Cybersecurity: How Tech Can Ruin Your Business

With the increased susceptibility in the real estate industry to cybercrimes, identity theft and wire fraud, it is critical that Realtors learn the best methods and set a new standard of practice when caring for their clients’ sensitive information obtained during a transaction. With the increased activity, communications, and sharing on the internet and through social media, Realtors must educate their clients on safety precautions. This course is designed to elevate awareness, assist students in establishing policies and procedures, and raise the level of care offered to the consumer when we promise to protect and promote a client’s best interests. Students will take a pretest on their current security systems and recognize where they may harm their clients.

Learning Objectives

• Identify why and how the real estate industry has become a primary target for hackers and cybercriminals.
• Identify what PPI is in their state, and why they are legally required to protect this information if they come in contact with it for any of their clients.
• Identify the best anti-virus tools to protect their devices, how to properly ensure all software and apps are up-to-date and patched and how creating strong passwords is key to protecting their devices, accounts, client files and communications.
• Describe what encryption is and how it should be used by agents for file management and correspondence.
• Explain what wire transfer fraud is and how it works, and how to protect themselves and their customers from this prevalent scam targeting the industry.
• Review the spam act, the Do Not Call Registry, as well as advertising requirements, Fair Housing, and ADA compliance standards as well as the NAR’s Code of Ethics.