Protecting your firm and your clients

As the world evolves, so does the real estate profession. These changes are sometimes a double-edged sword. Cell phones, tablets, apps, social media, plug-ins, etc. improve communication with clients and provide new ways to market properties, but also provide criminals new opportunities to prey on the profession and its clients. In today’s environment of transmitting information and money at the touch of a button, criminals can create ways to intercept that information and money to you and your clients’ detriment. Please see below for a compilation of information designed to assist you in safeguarding the data you and your clients share on a regular basis. 
  • Step 1: Take Stock

    Step 1: Take Stock

    Know what personal information you have in your files and on your computers.

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  • Step 2: Scale Down

    Step 2: Scale Down

    Keep only what you need for your business.

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  • Step 3: Lock It

    Step 3: Lock It

    Protect the information that you keep.

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  • Step 4: Pitch It

    Step 4: Pitch It

    Properly dispose of what you no longer need.

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  • Step 5: Plan Ahead

    Step 5: Plan Ahead

    Create a plan to respond to security incidents.

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Your Data Security & Privacy Toolkit

This Data Security & Privacy Toolkit from the National Association of REALTORS® aims to educate real estate professionals about the need for data security and privacy and to assist them in complying with legal responsibilities. Included are information on federal regulations regarding data security, checklists of issues to consider, sample policies created by the government and the FTC's "5 Key Principles to a Sound Data Security Program," which is highlighted here.

Download Security & Privacy Toolkit

REALTOR® Cyber Security Resources

Cyber Security Checklist

for REALTORS®

Use these best practices to curb the risk of cybercrime in your everyday communications and transactions.

View Checklist

Preventing Cybercrime

During COVID-19

Use these tips to stay vigilant as you have been forced to adapt in an increasingly virtual world.

Watch Video

Wire Fraud Red Flags

To Watch Out For

One way to prevent wire fraud from affecting you is to familiarize yourself with common practices.

Learn More

Wire Fraud Alert Form

for Clients

Have your clients sign a document that outlines the potential of wire fraud in real estate transactions.

View Sample Form

Wire Fraud Email

Signature Notice

Add a notice about wire fraud into your email signature as a reminder to be on the lookout for anything suspicious.

View Sample Signature

Real Life REALTOR®

Wire Fraud Story

What started as an exciting home search ended in a cautionary tale for real estate professionals.

View Case Study

How to Report

Cases of Wire Fraud

The FBI stresses the importance of filing a report within 72 hours of the occurrence to attempt for best results.

Learn More

Consider Cyber Insurance

through CyberPolicy®

Protect your business with a customized program created for REALTOR®-owned brokerages.

Learn More
Beware of this scam....you could potentially be a target

Beware of this scam....you could potentially be a target

By Louisiana REALTORS • June 28, 2019
SCAM ALERT: Organization fraudulently claims to be fundraising for high school sports teams taking advantage of people’s generosity.
CYBERSECURITY THREATS TO WATCH FOR

Cybersecurity Threats to Watch For [INFOGRAPHIC]

By LOUISIANA REALTORS • June 3, 2018
Avoid Becoming a Victim of Cybercrime

Avoid Becoming a Victim of Cybercrime

By Louisiana REALTORS • December 13, 2017
Cybercrime and cybersecurity is a growing concern for the real estate industry. Reports of wire fraud taking place in real estate transactions are being brought to light daily. Louisiana REALTORS® has compiled a new Cybersecurity resource with information and helpful things to protect your business and your clients from becoming a victim of cybercrime.
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The information contained on this page and associated links are intended to provide Association members with general information regarding cyber security and wire fraud. The Association cannot warrant the accuracy of the information contained on this page and associated links as technology, law, and regulations are ever changing. The Association members are responsible for contacting their own attorneys and technology consultants for advice regarding how best to protect their offices and clients from cyber and/or wire fraud threats.

Providing optimum member resources
while serving as the advocate for REALTORS® & consumers.