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 Portland 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
The first step in protecting yourself online is to use strong passwords. Avoid using common words or phrases and instead use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Use a different password for each account and change them regularly. There are many secure tools you can use to keep all of your passwords in order without the risk of being stolen by perpetrators.
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
Keeping your software up to date is important because new updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities. Make sure your operating system, web browsers, and antivirus software are all up to date. Check them regularly to ensure you are using only the latest and greatest software.
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. Be Wary of 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
Finally, it’s essential to train your employees on cybersecurity best practices. This includes teaching them how to identify and avoid phishing emails, how to create strong passwords, and how to secure their devices. Regular training can help prevent cyberattacks and protect your business.
Cyber security is a must for real estate investors in Portland. 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 Portland, we utilize the latest in cyber security for ourselves and our clients. Learn more about how we work by calling us at 503-765-9326!