5 Tips for Realtor Safety and Security in the Digital Age
In a time where transactions and client interactions are primarily conducted online, the safety and security of REALTORS® and their clients have never been more critical. With a mix of traditional security concerns and new digital threats, safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining secure property access are top priorities. Here are five simple yet effective tips to help REALTORS® stay safe in this digital age: 1. Leverage Technology with Security in Mind In a world where online threats are common, keeping your digital interactions safe is essential. Strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and secure Wi-Fi networks helps protect your digital space and client information. Keep your devices and software up-to-date — it's like giving your tech a regular security check-up. Also, think about using a VPN for online transactions. It adds an extra protection layer, like a digital safety net. 2. Verify Client Identities With more digital interactions, it's harder to tell who's genuine. Use video chats for first meetings to understand better who you're dealing with. These virtual face-to-face interactions offer a more personal connection, allowing you to pick up on nuances and details often missed in emails or phone calls. They allow you to see the person, gauge their reactions, and establish a more solid understanding of who they are. Combining this with traditional ID checks helps make sure your clients are who they say they are. 3. Store Sensitive Information Securely It's super important to keep your client's data safe. For online information, using encrypted digital storage is a smart move. It's like having a secure digital locker for all that vital information. And for physical papers, keep them locked up, too. It's all about ensuring only the right people can get to this stuff. Also, it's a good idea to check who can access this information regularly. And don't forget to help your clients understand how to share their details safely. Teaching them about secure sharing means they're less likely to give their information to the wrong person accidentally. 4. Conduct Safe Property Showings When it comes to showing properties, safety is paramount. Start by organizing your showings in advance and setting up a reliable check-in system. This keeps things organized and ensures someone always knows your location for added safety. Consider the power of virtual tours, too; they're convenient and reduce the need for in-person visits, keeping you and your clients safe. When conducting in-person showings, have a clear plan in place. Discuss the safety protocols you'll be following with your clients, such as limiting the number of people during the showing. Remember, clear communication is key – it ensures everyone is on the same page and comfortable with the process. Have you thought about how these practices could enhance your own showing routines? REALTORS® often have to be in unfamiliar situations with unfamiliar people every day, which is why the SentriKey® Real Estate App is the first and only lockbox to have a built-in agent safety feature. During an active showing, the app will periodically check in with the REALTOR® and will automatically alert emergency contacts if the REALTOR® does not or cannot confirm they are safe. 5. Count on SentriLock for Enhanced Security Choose SentriLock for that added security you need. Our lockbox systems and services come with top-notch encryption and security. This means only people who should have access can get into properties and see important information. Navigating the complexities of today's property market means having the right support, especially in terms of safety and security. SentriLock is more than just a provider of lockbox solutions; we're your partner in ensuring secure and efficient operations. Wondering how our systems can improve your security practices? Have questions about digital safety measures? Reach out to us. Let's explore how we can work together to make your operations safer and more secure, ensuring you're well-prepared to meet the demands of the modern property market. To view the original article, visit the SentriLock blog.

[Podcast] Online Safety: What You Should Never Post on Social Media
Most real estate professionals have heard the advice, "Be authentic!" in regards to posting on social media. And it's true, being your warm, inviting self will draw in far more followers than staid business posts ever could. But is it possible to be too authentic? Where should real estate pros draw the line when talking about their family and personal life, or even their clients and listings — especially in an age of online predators, scammers, and data collectors? In this episode of the Drive with NAR: Safety Series, host Tracey Hawkins talks with two real estate social media stars about the online boundaries they draw to protect their own and their clients' privacy. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Libsyn Visit the episode homepage for show notes and more detail.

6 Reasons Not to Use Similar Passwords and the Best Alternatives
Today, our entire lives – professional and personal – are online. Increasing your security steps is now imperative. For Realtors, it's not just about locking doors after an open house but also bolting the virtual gateways to invaluable data: yours and your clients. It's challenging for anyone to keep track of the password demands of today as it seems nearly everything we access needs a password. Unfortunately, shortcuts can be costly. Using a simple password or a variation of a main password structure is like leaving your doors unlocked, begging hackers to enter. In a recent study by NordPass, the word "password" was the fifth most popular for nearly 21 million people worldwide. The top four passwords were "123456," "123456789," "12345," and "qwerty." It's also a common practice to simply create a variation of your favorite password, but experts warn that doing this exposes you to monumental risks. Here are six reasons why you don't want to create a variation of the same password and strategies to increase the protection of your data online. 1. The Peril of Variations Switching a number here or capitalizing a letter there might seem like you're outsmarting potential threats. But hackers are more sophisticated than ever. With advanced software programs that run powerful algorithms, bad actors can quickly predict exposed password variations. It's akin to a criminal casing a bank and studying routines. They still find their way in if you shift your spare key from the doormat to the flowerpot. 2. The Dangers of the Dark Web When internet breaches occur, the dark web becomes a marketplace of stolen data. Passwords are among the prime commodities. Are you using slightly adjusted passwords across platforms? If so, it potentially hands hackers a key to every digital room of your life. Again, for Realtors, protecting your data extends beyond personal ramifications. It means potentially jeopardizing client data – breaking their trust if sensitive information is accessed. 3. The Power of Modern Browsers Today's popular internet browsers like Google Chrome, Safari, and Microsoft Edge aren't just internet portals. They can fortify your online activity. By leveraging their cutting-edge features, you gain: Auto-generated Passwords: Your browser can instantly offer watertight passwords tailored to each site. Better yet, they store your new credentials and retrieve them as needed. Secure Vaults: Never forget or misplace your passwords again – the browser remembers them for you. Prompt Updates: Keeping your browser current ensures it will have the latest security protocols ready to protect you from nefarious plays. A continually updated browser is akin to a shield that's ever-changing to fend off the newest threats. 4. Passkey Protection Tech giants Google and Apple are launching a new era of passkeys. What are passkeys, and why should you care? Passkeys are the next generation of technology designed to replace passwords – and the challenges they create. First, passkeys are digital marvels. They are secure digital tokens that do away with the age-old hassle of recalling your passwords. Second, passkeys are unique to each site or application, residing securely within your device. Think of it as your distinctive digital signature for each site requiring secure access. What's the big deal? A compromised passkey for one site is utterly useless elsewhere. 5. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) MFA might feel like a chore, but the little bit of extra work makes it worth the effort. Visualize it as an advanced security system of a home. It demands not one but multiple proofs of identity – a known password, a device in hand, often to enter a code sent, or sometimes a biometric imprint like a face or fingerprint scan. This multifaceted defense means that intruders can't go any further, even if one part breaches. 6. Password Managers Does having to manage countless, highly unique passwords frighten you? An easy alternative is to use a password manager. Password managers are specialized software tools and browser add-ons designed to help you create, store, and retrieve intricate and unique passwords for your online accounts. Think of them as digital vaults. You only need to remember one strong master password to access your password manager, and it takes care of the rest, inputting the correct password on the right site whenever you need it. Reaping the Benefits When you forgo the lure of password shortcuts, you reap huge benefits: Trust: In an industry where your reputation is everything, safeguarding client data is vital. Peace of Mind: You can soundly sleep when you realize your digital identity is shut tighter than a drum. Efficiency: By using any of these automated tools, you'll spend less time on password recovery and more on your business. Fortifying Your Future Knowing the importance of password protection is the first step. Using the latest technology to fortify your online access is the next one. If you need help and advice, contact a friendly analyst at Tech Helpline, a free member benefit for over 765,000 Realtors across North America, for assistance. Remember, using a smarter approach to your passwords keeps your doors locked and prevents bad actors from breaking in. Related Reads From the Tech Helpline Blog: Is Your Computer Protected from All The Newest Cyber Threats? A Quick Checklist Top 5 Ways for Real Estate Agents to Protect Their Data and Personal Privacy How safe is your computer? Check out this safety checklist! Tricia Stamper is Director of Technology at Florida Realtors®, which owns both Tech Helpline and Form Simplicity.   Thank you to Tech Helpline for sponsoring this article on RE Technology!

