March 16 2023
As a real estate professional, your data and personal privacy are crucial for your reputation to earn client trust. Unfortunately, hackers and cybercriminals are always looking for vulnerabilities to exploit, making protecting your data and personal privacy from threats vital.
Technology advances can help you safeguard your privacy. For example, password managers like LastPass or Dashlane can help you create and store strong, unique passwords for all your accounts. In addition, antivirus software like Norton or McAfee helps protect your devices from malware and other cyber threats.
For more tech-savvy agents, a Virtual Private Network or VPN can give you an extra layer of protection by encrypting your internet connection and keeping your online activities away from prying eyes. Also, adding a privacy-focused browser extension to Google Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge, like HTTPS Everywhere, Privacy Badger, or uBlock Origin, can increase your browser's security.
But agents also need to remember that almost all email is not encrypted unless you use an encrypted program like ProtonMail. This is where email best practices help protect agents: never share confidential or financial information via email, such as passwords or credit card numbers.
Here are five specific ways you can safeguard your data and personal privacy, from safe browsing habits to securing your devices and accounts:
Like email, one of the simplest ways to protect your privacy is by practicing safe browsing habits. Here are a few tips:
Securing online and offline files is essential to protect sensitive data for you and your clients. Here are some tips:
Your smartphone, tablet, and laptop can be treasure troves of sensitive information. Keep them secure by following these best practices:
Conducting regular security audits helps you identify and address potential vulnerabilities. Here's how to perform one:
Cybersecurity threats continually evolve, so staying informed is crucial in maintaining privacy. There's also an opportunity to share your best practices with your clients. Here's how to stay ahead of the curve:
As a real estate agent, protecting your data and personal privacy is paramount to maintaining trust with your clients and safeguarding your reputation. Incorporating these strategies into your work routine will further bolster your defense against privacy threats and ensure that your data remains safe and secure.
Remember, it's essential to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting your privacy and your client's sensitive information. And if you are one of the 750,000 real estate agents with access to Tech Helpline, never hesitate to ask for assistance!
Tricia Stamper is Director of Technology at Florida Realtors®, which owns and operates Tech Helpline and Form Simplicity.