4 Internet Security Tips All REALTORS® Should Know
LOUISIANA REALTORS • February 22, 2017
It’s no mystery that there are countless ways for people to access information on the internet. There are entire companies built on monitoring and protecting against identity theft, aisles of software at Best Buy to keep your computer protected, and a variety of businesses making a fortune on restoring lost data. Unfortunately one of the most vulnerable populations for security breaches and data compromises is REALTORS®.
With so much sensitive information on hand, not only theirs, but their clients’ as well, the target on any REALTOR®’s network and devices is a big one. However, with these four best practices for internet and information security, that target can shrink dramatically.
Configure Your Mobile Devices for Security and Keep Them Updated
Mobile is becoming a bigger player in every facet of life, and real estate is no different. Access to information, answers to questions, and a more interactive experience make mobile devices like smartphones and tablets an ideal tool. Leverage these simple security measures on your mobile devices:
- Use all available encryption features.
- Set Bluetooth to “hidden” (or disable).
- Limit the use of third-party apps not developed by reputable companies.
- Look at tools for virus protection, firewall implementation, lost device safety (remote tracking, wiping, and relocation).
Create Strong Passwords and Use Encryption
Creating a password that features letters, numbers, and punctuation, and is at least eight characters long is the best strategy. You should also change your password every 120-180 days (if not more often). Using password management software or opting for a platform to “remember” your password is not ideal. Should a device be lost, stolen or accessed, your passwords can easily be compromised.
For the information stored on your hard drive and server, encryption is a necessity. Encryption transforms information that anyone can read to an unreadable code that can only be translated with the right access and key. So even if someone did compromise your files, the information would be useless to them.
Install and Maintain Anti-Virus Software
Whether you use a Mac or a PC, the latest version of anti-virus software is a must. Protecting your computer and other devices from malware, worms, viruses, and Trojan Horses will limit the amount of exposure you have to potentially harmful files and schemes.
Be Aware of Phishing Attempts
One of the most common internet scams is phishing. This can occur in a number of ways, and while the above mentioned tactics and tools can prevent some of the avenues for which phishing is executed, this can still be a dangerous threat for REALTORS®. “Ghost” accounts, doctored email addresses, and seemingly innocent referrals are all tactics that phishers use. The most effective attempts are disguised to appear legitimate.
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- Email addresses with a familiar name
- Email addresses that seem to be from a reputable company
- Messages disguised as authentic business transactions
It is important to be diligent when you receive any correspondence like the ones mentioned above. Anyone asking for personal information or money on behalf of a company should raise a red flag. Cross reference any communication or email address from someone by researching their contact information, or reach out to them directly. Here are some other measures to prevent phishing attempts in your inbox:
- Check and monitor your email settings. A compromised account will often have an altered “forwarding” setting.
- Maintain and delete any unneeded emails. A regular purge of your inbox lowers the chances of something going unseen or unnoticed until it’s too late. Securely save any important emails.
- Avoid using an unsecured Wi-Fi connection.
- Avoid emailing sensitive information. Use a secure file sharing platform instead.
While technology makes business easier and more efficient, it also presents new challenges and threats. However with some due-diligence, and the right tools and practices in place you can keep your and your clients’ information safe and secure.