5 Ways Busy Agents Can Ensure Their Children's Safety in a Digital World
While client meetings, property listings, and managing your transactions make up your days, one role takes precedence over all others if you have children — and that's being a parent. As a dedicated real estate agent, you're constantly striving for success, but the safety and well-being of your children can't take a backseat to a busy work life. In today's digital age, protecting your kids from the potential pitfalls of the online world is vital. Research tells us that digital technology enhances children's ability to engage in our world and also poses safety risks. Cybercrimes against children are prevalent – and growing. A recent internet dangers study shows that 12 million children in the US are exposed to cyber risks, nine million are affected by cyberbullying, and six million experienced cyber threats from 2015 to 2020. Here are five practical ways for busy real estate agents to ensure their children's safety in today's digital domain: 1. Open Communication Lines The foundation of online safety for your children begins with open and honest communication. We recommend ensuring your kids feel comfortable talking to you about their online experiences, concerns, and questions. Creating a safe space where they can share their thoughts without fear of judgment or punishment is a great place to start. A Method for This Approach: Set aside dedicated time for family discussions. Ask your kids about their online activities, friends, and any uncomfortable situations they may have encountered. Offer guidance and support, emphasizing the importance of responsible online behavior. Keep devices in plain sight — find a shared open space for their use of digital devices. 2. Educate Your Children about Online Risks Teaching your children about the potential dangers of the internet is crucial. Explain concepts such as online privacy, cyberbullying, and the importance of not sharing personal information with strangers. Equip them with the knowledge to recognize and avoid risky situations. A Method for This Approach: Use age-appropriate resources to explain online safety to your children. Numerous online resources, videos, and books are tailored for different age groups. Discuss real-life examples to illustrate the importance of caution online. 3. Set Clear Boundaries and Rules Establishing rules and boundaries for internet usage can help your children understand what is expected of them. These guidelines should cover screen time limits, appropriate websites and apps, and the importance of reporting all suspicious or uncomfortable online interactions. A Method for This Approach: Create a family internet usage agreement. Outline the guidelines and consequences for breaching them. Collaborate with your children to ensure the rules are fair and reasonable, taking into account their age and maturity. 4. Utilize Parental Control Software Parental control software can be valuable in monitoring and managing your children's online activities. These programs allow you to filter inappropriate content, set time limits, and track your child's online interactions. A Method for This Approach: Research and choose a parental control software that suits your family's needs. Install it on all devices your children use. Customize settings to match your established rules and boundaries. Regularly review the software's reports to stay informed about your children's online behavior. If you need recommendations and guidance, reach out to Tech Helpline. 5. Lead by Example As a parent, you serve as a role model for your kids. Demonstrating responsible online behavior is just as crucial as teaching it. By setting a positive example, you can help guide your kids on how to navigate the digital world safely. A Method for This Approach: Be mindful of your own online actions. Avoid oversharing personal information on social media and practice good digital hygiene, such as using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication. Encourage your kids to ask questions when they see you practicing safe online behavior. Balancing a successful career in real estate with the demands of parenthood can sometimes be overwhelming, but your children's safety always remains a top priority. By fostering open communication, educating your children, setting clear boundaries, utilizing parental control software and settings, and leading by example, you're creating powerful tools to ensure their protection in the digital age. So, take charge, empower your family, and let the digital world be a place of exploration and growth, not a source of worry. To view the original article, visit the Tech Helpline blog. Related reading Are Your Kids Attending School from Home? Safest Ways to Share Your Work Computer Social Media and Kids: 5 Ways to Monitor What's Going On Hacking, Scams, And Viruses: 4 Effective Ways to Work From Home More Safely

Where Do Crimes Against Agents Take Place? Open Houses, Home Showings Are Two Significant 'Danger Zones'
Meeting with strangers in private locations can be an inherently risky activity, and it's something that real estate agents do every day in order to provide their clients with services. But exactly how dangerous is it, or can it be? A recent WAV Group study examined agent safety topics, asking real estate agents if they have ever been the victim of a crime at work, what type of crime they experienced, who perpetrated the crime, and where it happened. The research indicated that open houses and home showings are two locations where agents tend to experience risky situations. 'Have You Been the Victim of a Crime at Work?' Most respondents (62.5% overall) said that they have not been the victim of any crime at work. However, significantly more women than men have been the subject of some type of criminal behavior at work: 24.8% of men reported being the victim of a crime, compared to 44.6% of women. After determining which respondents had been the victim of a crime at work, the survey asked agents who had experienced a criminal scenario at work to share where it took place. Risky Open Houses, Phone Calls, Home Showings More than half of agents who had experienced a crime at work (55.8%) said that the crime took place in one of three locations: At an open house: 20.9% On the phone: 19.8% At a home showing: 15.1% There were some interesting differences between how male agents and female agents who had been the victim of a crime at work responded to this question. Open houses seem to be more dangerous for female agents than for male agents. Of the agents who had experienced a crime at work, 22.5% of women said the crime took place at an open house, compared to 13.3% of men. And female agents are significantly more likely than male agents to experience a crime such as phone harassment. More than one in five female agents who had experienced a crime said it took place on the phone (22.5%), compared to 6.7% of men. This is almost certainly because female real estate agents are inherently attractive targets for perpetrators of phone harassment; their images and their contact information are widely available in the communities where they work. By contrast, significantly more male agents than female agents who had experienced a crime at work reported that the crime took place at a home showing. More than one in four male agents who had experienced a crime (26.7%) said the crime took place at a home showing, compared to 12.7% of female agents who had experienced a crime. Men were also almost five times more likely to say that the crime took place at a private meeting than women, 13.3% to 2.8%. Tips for Staying Safe at Work While brokerages can (and should) implement protocols to help keep agents safe, there is a lot that agents can do themselves to decrease risk and increase their own personal safety. Check in with friends and family. If you're meeting frequently with people you don't know well, establish a check-in system so that the people in your life know where you are supposed to be and when — and can raise an alarm if you're not. Use the buddy system. Bring a friend when hosting an open house, and consider partnering up with others when meeting prospects in private locations. Pre-verify identity of prospects. Before meeting with someone you don't know well, verify their identity, status as a homeowner, and their ability to buy or sell a home right now. Sign up for an answering service. Using an ISA or a third-party service to help you manage your phone calls (and screen them) can potentially eliminate some of the phone-based crimes that agents experience every day. Stay tuned for the full results of the research report, and stay safe out there!

