October isn’t just about fall colors and pumpkin spice. It’s also National Cybersecurity Awareness Month! Use this time as a reminder that in today’s digital world, protecting sensitive information is just as important as securing your home or business.
This is especially true for the real estate industry. Most people start their search for a new home or a Realtor to sell their home online. But all of us involved in the transaction must be vigilant against potential risks. Imagine someone hacking client lists and listing information that was your responsibility, or targeting the funds changing hands at the end of the sale.
While we’ve talked about wire fraud and other scams before, we wanted to dive into some actionable tips you can use to make sure you’re better protected going forward. After all, trust and security are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re sharing a few practical ways to protect yourself and your clients from these scammers.
Update and strengthen your passwords. Use a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and don’t recycle the same password across accounts. Changing them regularly helps keep hackers out.
Keep your devices up to date. Those software and system updates aren’t just for convenience. They often contain critical security fixes, so don’t ignore them. Installing updates right away keeps your tech one step ahead of cyber threats.
Listen to your instincts. If an email, link, or message feels off, it probably is. Delete suspicious messages and avoid clicking on anything that doesn’t seem trustworthy.
Cybersecurity threats are always changing – these scammers are smart, after all – but staying alert and proactive can make all the difference. This month, take a moment to review your online safety habits and strengthen the trust your clients place in you.
For the BBS Notary team, protecting our partners and their clients goes beyond the signing table. Together, we can make sure every transaction stays secure, professional, and stress-free. Thank you for choosing us to be your secure, convenient and affordable signing partner!