Don’t Be a Victim of Cybercrime - What You Can Do to Avoid It
HomeSmart
For more information about the author, click to view their website: Jude Creamer /HomeSmart
Oct 20, 2023
Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties
Technology is constantly improving, which means that cybercrime is on the rise. As an agent, it’s more important now than ever before to protect yourself from the dangers of cyberspace. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has created a checklist that lists cybersecurity measures you can take to keep yourself and your business protected. Here’s an overview of what it has to say.
Email and Password Hygiene
You most likely use your email and a variety of other services everyday to conduct business, which means that your accounts might contain a lot of personal and confidential information. It’s easy to forget about securing your accounts when you access them day in and day out, but this is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself from cybercrime.
According to NAR, your login credentials are especially important to protect. You should carefully guard login and access information to your email and any other service platform you use during the transaction, while also making sure that the usernames and passwords are different for each account. For example, if a hacker accesses one of your accounts, you don’t want them to easily access any others using the same login information. In addition, your passwords should be long and complex, with a combination of letters, numbers and symbols that would be hard for any person or computer to guess. Finally, NAR recommends using two-factor authentication to give your accounts that extra level of security. This requires you to give two forms of identification to access your accounts so that hackers can’t get in, even if they know your password.
When it comes to general email hygiene, NAR recommends that you be careful with both the information you send and the information you receive. When sending emails that contain sensitive information, you should use encrypted email, a transaction management platform or a document-sharing program to protect your information from being easily stolen. If you receive an email that contains any unknown attachments or links, don’t click on them––they could contain malware that infects your device. And whether you’re on the sending or receiving end of an email, NAR recommends that you avoid doing business over unsecured wifi, where hackers can easily access your personal data.
Other IT-Based Security Measures
While it’s a good idea to secure each of your accounts, it’s equally important to protect your devices’ operating systems and software. NAR emphasizes that you should always keep antivirus software, firewalls, operating systems and programs active and up-to-date to receive the highest level of protection. It’s also a good idea to regularly back up the data on your device. By doing this, it will be stored in a safe place in the case that a virus infects your device or someone hacks in and erases your information.
Another way that NAR suggests securing your device is by avoiding any suspicious links or applications. If you receive a text message from an unknown sender that contains a link, don’t open it or your information could be stolen. If you’re downloading an app, make sure that it’s legitimate by researching it beforehand so that it doesn’t breach your privacy or infect your system. And if you ever need an IT provider, work with an attorney to review their policies and contracts before allowing them access to any of your devices.
Law, Policy and Insurance Considerations
So far we’ve talked about some everyday measures you can take to improve your cybersecurity. But there are larger considerations you should also keep in mind to make sure that you’re protected in the long-run. According to NAR, your attorney can help you develop a written disclosure warning clients about the possibility of cybercrimes resulting from their transaction. In this disclosure, you can recommend certain steps for sellers and buyers that will protect their personal information and finances. In addition to a disclosure, NAR recommends that you also develop policies relating to document retention and destruction, cyber and data security and breach notifications and responses.
NAR believes that you should stay up-to-date on those documents and coverages you already have––for example, your insurance coverage. Ask your insurance agent about additional options you can add to your plan, such as cyber insurance and crime protection products. In addition, remember to stay up-to-date with your state’s laws regarding personal information, cyber and data-related business policies and other legally required security-related business practices. This will all help you and your clients stay protected and will save you time and stress in the long run.
It’s easy to put off the small steps that can protect you from cybercrime, but don’t wait! Unfortunately, it’s only becoming more common in today’s digital space. If you don’t start protecting yourself now, you could be a hacker’s next victim at any moment. By implementing the items from NAR’s Cybersecurity Checklist, you can begin living with peace of mind that you and your business will stay protected.
- To view the original version of this article visit blog.homesmart.com/dont-be-a-victim-of-cybercrime-what-you-can-do-to-avoid-it
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
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Jude Creamer / HomeSmart
Real Estate Acquisitions of Distressed Properties , , Florida,Empathetic Support for Out-of-State FamiliesNavigating the complexities of transitioning a loved one to assisted or independent living from afar can be daunting. As someone who has faced similar challenges firsthand, I understand the emotional and logistical hurdles, particularly when it comes to managing the sale of your parents' home. Your Trusted Local Ally: Providing Care and GuidanceI'm Jude Creamer, and I offer a holistic solution tailored to ease the burden of handling real estate transactions from a distance. Based locally in Bradenton and Sarasota, I provide the compassionate support and professional expertise needed to ensure a seamless transition for you and your family. With my personal insight and a dedicated team, we'll prepare the property for sale and oversee the entire process with meticulous attention to detail. Peace of Mind, Even from AfarRecognizing the challenges of managing estate affairs remotely, I offer a comprehensive service that relieves the stress of long-distance property management. You can trust that I'll manage every aspect of the sale process diligently, allowing you to focus on other priorities while knowing your loved one's home is in capable hands. Support Every Step of the WayFrom arranging necessary repairs to staging the property for maximum appeal, my team and I handle every aspect of the sale with professionalism and care. Understanding that distance can pose limitations, I strive to provide personalized support that aligns with your family's needs and preferences. Methodical and Effective ExecutionNavigating estate transactions requires a systematic approach, and I'm equipped with the resources and expertise to ensure a smooth and efficient process. With a deep understanding of the local market and industry dynamics, I work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family. Schedule a Consultation TodayWhen you're ready to entrust the sale of your parent's home to a compassionate and dedicated professional, don't hesitate to reach out. Let's collaborate to make this transition as seamless as possible, allowing you to focus on ensuring your loved one's new living situation is optimal for their next chapter.