The Power of Data Privacy in Real Estate Transactions: Safeguarding Client Information
In today's fast-paced digital world, data privacy has become a crucial aspect of our lives, especially when it comes to sensitive matters like real estate transactions. As real estate professionals, we hold a vast amount of confidential information about our clients, making data privacy a top priority. In this post, we'll explore the significance of safeguarding client information, the potential risks of data breaches, and how we can maintain a balance between fun and professionalism while ensuring data privacy remains our utmost concern. Why Data Privacy Matters Data privacy is not just a buzzword; it's the foundation of trust in any real estate transaction. Consider this: our clients put their trust in us to protect their financial information, personal information, and future aspirations. We create enduring relationships based on reliability and trust by protecting their data. Clients are being more cautious about disclosing their information as data breaches increase. By taking data privacy seriously, we demonstrate to clients that we are dedicated to safeguarding their interests, fostering relationships that last long after the sale. The Real Risks of Data Breaches A real estate nightmare can result from a data breach. Imagine a situation where a hacker obtains access to client data and abuses it to commit identity theft or financial gain. Such a situation might have disastrous effects on both the clients and us as real estate experts. In addition to the financial costs, data breaches can significantly harm our reputation. When there is a breach, word spreads like wildfire, making potential customers doubt our reliability. The consequences could be disastrous, resulting in missed business opportunities and a serious setback in our career. Fun and Professionalism: The Perfect Blend While data privacy is serious business, that doesn't mean we can't infuse a touch of fun and creativity into our client interactions. Being professional doesn't have to equate to being rigid and impersonal. Here are some ways we can strike the perfect balance: Engaging Social Media Content: Let's use social media to entertain our clients while educating them about data privacy. The topic may become more relatable with the help of interesting posts, tests, and educational videos. Data Privacy Seminars: Create engaging and educational data privacy seminars for your clients. Include interactive activities, games, and stories from real life to keep the audience interested while delivering important information. Data Protection Infographics: Visual aids are very beneficial. Create eye-catching infographics that highlight the proper data protection practices. To spread awareness among customers, these can be shared on a variety of platforms. Privacy Pledge: Create a privacy commitment that demonstrates our dedication to protecting client data. To demonstrate our commitment to their privacy and to forge a personal connection, ask clients to sign it. The Tools of the Trade To protect client data effectively, we need to arm ourselves with the right tools and practices: Secure Communication: Use encrypted channels for all communication, including file sharing and email. By doing this, confidential information is protected from prying eyes. Strong Passwords: In order to add an additional layer of security, stress the necessity of using strong, one-time passwords for all accounts along with two-factor authentication. Regular Audits: Conduct routine data privacy audits to spot vulnerabilities and take preventative measures to fix them. Data Minimization: Only gather and save the information that is required for the transaction. To lessen the risk of a possible breach, throw away any information that is useless. To conclude, in the ever-evolving landscape of real estate transactions, data privacy remains of utmost importance. By prioritizing the security of client information, we build a solid foundation of trust, ensuring clients' dreams are protected with utmost care. Infusing fun and creativity into our professional approach fosters meaningful connections and enhances our reputation as trusted real estate professionals. Let's embrace the power of data privacy and embark on a journey that ensures our clients' data is in safe hands, now and in the future. To view the original article, visit the Transactly blog.

Is Your Computer Protected from All the Newest Cyber Threats? A Quick Checklist
As a real estate agent, your computer is core to your business ecosystem, allowing you to communicate with clients, store and quickly access important documents, complete and process forms, and manage your schedule. However, with the rise of cyber threats, protecting your computer is more important than ever. Here is a checklist with ways to protect your computer from the latest threats: 1. Install protective software Installing antivirus and anti-malware software is one of the most basic ways to protect your computer from the latest threats. These programs work by detecting and removing harmful software that could compromise your computer's security. While many operating systems come with built-in protection, it's essential to invest in reputable antivirus software and keep it up to date. 2. Set up a firewall A firewall is a program or device that creates a barrier between your computer and the internet. It can prevent unauthorized access to your computer and help prevent malicious software from attacking via the internet. Most operating systems come with a built-in firewall, as do many new routers, but you can also purchase a more advanced firewall if you want extra protection. If you are not sure what you need and have access to free support from Tech Helpline, reach out for guidance. 3. Keep your systems and software updated Another essential step in protecting your computer is to keep your operating system and software current. Updates often include security patches that address known vulnerabilities, so it's crucial to download and install them as soon as they become available. Regular updates also ensure that your computer is running at its best. 4. Use strong passwords Passwords are one of the most basic ways to protect your computer and online accounts. Use a strong password that combines uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords like "password," "admin," or "123456," or a variation of a family name with numbers, as these can be too easy to guess. And never use the same password for multiple accounts because if someone hacks your password for one account, they can access all of your accounts. Instead, consider using a password manager to generate and store unique passwords for all your accounts. 5. Be careful when opening email attachments or clicking on links Phishing scams are a common way cybercriminals try to access sensitive information. Be cautious when opening emails from unknown senders or clicking on links in emails, especially if they look suspicious. If you're unsure about an email's legitimacy, contact the sender directly to verify the message's contents. 6. Use two-factor authentication Two-factor authentication is becoming more common than ever. When given the option – use it. It provides an extra layer of security that requires you to enter a code or use a biometric scan in addition to your password. Many online services, including email providers and social media platforms, offer two-factor authentication as an option. Enabling two-factor authentication can make it much harder for cybercriminals to gain access to your accounts. 7. Remember to back up your data Even with all the best protection in place, there's always a risk that a new threat could compromise your computer. That's why it's important to regularly back up your data to an external hard drive or cloud-based service. Then, if your computer is ever lost, stolen, or held hostage, you won't lose all your important files and documents. Here are a few reasons why for real estate agents, in particular, protecting your computer is so important: 1. It protects your clients' information As a real estate agent, you're responsible for protecting your client's personal and financial information. Cybercriminals can use this information to commit identity theft or financial fraud. Safeguarding your computer can reduce the risk of data breaches and protect your clients' information. 2. It prevents or reduces downtime If your computer is infected with malware, it can slow down or crash, leading to costly downtime. By protecting your computer from the latest threats, you can minimize the risk of downtime and keep your business running smoothly. 3. It's good for your reputation Your clients expect you to be professional and trustworthy. Maintaining your computer's security also keeps your reputation as a professional real estate agent. If your computer is compromised and sensitive information is leaked or stolen, it can damage your image and make it harder to win new clients. 4. Avoid legal issues Because you also have a legal responsibility to protect your clients' information and maintain the confidentiality of their transactions, you must take measures to protect them. If your computer is hacked and client information is compromised, there is a risk of legal liability. You can minimize legal risks and protect your client's interests by taking proactive steps to protect your computer. 5. Help keeps your business competitive and clients happy In today's digital age, most real estate transactions involve online communication, documentation, and digital signatures, like Form Simplicity from Florida Realtors. Suppose your computer is compromised, and you can't communicate with clients or access important documents. In that case, it can put you at a disadvantage compared to other agents who have invested the time and resources to protect their computers. You can keep your business competitive and clients happy by staying ahead of the latest threats and safeguarding your computer. Finally, if you have access to Tech Helpline, like 750,000 other Realtors in the US and Canada do, you have easy access to tech analysts who can assist you with any computer-related issues or concerns. Don't hesitate to reach out and take advantage of Tech Helpline to ensure you protect your computer from the newest threats. Whether you need help with antivirus software, firewalls, or two-factor authentication, Tech Helpline is available to provide the support and guidance you need to keep your computer secure. Remember, by investing in your computer's security, you're investing in the future of your business. Other related articles: Don't fall for it: 4 new online + offline scams and how to protect yourself 3 ways to protect your tech from natural disasters Realtor safety apps to protect you and your clients 5 ways you can spring clean your tech Tricia Stamper is Director of Technology at Florida Realtors®, which owns and operates Tech Helpline and Form Simplicity.

