Your information isn’t safe! Hackers and data thieves constantly troll to steal information, and Realtors are vulnerable because they have access to, store, and maintain confidential personal and client records.
It’s not just a desktop computer that can be breached. In a world of technology, there are several areas exposed to hackers, such as a mobile phone, wi-fi, and cloud storage.
Here are ways to protect your information:
On the Cloud
Dropbox and Evernote are popular cloud services for storing files, but security isn’t tight.
- Make sure you encrypt your private information.
- Also, if you backup your files to the cloud, remember that even though you delete them on your computer or mobile device, they are still stored in your cloud account.
- Completely delete the file by removing it from your backup cloud account.
On Social Media
- Limit the amount of personal information you share on social media.
- Check your privacy settings.
- Periodically take a look at your lists on friend connections online and remove the ones you don’t know well.
On Your Computer
- Don’t click on a suspicious link on a web page or email.
- Also, make sure you use security software and keep it up to date.
On Your Phone
There is mobile malware that can hijack your phone, stealing your contact list and running up bill for more services.
- Protect yourself by only downloading phone apps from reputable app stores, like the iTunes App Store, Google Play, and the Windows Store.
On the Web
- Don’t respond to pop-up windows.
- Secure your home Wi-Fi network.
- Set your web browser to auto-update.
Online Shopping or Financial Transactions
- Don’t shop online, log on to banking sites, or social networking sites on a public computer or public Wifi networks. Anyone within Wifi range can access and steal your information.
- Instead, install a personal virtual private network app on your phone or computer to protect your communications.
Use Two-Factor Authentication Facebook, Twitter, and Gmail offer two-factor authentication. It’s basically an extra layer of security to shield your login in process from hackers.
Update, Update, Update Security software becomes less effective when it’s out of date. Make sure you are diligent with prompt software updates.
You’ve been hacked, now what?
- The first thing you should do is reset your passwords. Start with your email account because password resets for all your other accounts are usually sent to your email. Once that’s done, reset passwords in you financial and critical accounts.
- Search the help section of a website, such as Facebook, if you are blocked from accessing it.
- Let your contacts know you’ve been hacked.
- Report the hacking to the site.
- Run a scan of your computer or mobile device using a trusted antivirus program.
- In the case of identity theft, get a copy or your credit reports, file a fraud alert with the major credit bureaus, and monitor monthly statements for any more unusual activity.
There is no way to completely eliminate the risk of hack attacks and other cyber crimes. However, taking action now to protect yourself can help reduce the damage down the road if you are targeted.
Need help protecting your real estate information? Give us a call at REVStaffing today at 855-738-7821, or visit our website at www.revstaffing.com.
If you want to find out how REVStaffing can help you with your real estate business, click here to schedule an appointment.