Candidate qualifying for Louisiana’s November 3 election began Wednesday, August 5, and concludes Friday, August 7. The three-day qualifying period will establish the candidates for all six U.S. House districts, as well as judicial, parish and municipal races across the state. This election cycle includes several changes to Louisiana’s congressional races and election calendar. The state’s U.S. House primaries, originally scheduled for May 16, were canceled following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais. The Louisiana Legislature subsequently adopted a new congressional map that reduced the number of Black-majority congressional districts from two to one. Under the revised election calendar, the November 3 U.S. House contests will use an open primary system. All qualified candidates will appear on the November ballot, regardless of party affiliation. A candidate receiving more than 50% of the vote will be elected. If no candidate receives a majority, the two candidates receiving the most votes will advance to a December 12 runoff. U.S. Senate The November general election will feature Republican nominee U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow and Democratic nominee Jamie Davis. Letlow's Senate campaign has also created an open seat in Louisiana's 5th Congressional District. 5th Congressional District Several candidates have announced campaigns for the 5th Congressional District seat: State Sen. Stewart Cathey State Rep. Michael Echols Louisiana Board of Regents Chair Misti Cordell State Rep. Gabe Firment Cathey, Echols and Firment currently serve in the Louisiana Legislature. Additional candidates may qualify before the deadline on Friday. The 5th District covers portions of northeastern and central Louisiana and extends into the Florida Parishes. 6th Congressional District Congressman Cleo Fields has announced that he will not seek reelection in the newly redrawn 6th Congressional District. Instead, Fields is running in a special election for his former state Senate seat, which became vacant following the death of Sen. Larry Selders of Baton Rouge. The newly drawn 6th Congressional District extends around the Baton Rouge area and includes portions of rural communities surrounding the capital region. State Sen. Rick Edmonds has announced his candidacy. State Sen. Blake Miguez has also been discussed as a potential candidate, although the candidate field will not be finalized until qualifying closes Friday. Federal law requires congressional candidates to reside in the state they seek to represent but does not require them to reside within the specific congressional district. 2nd Congressional District Congressman Troy Carter currently represents the 2nd Congressional District, which extends from the Baton Rouge area toward New Orleans. Under the newly adopted congressional map, the 2nd District remains Louisiana's sole Black-majority congressional district. East Baton Rouge Parish Judiciary All 15 judgeships on the 19th Judicial District Court are scheduled for election following the Legislature's creation of two new judicial election subdistricts. Each subdistrict will elect seven judges, with an additional judgeship elected parishwide. Litigation challenging the new judicial map remains pending. Judicial races are among the contests being monitored by Louisiana REALTORS® and local Political Action Teams. Judicial decisions can have implications for property rights, business activity, litigation and the overall legal environment in Louisiana. Local Elections Voters across Louisiana will also consider candidates for mayors, city and parish councils, school boards, police chiefs and other local offices. While these races typically receive less statewide attention than congressional and statewide contests, local elected officials make decisions affecting land use, zoning, permitting, infrastructure, taxation and housing policy. These issues can directly affect real estate activity and development within local communities. Candidate Lists and Election Information The candidate field will not be final until qualifying closes Friday, August 7. The official list of qualified candidates is available through the Louisiana Secretary of State's Candidate Inquiry portal. The complete election schedule, including key dates for voting, registration and absentee ballots, is available through the Secretary of State's election calendar. For Louisiana REALTORS®, the qualifying period provides an early look at the candidates who will appear on the November ballot and the races that may affect real estate, property rights, development and local communities across the state.
The Louisiana REALTORS® Board of Directors will elect six (6) LR At-Large Directors at its October 1st meeting. Qualifications and an application for the position can be found below.
From the Louisiana Department of Insurance: Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple recognizes fire districts that have received improved fire ratings since last year. Improved fire ratings lead to reduced fire insurance premiums for property owners in the associated area. “Improved fire protection ratings demonstrate the hard work and dedication of fire departments and community leaders. These improvements make homes and communities safer and can reduce fire insurance premiums,” Commissioner Temple said. “Some premium reductions are more than others, but any improvement to the safety and resilience of our communities is a win for everyone.” Fire protection grading is promulgated by the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana (PIAL) and approved by the Commissioner of Insurance. All fire districts are graded on a scale of 1 to 10 by PIAL, with 10 representing no fire protection and 1 representing the best level of protection. The PIAL considers several factors when determining a district’s grading, including the number of dispatchers on duty, the number of firefighters and fire trucks and the availability of water. “I’m extremely proud of the Louisiana Fire Service,” said Department of Public Safety Principal Assistant Chief Bryan J Adams. “They continue to step up, work hard and deliver exceptional service to protect our community. As we partner with them through training and the enrollment support they need to succeed, you can expect continued results like this. Our office is committed to staying at the forefront of collaboration with the Louisiana Fire Service—because we’re truly One Team.” Policyholders in the affected areas should contact their insurance producer if they have questions about how fire rating improvements may affect their fire insurance premiums. The average annual premium reduction examples below are calculated for a brick masonry home with an HO-3 policy insured for $250,000, with a $500 deductible.