4 Things Real Estate Agents Need to Know About Facial Recognition
Facial recognition technology, or FRT, is a type of biometric security based on a person's physical characteristics that act like a fingerprint or password alternative. Today, the most known use is on smartphones to unlock screens or "sign into" our favorite apps. However, FRT is becoming commonplace, from the U.S. government using it to speed travelers through customs to law enforcement agencies using it to identify nefarious criminals. And real estate agents can expect to encounter more uses of facial recognition technology that will impact their business or clients. Among the uses of FRT that are already in place and expected to increase within the next few years is providing access into buildings, ATM transactions (no more plastic cards and passwords), and airport security clearance (i.e., Clear). Newer uses include targeted advertising: if you don't buy those Jimmy Choo shoes you were looking at in a store, ads will follow you online. Can you imagine if open house attendees had the same experience – visiting your listing and seeing ads for it when they go online? Retailers could use FRT for purchases, directly charging your account without you ever opening your wallet or purse. Already, Pepper, a Softbank humanoid robot, uses FRT to help assess a person's emotional state to provide an empathetic engagement. If you think the growing use of FRT is a little creepy or too "Big Brother," you are not alone. Many technology experts warn that facial recognition is one of the biggest threats to personal privacy. The pros: FRT can be an effective tool for catching criminals and making sure we are who we say we are. The cons: FRT invades our privacy, can be unreliable and biased — and, at worst, result in wrongful arrests. Many U.S. cities are banning the widespread use of facial recognition. For example, in 2019, California banned police from using facial recognition on bodycams. However, that ban is set to expire. And with the crime rate rising, civil liberty groups are having a more challenging time lobbying for outright bans. As it becomes more commonplace, here are four things real estate agents need to know about facial recognition technology: FRT doesn't always work New research from MIT suggests that while the new software is getting more accurate, it doesn't always correctly recognize women and people of color. The study, by Joy Buolamwini of the MIT Media Lab, found that FRT is correct 99 percent of the time when detecting white males. However, less than half are as accurate when identifying darker-skinned females. What people don't realize, Buolamwini points out, is that when FRT first reported an accuracy rate of over 97 percent in 2014, the data set was 77 percent male and 83 percent white. As a result, FRT still needs more accuracy improvements. Police agencies report that facial recognition software is often ineffective, with lower-quality images captured by most video recording systems. For example, a detective from Aberdeen, NC, told BanFacialRecognition.com that FRT software "worked with good quality images taken directly from Facebook." But he found "that unless the image quality was great (unlike 90% of video surveillance we obtain), results came back inconclusive." Yet about one in six police agencies – more than 3,000 – use Clearview AI and its facial recognition software, according to The Washington Post. FRT can prevent fraud Facial recognition helps prevents fraud by verifying that a given person is who they claim to be, particularly when trying to access a system, transfer funds, or make a purchase. Verification company ID.me provides FRT to federal agencies and in 30 states. A growing use is verifying people filing unemployment insurance claims. For Realtors, safety software Real Safe offers a feature that uses a driver's license and a selfie to verify a person's identity before the agent schedules a home showing. As a result, agents can finally know with greater certainty someone is who they say they are. FRT can help prevent identity theft FRT can stop cybercriminals in their tracks. Identity theft is the No. 1 type of fraud reported to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission last year, with more than 1.4 million complaints. Almost one in four fraud complaints is for identity theft. Cybercriminals must accumulate personal information to impersonate their victim. Online, it can be easy for them to access a person's private information — a growing trend to protect consumer accounts from identity theft is using FRT. Like a safe, passwords can be cracked, but copying another person's facial patterns is a different story. It is why biometrics is gaining traction in almost every industry. For example, someone with your ATM card and PIN can drain money from your bank account. But if an ATM uses facial recognition, the card and the PIN are worthless. Can you imagine what would happen if everyone accessing a financial account had to take a live selfie for online access? Then we would be able to reduce cybercriminal activity significantly. FRT faces privacy issues The flipside of FRT's rapid growth and innovative use is personal privacy. While FRT can help law enforcement catch criminals and lock them up faster, the trade-off is the potential infringement of individual rights. Often people don't know where, when, and how FRT is being used until it is abused. The movement of marrying artificial intelligence with facial recognition software has become so controversial that Microsoft announced it is ending FRT AI tools because of the potential for abuse, including racial profiling. FRT can violate your personal privacy because it does not have your consent. For example, using FRT for surveillance can track people as they move around a neighborhood or city. But who has access to that information? And what is its use? The U.S. is not alone in the privacy challenges that FRT is raising. The UK's ITPRO reports that there is "greater scrutiny of law enforcement's use of facial recognition." Providers like Amazon, Microsoft, and IBM are halting the development and sale of facial recognition technology for law enforcement. And the UK courts have ruled it unlawful. Friend or foe? As you can see, the pros and cons of facial recognition technology are striking, with both sides offering compelling arguments for and against using FRT. One area emerging, as a result, is regulation. Like many new tech innovations, they are often introduced well before regulations are in place to address their potential negative impacts. The same is true with FRT. Now, U.S. Reps. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), and Yvette Clarke (D-Mass.) have introduced The Facial Recognition Act. As reported by Lawfare, the new bill would put new limits on law enforcement FRT for surveillance. In addition, the legislation addresses the risks of FRT when it doesn't work well, including wrongful arrests and algorithmic bias. The best thing real estate agents can do – as new technology emerges – is to stay informed. To view the original article, visit the Tech Helpline blog.

The Future of Agent Safety: A Conversation with Carl Carter, Jr.
September is Realtor Safety Month, but agent safety should be a consideration all year round. According to the National Association of REALTORS, over 40% of real estate agents have experienced a situation that made them feel unsafe, most often during showings or when meeting a client at a property for the first time (2021 Member Safety Report). In an interview with Carl Carter, Jr., REALTOR® and founder of the Beverly Carter Foundation, he echoed need for ongoing awareness and safety protocols for those in the real estate industry. Carl started the Beverly Carter Foundation in January 2017 in response to the tragic death of his mother, Beverly Carter, a REALTOR® on September 25, 2014. "My mother was besieged by two people posing as clients who lured her to a property with the intention of kidnapping her and holding her for ransom because they perceived her to be this wealthy real estate professional," said Carter. "When their plan didn't go as they thought that it would, they made the tragic, awful decision to end her life." "Her story brought a national lens to the issue of agent safety. I began speaking out as a son who loved his mother and received such an outpouring of support," said Carter. "During this time, so many also shared their own stories [that] they, or someone they knew, had been victimized while working in real estate. And it's all not just these horrific homicides and crimes. The victimization is all across the board. We frequently hear about things being stolen at open houses, but I most often hear about crimes against female agents by men who make unwanted advances." Additionally, increases in online harassment and online stalking are on the rise due to real estate agents being such public salespeople. "This career lends itself to those types of behaviors, unfortunately," said Carter. The foundation is solely dedicated to agent awareness of the dangers that exist in industries such as the real estate business, where people are working alone. "We see shifts in the way people are victimized," remarked Carter. Changes in technology and the way people interact now has shifted and, with it, more and more interactions happening online has made it easier for harassment to take place. "Unfortunately, I would love to say that we are close to mission accomplished, but I think we still have our work cut out for us to help make the industry a safer place," said Carter. Understanding the need to take steps to protect yourself both inside and outside of the work environment is pivotal for staying safe. "The industry has done a pretty good job of addressing the issue of safety," said Carter, "but I feel we have a long way to go to ensure agents stay safe and don't let their guard down. I think we need to continue to raise awareness about safety issue and make sure that everyone, Realtors and the general public, are aware of the risks involved in our job. Additionally, associations can assist members through keeping this issue at the forefront and not just highlighting during the month of September." From our conversation with Carter, SentriLock has outlined a number of tips that Realtors can follow (and MLSs and associations can share) to keep themselves safe and avoid becoming the victim of a crime: When first meeting with a client, have that meeting in a public place and avoid secluded areas. Stop working with strangers. Before you have any business dealings, show a property, list a property, before you are alone with someone, be sure to strip away that anonymity. Apps such as FOREWARN allow you to do a background check, giving you information prior to face-to-face meeting. Ensure your technology is updated and use it. The SentriKey® Real Estate app provides agents with a feature that will automatically and discreetly alert an emergency contact when they do not feel safe or if the contact cannot confirm an agent's safety. Wherever possible, do not work alone, particularly during open houses where you are vulnerable to strangers. Do a pulse check on your online space. Agents are public figures, and frequently their online activity is 100% public. It is easy to lose sight of the fact that anyone can see those posts about a new car, vacation, etc., framing people's perceptions, which could lead to an agent being victimized. Be sure someone knows your schedule and locations and check in frequently. Follow your instincts. If the situation feels uncomfortable or you are fearful, leave or reach out to your emergency contact. Use tools and apps where you know your data and your client data is secure. With SentriLock, you can be assured that your private data is never shared or used. Have a plan for what to do if something goes wrong. While Carter sees immense progress being made in the industry, he feels there is always more that can be done. Agent safety is an important consideration that should be taken all year round. By taking some simple precautions cautions and using tools, agents can help keep themselves safe while working in any environment. To view the original article, visit the SentriLock blog.

