Online Safety Tips for REALTORS®
Louisiana Realtors • October 23, 2018
Technology is changing the way we do just about everything in our lives, especially from a business perspective. The convenience of the connectivity that the internet provides makes our professional performance more efficient, agile, and thorough; but it’s not without its risks. With more and more prospecting, organization, and transactional operations moving in a digital direction, it is very important to be aware of online dangers, and how to avoid them. Here are a few tips to keep you and your clients safe.
Protect Your Wireless Router
One of the simplest and most common points of entry to your data is your office’s wireless router. Be sure to change the router’s password from the factory’s default one. This will help to prevent someone from gaining access to your network, installing malicious software, tracking your key strokes, and stealing sensitive information.
Be Aware of Phishing Attempts
Not all digital attacks occur from behind the scenes of a firewall. Many times information can be accessed, or access can be granted without a single line of code. Phishing is the practice of sending what appears to be a legitimate email from a reputable company (like a bank), asking for information like passwords, account numbers, etc. When you respond to these requests or click on any attached links, you are providing all of the information and access needed to compromise your data and/or your network. If you suspect that an email may not be a legitimate inquiry, contact the company’s main support line before you respond.
Mobile Devices Are Also Susceptible
More work is being done on mobile devices than ever before. The capabilities of phones and tablets have made it easier to work while on the go. However, the information that is shared, sent, and stored on these devices can also be compromised without the proper precautions. Be sure to encrypt all of your inbound and outbound data. This prevents anyone but the intended recipient from being able to use the information. This can be easily be done on iPhone and Android devices. It’s also a good idea to avoid using unsecured wireless networks while you are out and about.
From the Louisiana Department of Insurance: Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple joined Governor Jeff Landry and Senate Insurance Committee Chairman Kirk Talbot today to announce that Louisiana is investing an additional $20 million in Fortified homes, bringing the total amount invested in state Fortified projects this year to $100 million. Governor Landry announced that $20 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will be transferred to the Louisiana Office of Community Development Restore Resilient Opportunities for Overhead Fortification (Restore ROOF) program to strengthen residential structures and reduce long-term disaster risk. Earlier this year, the Legislature passed a bill that allows $50 million in additional Katrina and Rita bond money from Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to be added to the Department of Insurance’s Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (LFHP). Also beginning this year, LFHP is projected to receive approximately $30 million annually from taxes and fees the Louisiana Department of Insurance collects from the insurance industry. “Building stronger homes is a vital part of making homeowners insurance affordable in Louisiana,” said Commissioner Temple. “I appreciate Governor Landry’s leadership and support as we work with legislators like Chairman Talbot to make Louisiana a national leader in the adoption of Fortified roofs.” The Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) has finalized its promulgation of Regulation 136—Fortify Homes Premium Discounts. The purpose of Regulation 136 is to implement the statutory provisions set forth in La. R.S. 22:1483, et seq. , which require that all Louisiana property and casualty insurers provide premium discounts or insurance rate reductions for homes constructed or upgraded in accordance with the fortified standards created by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. View Regulation 136 here .
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Learn about common risks as a real estate agent and tips to stay safe during home showings.
