As a title company, your reputation and very existence relies on the information, documentation, and verification of data. Anything less than maximum attention to protecting the security and validity of that data puts your company at risk. Protecting your identity is equally vital. Real estate fraud is the fastest growing cyber-crime in the nation, and … Continue reading PROTECT YOUR REPUTATION AND YOUR WORK
If you work in the title industry, then you understand that your company is at risk for a cyberattack. You are constantly reading articles about fraudsters, scams, and phishing. You have ongoing training for staff, you put a prevention plan in place, and you upgraded your security measures. Your Cyber Security Incident Response Plan is … Continue reading The (Real)ity of a Cyber Attack
We have all heard about Ransomware, but what exactly is it? Ransomware is a form of malicious software (malware) designed to deny access to systems and/or encrypt files on a device rendering any files and the systems that rely on them unusable. Unfortunately, cybercriminals understand how lucrative real estate information is, making an attack … Continue reading Ransomware: A Looming Threat To Title Agents
With the remote workforce rapidly increasing over the past dozen years, and more companies coming to terms with the necessity of employees working remotely, there is much to consider regarding managing a successful remote team. A remote workforce demands an entirely different structure than operating in a multi-person, shared office environment. It calls for a … Continue reading Are You Operating in a Secure Remote Work Environment? Review These Cybersecurity Measures for Home
This past year has been some of the most challenging times for individuals and companies. Many of us changed the way we conducted business overnight and had to settle into a ‘new normal’. Luckily, it appears as though the dust has settled, and we are getting back to the way things were before the pandemic. Through … Continue reading The Importance of Cybersecurity in the Title Industry
As a title company, your reputation and very existence relies on the information, documentation and verification of data. Anything less than maximum attention to protecting the security and validity of that data puts your company at risk. Protecting your identity is equally vital.A Forbes Magazine article not only states that real estate fraud is the … Continue reading THE NEED FOR & USE OF MULTI-FACTOR-AUTHENTICATION
The exploding real estate market, which has coincided with a once-in-a-century pandemic has increased the likelihood of fraud.Mortgage “phishing”, in which a party receives an email with a fraudulent link is becoming ever more common. This is how it works: An emailed link is sent to a borrower or real estate agent requesting personal information … Continue reading Fraud Greater Concern Than Ever During the Pandemic
As we have all been faced with challenges during COVID-19 changing the way we do business with many of us working from home, hackers have been presented with opportunities to cast a wider net on attacks. IT security has always been important and during these times that importance is even greater.In an ideal world we … Continue reading Working Securely from Home
Although the media headlines often highlight major data breaches of large corporations and government agencies, the majority of businesses being hacked are small businesses. Why is this the case? Most small businesses do not have layers of security in place to protect them so attackers consider them low hanging fruit. According to Verizon’s 2018 Data … Continue reading The Importance of Cybersecurity for Small Businesses
I recently met with the owner of a large real estate brokerage to discuss the scope and value of offensive security services. It was a great meeting and I thought they really understood the importance of protecting their network and digital assets. As we were wrapping up, they remarked “I don’t think we need anything … Continue reading Securing Your Company’s Cyber Security
Microsoft Office 365 is a great product that many title agents are using. Depending on the license purchased agents have access to email, encrypted email, free office software, one drive, file sharing, and many other features. However, as with most technology there are security risks introduced by using Office 365 for email. Many of the security features … Continue reading Securing Office 365 Email
What do you see as the purpose of the Technology Committee? Do you think the Technology Committee’s role has changed given this particular time in our history? The purpose of the VLTA technology committee is to draw from experts in the technology industry to provide valuable information and resources as well as provide education to … Continue reading VLTA’s Technology Committee: A Look Inside with Chair, Melissa Ellis
In October 2017, the NAIC adopted the Insurance Data Security Model Law. The purpose and intent of this Act is to establish standards for data security and standards for the investigation of and notification to the Commissioner of a Cybersecurity Event applicable to Licensees. A licensee is defined as a person or entity licensed, authorized … Continue reading NAIC Data Security Model Law
We all know that the title industry is under attack and phishing emails are on the rise becoming more sophisticated. It is every agent’s worst nightmare to think they may fall victim to a phishing email and suffer a financial loss. It is important to be prepared with the information beforehand on what steps you … Continue reading What to do if you receive a phishing email whether it results in a financial loss or not?
I know you’ve heard all about it, but has it happened to you? If so you know exactly what I’m talking about. When I tell you, this is the scariest thing I’ve ever seen in our business, I mean I worry everyday about the hidden hack. We can’t see where it's coming from or what's happening … Continue reading Straight Talk Title: Email & Wire Fraud Do’s and Don’ts
Let the Sender Be Frustrated. Actually, get frustrated now. This is the most frustrating article you will read in the next several months, I hope... The title and escrow industry has been alarmed by the increase in clever wire fraud schemes. However, the exposure is not limited to closings in which fraudulent wiring instructions can get … Continue reading Email and Diverted Wire Transfers
Virginia is an industry leader in the development of legislation regarding e-closings and remote notarizations. Virginia is only one of two states in the country (the other being Montana) that has allowed for online notary e-closings. While we wait for lawmakers in the rest of the country to catch up, Virginia Land Title professionals must … Continue reading Cyber Insurance Is The Answer