Social Media and Kids: 5 Ways Realtor Parents Can Monitor What's Going On
As a parent, what can you do to protect your child from the potential dangers of social media? After all, while nearly all social networking sites allow users 13 years and older, it is not uncommon to discover children younger than 13 are active on social media. In fact, 95% of all teens use YouTube, and two out of three teens use TikTok, according to Pew Research. What's the best way to monitor what's happening when your child is online? Here are five ways you can keep dibs on your kids: Use an app Children are getting tablets and smartphones at a younger age more than ever. In addition, the pandemic accelerated the need for all school-age children to use the internet for schooling and schoolwork. This has made it particularly challenging for parents to monitor online behavior continuously. Thankfully, there are several different monitoring apps available that parents can use to protect their children from the unsafe elements of the internet and social media and monitor their screen time. One example is the top-ranked parental control app Bark. It's a paid application that monitors texts, emails, YouTube streaming, and social media platforms for signs of unsafe online behavior such as cyberbullying, internet predators, depressive behavior, threats of violence, and so forth. Its content monitoring tech will send you email and text alerts when it detects harmful issues, allowing you to talk to your child to ensure they are okay and staying safe. Bark offers two different packages: Bark Jr. ($5/month or $49/year), designed for families with young children, and Bark Premium ($14/month or $99/year), geared towards families with students of all ages. Each payment plan also comes with a 7-day free trial. Other monitoring apps include mSpy, Qustodio, and Net Nanny Family Protect Pass. Link your accounts Nearly half of all agents use Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, and know from experience that managing multiple social media accounts can be time-consuming. But did you know you can link your accounts to your kids? For example, Google Family Link is a free tool that links your Google Account to your child's account. This application allows parents to limit what apps their kid downloads and restrict their screen time. It also allows you to look through your child's browsing activity on Google Chrome and track where your kid is if they are using their device outside the house. It can be used on up to six devices and only requires you and your child have a Google Account. Facebook also allows parents to add family and friends with an existing Facebook account as friends for their child, using a Parent Dashboard. Parents can also create a Messenger Kid's account for their child and connect to their child's Messenger Kid's account. TikTok will automatically disable Direct Messages, disallow private accounts, restrict comments to friends or no one, and won't allow videos to be remixed or downloaded for children 13-15 years of age. If you allow your child of age to use TikTok, be sure the correct birth year and date are entered because once an account is created with that date, the birth date cannot be changed. Require password access to keep an account If you are not monitoring your kid's online behavior, you must be able to access their account information, especially with the abundance of cyberbullying. A recommended quid pro quo: if your child has online accounts, you will always need their current password. Child safety experts recommend setting ground rules for your child, which includes always having the ability to access their online accounts, including email, text, chat, and social media. A best practice is to sit down with your child and work with them to create their social media profile so you can set up their privacy and safety features to protect them from harmful behavior or content. Review their history Once you have access, you must keep track of your child's online activity regularly. It would be best if you went through your child's search and browsing history to ensure they are not being exposed to harmful web content or messages from others. Unmonitored internet behavior can lead to bad decisions. All major web browsers offer a "History" option on the top menu, so it's easy to do. Even smartphone browsers provide built-in history tracking. In addition, parental control apps can automate much of this process. One history app – Famisafe – allows parents to track browser history in both regular and private mode. It also filters out suspicious websites, alerts you on websites your child visits, and comes with screen time controls to limit internet time or lock them out of using a browser. In addition, Famisafe provides Home plans for under $50 a year. Restrict social use to a laptop or desktop: no apps on phones If your child has a smartphone, they can easily access content you don't want them to see. Instilling a house rule that only allows social media access on a laptop or desktop will give you control over what social media accounts your child can access. This means having a family rule that restricts the download of any social media app on their phone. If all of this seems a little harsh, consider that Facebook removed over 36 million posts that encouraged suicide or self-injury last year alone. As a parent, the safest rule for your child's online behavior and use of social media is to trust but verify. If you need assistance monitoring your kid's social media or downloading or setting up a parental control app, contact Tech Helpline, and one of our analysts will guide you through the process. To view the original article, visit the Tech Helpline blog.

Friday Freebie: Safety Checklist for Real Estate Agents
It's September, and that means one thing in real estate: it's Realtor Safety Month! From showing properties to meeting new clients, there are a lot of things to consider to keep yourself safe on the job. To make managing your safety as straightforward as possible, this week we're highlighting a safety checklist that you can use to protect yourself across multiple scenarios. Read on to learn how to download your free copy! Free copy of The Real Estate Professional's Safety Checklist, courtesy of Zurple When it comes to safety, planning ahead (and knowing what to look out for) is the best strategy. What general strategies should you know to keep yourself safe? How about specific strategies for when you're active in the field? Prepare for all scenarios with Zurple's free real estate safety checklist. When you download your free copy, you'll get checklists for: Everyday safety tips Safety preparation Meeting new clients Parking your vehicle Showing properties Make the most of Realtor Safety Month — learn how to protect yourself and download The Real Estate Professional's Safety Checklist now!

How Safe Is Your Office?
Realtors meet strangers everyday, which opens your office to potential dangers. Do you have steps in place to make sure you and your team are safe at work? Screen potential clients – Background check all potential buyers and sellers—they are essentially a stranger. Look for red flags in behavior and trust your gut feeling. Know who is in your office – Have a login procedure in place with a check-in and out. Take a copy of the client's identification and keep a record. Keep it professional – REALTORS® get to know their clients on a personal level. Avoid sharing personal information about where you live, family, or if you have vacation plans. Have a plan – No one wants to think about worst-case scenarios, but having a plan could save your life. Performing safety drills will prepare them to take cover effectively in case of an active shooting incident. Practice drills will also help your team identify useful items to barricade the doors, designate a "safe room," and develop an emergency contact system to check in with all staff and agents. Get to know the local police department – Your local law enforcement may have some great tips and suggestions on how to improve your office safety or offer training. Opt for technology with built-in safety features – Your phone is a great safety tool with built in features like GPS location and the ability to send an SOS message. In addition, your SentriKey® Real Estate App also has a built in feature that checks in with you regularly during a showing. For more information about safety training or safety tips, visit nar.realtor/safety or contact your local police department. To view the original article, visit the SentriLock blog.

