do as a company is to keep educating yourselves and your clients about these possibilities. More than anything, follow these tips mentioned above to prevent risks as much as possible. Instead of looking for bandaid solutions, why not try preventive measures now before it’s too late, right?