The world of real estate investing has gone digital, and with it, the risk of cyberattacks has increased as well. There have been many recent cyber attacks on the real estate world, causing major security breaches. Real estate investors in Baltimore must take cyber security seriously to protect their financial information and transactions. Here are ten ways real estate investors can protect themselves online in today’s day and age.
1. Use Strong Passwords
When it comes to online security, one of the most crucial steps is creating strong passwords. Instead of using common words or phrases, opt for a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. It’s important to use a different password for each account and make it a habit to change them regularly. Fortunately, there are numerous secure tools available that can help you manage and organize all your passwords, minimizing the risk of them falling into the wrong hands.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. This requires you to provide an additional piece of information, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password to access your account. Any important logins should always have two-factor authentication in place.
3. Keep Software Up to Date
It is crucial to keep your software up to date as it often includes security patches that address vulnerabilities. Be sure to regularly check and update your operating system, web browsers, and antivirus software to ensure you are using the most recent and secure versions. By doing so, you can protect your computer and data from potential threats. If you need assistance with software updates or have any questions, feel free to contact Baltimore Housing Source, Inc at (410)775-6573.
4. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A VPN encrypts your internet connection and protects your browsing activity from prying eyes. This is especially important when using public Wi-Fi, which is often unsecured.
5. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
Make sure your Wi-Fi network is secured with a strong password. Do not use default passwords that come with the router. Also, consider hiding your network name (SSID) to prevent unauthorized access. Attackers can access your personal information if they are able to gain access to your wifi.
6. Protect Yourself Against Suspicious Emails
Phishing emails are a common way cyber criminals try to steal personal information. Be wary of emails that ask you to click on a link or provide personal information. Always verify the sender and check the email address to ensure it is legitimate. Never open an email or click a link from someone you don’t know.
7. Use Secure Websites
When making online transactions, make sure you are using a secure website. Look for “https” in the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar. This indicates that the website is using encryption to protect your information.
8. Backup Your Data
Backing up your data can help you recover from a cyberattack. Regularly backup important files and store them in a secure location. This can be an external hard drive or cloud storage service.
9. Limit Access to Information
Limit the number of people who have access to your financial information. This includes employees, contractors, and vendors. Also, consider implementing a role-based access control system to ensure only authorized personnel have access to sensitive information.
10. Train Employees on Cyber Security
Ensuring the cybersecurity of your business requires training your employees on best practices. This includes educating them on how to recognize and avoid phishing emails, the importance of creating strong passwords, and how to secure their devices. Regular training sessions can effectively reduce the risk of cyberattacks and safeguard your business.
Cyber security is a must for real estate investors in Baltimore. By using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, keeping software up to date, using a VPN, securing your Wi-Fi network, being wary of suspicious emails, using secure websites, backing up your data, limiting access to information, and training employees on cyber security, you can protect yourself from cyberattacks and keep your financial information safe. As real estate professionals in Baltimore, we utilize the latest in cyber security for ourselves and our clients. Learn more about how we work by calling us at (410)775-6573!