How You Can Protect Your Business with an Effective Cybersecurity Strategy
Even though the influence of a growing number of remote employees on real estate markets has been widely discussed, there is little information available about the impact that remote workers have on real estate firms themselves, although this impact has been significant. Like with other sectors, most of the influence has been good. However, there have also been some negative consequences. It is known as cybercrime, and if you are not vigilant, it will find its way into your real estate business. Cybercrime may be highly damaging to real estate agents and their clients. In recent years, real estate investment trusts (REIT), brokerages, and other real estate businesses have experienced increased cyber attacks, ranging from phishing to email-compromised cyberattacks to data breaches. While cyberattacks are becoming more advanced, you can still apply measures to safeguard your real estate business, and the process begins with developing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Taking the threats that cybersecurity poses to the real estate sector, it is clear that a solid investment in cybersecurity is the only way to ensure data protection and consumer safety. Read on to get information about a basic cybersecurity strategy you can use for your real estate business. Why Do Real Estate Practitioners Need Cybersecurity? Real Estate Transactions Routinely Involve Large Sums of Money Since the real estate sector frequently deals with and transfers enormous amounts of money, real estate companies are on the radar of every cybercriminal. Thus, it is not just real estate experts and investors that profit from the real estate market. Cybercriminals can also profit from the real estate market. It has been estimated that one-third of small businesses, including real estate companies, have been a cyberattack target in the past two years, according to CNBC. Personally Identifiable and Financially Sensitive Data Real estate companies also make attractive targets for hackers due to the large volumes of financially sensitive and personally identifiable data they manage, such as social security numbers and bank credentials. Cybercriminals and Hackers Use Advanced Tools and Techniques To launch their attacks, cybercriminals and hackers have access to all of the tools, skills, and tactics they have. Business email compromises (BECs), for example, are one of the most common attack methods used today. A business email compromise occurs when an attacker impersonates a firm to persuade another business to move cash to a fake account. It is common for the hacker to send the email using a fictitious account that appears to be associated with a legit company. Compromised landing pages, ransomware, malicious attachments, trojans, and attacks on cloud-based services are all significant threats to real estate firms. Cybersecurity Tips: 5 Ways for Real Estate Agents to Avoid Getting Hacked Mobile Data Encryption More people are using smartphones and laptops today than ever before. Cybersecurity solutions can prevent hackers from gaining access to your communication networks. Data encryption software is an effective solution when it comes to protecting your data from hackers. It makes your data secure and protects sensitive data. Effective Email and Password Hygiene Resisting assaults and keeping organizations secure are very easy yet have strong effects. Here are a few tips from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to prevent being hacked. Use two-factor authentication. Avoid using public or unsecured WIFI. Use a different password for multiple accounts. It is recommended that you use a password manager. Long passwords with combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols should be used. Never open files received from unknown sources. These may contain malware. Secure access to email and confidential information used in transactions. To communicate sensitive information, use a transaction management platform, encrypted email, or file-sharing software. Clean your email account regularly and save copies of essential correspondence in a safe place for future reference. Make Use of Reliable Antivirus Protection A built-in antivirus protection system is included in most PCs. Because it takes a short time for updates to be applied, some consumers may ignore the process of upgrading their antivirus system. However, when it comes to cybersecurity, the most common solutions are antivirus software and protection. A paid antivirus system guards your system against cybercriminals and hackers more effectively. The paid versions involve the updating of antivirus software on a regular or basis. Every operating system is vulnerable to attack from hackers. So do not ignore the antivirus updating your software. Always Check URLs Usually, real estate professionals will submit all of their legal paperwork over the internet rather than in person. The submission of information over the internet is only a small portion of the rapid processing method. However, before uploading the papers, double-check that the URL is authentic. If you come across a website that begins with simply HTTP, avoid visiting that website. If the final "S" is not there, then the website is highly unsafe. Antivirus software prevents these websites from opening or displaying high-risk websites. Insurance Considerations, Law, and Policy Working with your attorney, establish a written disclosure alerting clients of the risk of cybercrime. The NAR has prepared a wire fraud email notice template that your counsel may use and customize. Keep track of the state legislation linked to personal information, creating and maintaining data security policies, and other security-related company practices. Final Words In recent years, cybersecurity has become a major headache, and real estate pros are increasingly confronted with cybersecurity-related challenges in their businesses. Like you would encourage clients not to relocate to unsafe districts, you must follow the same advice regarding your own business and ensure that your business operates in a secure digital area. A smart strategy that complies with the cybersecurity procedures outlined above is one of the most beneficial real estate investments you can make today. To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog.

Taking Realtor Safety a Step Further
The National Association of REALTORS' 2020 Member Safety Report shows that 31% of REALTORS felt unsafe during either an open house or a showing, and 27% reported feeling unsafe while meeting a new client at a secluded property. At SentriLock, we take REALTOR® safety seriously and have made it a part of our lockbox features to keep you safe while on the job. There are a lot of ways you can be proactive about your safety on the job. Here, we will go over some safety do's and don'ts. Gather client's information before showing a home by getting a copy of their identification. Always be sure your first interaction with a client is at your office or a public area. Two is better than one – there is safety in numbers, so partner up with another REALTOR® for open houses. Be sure inform colleagues or family of your itinerary. Create a safe word or term that can be used in case of an emergency. This way, you can notify someone you need help inconspicuously. Don't share too much information – be friendly, but do not share information that could potentially put you or your family at risk. Follow behind your clients – let your client lead the way; do not walk behind them. Most REALTORS® will not go into attics or basements. Always be aware of your surroundings and who has entered and exited a showing. Do not park in an area where you can be blocked in. Be sure your phone is fully charged and programmed with emergency phone numbers. Your SentriLock App has as safety features. You can schedule regular check-ins to assure you are safe while on the job. Local law enforcement is happy to help. Learn where your closest police station is located and reach out to them if you have any safety questions. Learn more about SentriLock's commitment to REALTOR® safety here. SentriLock is a proud sponsor of the Beverly Carter Foundation. They offer safety seminars, educational resources, and instructor-lead training. Learn more at beverlycarterfoundation.org. To view the original article, visit the SentriLock blog.

Protecting Your Digital Information
Your personal information should always be protected. This includes your online information. In today's world of phishing, viruses, ransomware, and even whaling, your digital information needs to be locked down like Fort Knox. Here are some quick statistics: 67% of internet users are not aware of their privacy and data protection rules. 81% of US users believe their personal information is vulnerable to hackers. 33% of the world's internet users change their passwords So, in this world of internet piracy, how do you keep your treasure chest of private data safe? Do not use the same password for your logins. Make sure you use a complicated password using a combination of caps, numbers, and symbols. Be sure to change your passwords regularly and store them safely. Do not use public WIFI when making a purchase or entering a password/passcode—you never know who is digitally eavesdropping. Use two-step authentication for online accounts. Yes, it can be annoying, but it is an added barrier against hackers. Enable Touch ID with your SentriLock box for an added layer of security beyond your code. Be aware of your background while on Zoom calls. You may be giving away personal information without knowing. REALTOR® safety includes your personal data. SentriLock uses Google Cloud security, which provides encrypted internet communication, encrypted storage devices, phishing-resistant Security Keys, and more. To learn more about Google Cloud Trusted, visit cloud.google.com/security/infrastructure. To view the original article, visit the SentriLock blog.

Real Estate Cybersecurity Practices That Should Become Your Second Nature
The real estate industry can't function without sensitive information. The amount of personally identifiable information floating through real estate networks makes it a primary target for cybercriminals. Cyberattacks can result in disruption of business, financial loss and damage to reputation. Today, we are going to speak about the real estate cybersecurity practices that should become your second nature. Real estate agents are responsible for keeping their clients' information safe. Unfortunately, the real estate industry doesn't have regulations in place for real estate professionals and companies to adopt cybersecurity practices. So, the responsibility falls to individual agents. Remember, cyberattacks often are human behavior oriented. And by being aware and proactively monitoring our daily habits, we can significantly reduce the risk of the cybersecurity breach. So, what daily practices should real estate agents be aware of? Passwords This seems like an obvious answer, but you would be surprised how many people forget to update passwords or fail to use strong passwords. Weak or obvious passwords make the job of a cybercriminal easier. The best practice for keeping your clients' information safe is to keep your passwords completely random. No identifiable pattern means a whole lot of work for cybercriminals. If you want to have a secure password but also remember it, use a passphrase that is familiar to you only. Do not share your passwords with anyone. And always activate two-factor authentication for every account possible personal or business. USB Devices According to the Cyber Readiness Institute (CRI) USB devices are one of the major problems when it comes to cybersecurity breaches. It's easy to bring malware into your computer with a USB drive. That can significantly endanger your clients' personally identifiable information. USB devices present a classic situation known as the Good, the Bad and the Ugly. The good is that USB is an extremely popular, easy to use and inexpensive method to store and transfer files. Unfortunately, USB drives are often lost, or they simply stop working. This is the bad. And the ugly side of USB is definitely the ease of it getting infected and infecting your computer with malware. Instead of using USBs, we urge you to explore safer alternatives. Phishing Phishing emails are a very widespread phenomenon lately. They look like an official email, but that's just a disguise to scam you. The totally legit appearance doesn't make you question the validity of it, and you might enter your personally identifiable information or click on malicious links. That's why it's so important to be aware of phishing. So, what should you pay attention to? First of all, read your email carefully, and watch out if: The email is urging you to take action The email is inconsistent The email contains grammatical errors The email contains attachments and hyperlinks Software Updates Software updates is one the core four issues that make cybersecurity a liability. Software updates contain important security patches that keep your devices safe. Not updating your softwares might endanger your and your clients' personal information. Little Tips and Tricks You Shouldn't Forget About Don't forget to lock up your computer screen. If you're an agent on the run and you're constantly moving, there is a chance you might lose your laptop. Locking your screen will at least prevent cybercriminals from accessing your personal data. If you're still using USBs, use encrypted and high quality USBs, and don't plug it in untrusted devices. P.S. Want to know more about cybersecurity in the real estate industry? Check out our blog, Cybersecurity Guidelines for Real Estate Agents. To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog.

Tips for Staying Safe During Showings (and Beyond)
Real estate agent safety is an important topic that is often overlooked in many discussions. While no one plans to be in a dangerous situation, agents should be prepared for any possibility. In the most recent Secrets of Top Selling Agents webinar, "Don't Be a Statistic," Jay Thompson shares some of his best safety tips to help agents be more aware and create a safety plan. Entering the real estate industry in 2004, Thompson started out in the Phoenix, Arizona market. He worked three years as an agent before transitioning to open his own independent brokerage. In 2012, Thompson switched roles and began working for Zillow as their Directory of Industry Outreach, a position he held for seven years until his retirement. While Thompson jokes that he is "retired," he currently owns his own consulting business and shares his knowledge of real estate with weekly news articles. He prides himself for his role on the Beverly Carter Foundation's board of directors, whose purpose is to raise awareness about "lone worker" safety. Safety is all about awareness At the beginning of his webinar, Thompson shares that real estate agents are often called "lone workers," because they spend many of their working hours alone. Agents are often put in vulnerable situations, as they're showing homes to and hosting open houses for strangers. Thompsons mentions that they are most vulnerable when they are showing homes, as they're alone with a stranger at a property. While women in the real estate industry are targeted more often, many men are victims as well. Thompson stresses that, while most agents will not have an issue with their safety being compromised, it's better to be knowledgeable and prepared. He suggests that it may be useful to think about potential situations and rehearse a script of what you would say if ever faced with an off-putting client. Thompson likens this to agents preparing an objection script and says a similar idea could be applied. The reaction could come more naturally if you've prepared, as the muscle memory—both physical and mental—would be there. Go with your gut Overall, Thompson says that "awareness is the key" when preventing these types of situations. By understanding when and how these threats take place, agents can be more prepared and hopefully avoid these safety risks. One of Thompson's main points is, "if something doesn't feel right, there's a very good chance that it's not right." He also tells listeners to "trust your gut," because human instinct is usually right. He assures listeners that if they act on an instinct and they're wrong, the outcome is far better than if they didn't act and they were right. "It's far better to err on the side of safety and awareness than it is to fall victim to someone," Thompson comments. Be proactive rather than reactive It's important to be proactive rather than reactive. When you're reactive, you're already in that situation to begin with and need to find a way out. Thompson says it's better to pay attention to the warning signs in order to avoid the situation altogether. When you're at an open house, it's important to practice situational awareness. Situational awareness means being aware of the situation that you're in. Thompson gives an example of this by describing a training exercise in which a person enters a room for 15 seconds and is then asked to give details about the room. At an open house, for example, be aware of all the entrances, find out whether the neighbors will be home, and locate the closest police station. Beware of financial scammers While physical safety is a top concern, Thompson mentions agents should also consider their financial safety, especially for crimes like wire fraud. He uses the example of a scammer sending an email from what appears to be a title company asking buyers to send their banking information to complete their transaction. Agents should be screening their messages and keep in mind that almost every institution will never ask for secure information through text or email. Safety solutions Thompson offers a few different options for reactionary safety measures. However, he stresses that these options are still not foolproof and are not preventative measures. He says that they're better than nothing, but they aren't the best. Forewarn is a preventative app that offers an easy way to do a background check on a potential client. While Thompons encourages agents to set up an initial public meeting for a new client, he says that this app will use a client's phone number to check public databases to see whether the person has a criminal history. Real Safe Agent is another preventative app, but this one is community based. While it offers some basic background checks, its main feature is you can use it to send a message to agents near your location, asking someone close to check in and pretend they're previewing the listing. It also lets agents rank local clients and give information about their exchange history. Invisiwear is a wearable that comes in the form of jewelry. If an agent feels like they're in danger, they can squeeze the pendant and it will alert 911 that they need help. Wearsafe is another wearable and comes as a FOB that can be clipped onto a purse, belt, pocket, etc. It can also alert the police or a contact if a dangerous situation arises. Thompson mentions that there are many weapons options, including handguns, pepper spray, self-defense classes, etc. A concealed weapon is a potential safety solution, but agents have to practice with it and be prepared to use it. Thompson says that "you better train a lot and you better train frequently." However, he also reminds listeners that an assailant can take a weapon away and use it against you. He states that it's a tool, but it's not a guarantee of safety. Overall, agents should review safety protocols, trainings, and checklists to help prepare and become more aware of their safety. To learn more of Thompson's safety tips, you can join the Secrets of Top Selling Agents Facebook Group here. For more free real estate education, including best practices, visit the Secrets of Top Selling Agents website. To view the original article, visit the Homes.com blog.

Understanding IoT (Internet of Things) Risks: How your clients can protect themselves
The IoT, or Internet of Things, refers to any physical device connecting to the internet that collects and shares data. With the explosive growth of devices in a home that can connect to the internet, you and your clients need to understand the risks surrounding IoT devices and the ways to secure protection.

Nearly 8 in 10 Home Buyers are Taking More 3D Home Tours During the Pandemic, Citing Safety Concerns
For residential real estate, touring homes virtually has become increasingly important since the coronavirus outbreak. Over the last seven months, home sellers, buyers and real estate professionals have had to work around restrictions preventing in-person property showings and grapple with safety concerns over potential exposure to COVID-19. Last January, Matterport conducted a survey to learn about buyer and seller preferences for home listings. We found that static photos are no longer enough and that both sellers and buyers overwhelmingly preferred a more immersive experience with 3D tours. In September, we partnered with Redfin, the technology-powered real estate brokerage, to poll 1,000 U.S. home buyers and 1,000 U.S. home sellers to see how these preferences have shifted since the onset of the pandemic.

8 Ways for REALTORS to Get Home Safely
The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) is at the forefront of promoting agent safety in the real estate industry every day. Each September, NAR shines a spotlight on agent safety and well-being and its tenets of REALTOR®Safety: knowledge, awareness, and empowerment.

5 Resources for Realtor Safety Month
The year was 2011, and Ashley Oakland was a 27-year-old REALTOR in Des Moines, Iowa. She had been an agent for Century 21 since 2010 and was working inside a Des Moines model townhouse on Friday, April 8. A home builder employee heard a commotion inside the townhouse Ashley was showing to a potential buyer. The employee rushed to the scene and found Ashley on the floor, having been shot twice by her assailant. Ashley's killer has never been found.

Are your kids attending school from home? Safest ways to share your work computer
The persistence of the pandemic means working from home will continue for some time to come. With most of the nation's largest school districts announcing virtual learning plans for the fall, real estate agents, like many others, face additional work-life balance challenges. While some school districts are providing students the tech tools they'll need for remote learning -- from iPads to Chromebooks -- others are allowing families to use the tech resources they have. Kids today are more tech-savvy than ever. According to a 2019 Common Sense Media report, 95% of families with children now have smartphones, up from 63% in 2013, and 41% in 2011. Nearly half of children (42%) ages 0 to 8 have tablets, up from 7% four years prior. For agents suddenly saddled with several students connecting from their home, sharing your work computer might be a reality. But how can you share it safely? Here are some things you can do to protect your work – and share your computer with kids learning from home. Create Separate Accounts Whatever operating system you use – Windows or Mac – allows you to set up separate accounts. You should do this for everyone who shares your work computer. This will give them a personal login and protect your work files from being accessed. Just remember not to share your password so someone won't accidentally sign into your account. Set a Schedule If more than one person is sharing a single computer, you need to make sure you have access to it when you need it. Use a family calendar – such as Google Calendar – to block out the times that your kids need the computer for classes and homework, and when you need it for work. Employ Ground Rules You need to establish ground rules for computer use to make sure your kids know what is expected of them when using a shared computer. There are also ways to adjust your computer settings to have a "kid-safe" mode to protect your work computer better. Unplanned scheduling conflicts can emerge, so plan for it. Think about priorities and alternative options in advance. If something does come up, you can avoid panic and adapt to an unexpected change more easily by having rules already in place. Establish a Central Location Having your computer set up in a set location can make it easier for everyone. If you are using a laptop, it's still a good idea to establish one location. It will save time in connecting needed accessories for learning – such as an external monitor, mouse, a video conferencing light, and a microphone. It will save everyone time and avoid a scramble to connect everything at the last minute if your laptop is roaming your home. Make your computer kid-safe The most popular computing operating systems – and web browsers – have built-in settings that can restrict, for example, what your kids can see when they search online. Microsoft even offers a Family Safety Account. The point is you need to not only talk about how your work computer can be used, but also ways it should not be used. If you want an added layer of protection, there are software programs built to make nearly every digital device safer for your kids to use – and safer for your work computer. Protect your computer Windows 10 and Mac both offer exceptional built-in protection from computer viruses and malware. If you want to be extra safe and you don't already use a virus protection program, you can add one to protect your work computer and your files better, no matter who is using it. Everyone is experiencing more stress these days, so having an organized plan on how to share your work computer with your kids can make things a little less hectic. And remember, for the 60 percent of real estate agents in North America who have access to Tech Helpline, you can always reach out for help for any computer issue you are having at work – or home. Tricia Stamper is Director of Technology at Florida Realtors®, which owns and operates Tech Helpline and Form Simplicity.

Detecting Thieves Posing as Buyers, Part 3
Got a buyer whose behavior sets off alarm bells in your mind? They may actually be a thief. Over the past few weeks, we've been introducing you to behavioral "tells" that indicate a buyer may be a burglar. Last week, you learned about a scam called "The Couple's Play." In this week's video, you'll learn all about "The Neat Freak." In this scam, the thief disguised as a buyer will "dust check" a window. Seems harmless enough, right? Well, what they're actually doing is unlocking the window so that they can come back later in order to burglarize the home. Watch the video above to learn other behaviors that suggest your buyer is preparing to burglarize a listing. Catch up with the full series on spotting thieves below: Detecting Thieves Posing as Buyers, Part 1 Detecting Thieves Posing as Buyers, Part 2

Detecting Thieves Posing as Buyers, Part 2
Have a buyer who's flirting with you during a home tour? How about a buyer who complains about their spouse? If your buyers are a couple, and one wanders off into the house while the other distracts you, they may actually be a couple of thieves. In part one of this series, we showed you how to look for signs that buyers are actually criminals casing the listing they're touring. This week, we look at a common scam—The Couple's Play—that thieves use to outright steal during a showing, or to plan a future burglary. Watch the video above to learn: Why couples who separate during a tour may actually be thieves The common behaviors thieves display to distract you What you can do when you suspect your buyers are actually burglars Stay tuned next week for the final part of this series!

Protect Yourself from Identity Theft: A Must-Do for All Agents
It is paramount that real estate agents protect themselves from identify theft. It is not just happening online. The types of crime identity theft includes range from credit card fraud to having all your financial and personal information stolen. If it happens to you, it can be very scary and time-consuming to fix. Now is your opportunity to be proactive. Here are the top nine ways you can protect yourself.

Safe Selling: Reading the Predator, Part 2
What are the signs that a prospect is gearing up to attack you? It's all about the adrenaline, and the physical and verbal signs that adrenaline is surging in a would-be attacker's body. So why are the signs of rising adrenaline important to look out for? Because it's the body hormone that's released when a predator is preparing to attack--and if you see the signs of an adrenaline surge, it's time to get out NOW. Watch the video above to learn: The nonverbal changes to look out for How a predator's voice changes prior to an attack, and why What to look for when a predator is trying to cover up adrenaline surge symptoms Next week: How to show a vacant property safely.

Safe Selling: Reading the Predator, Part 1
Throughout this video series, we've showed you how to deter predators. But what happens when you realize the person that you're with actually IS a predator? And what are the signs that tell you it's time to exit the house you're showing and get to safety? Watch the video above to find out the subtle, physical signs that a predator is gearing up for an attack. Next week: The details of how to tell when a predator is about to attack, from body language to voice changes and beyond.

Safe Selling: Showing Prep Tips for When You Can't Arrive Early
In a perfect world, agents would always have time to arrive at a showing before their prospect in order to prepare the home for a safe showing. But as we know, the world isn't exactly perfect. What happens when you arrive to a showing at the same time as the buyer and don't have time to take the necessary safety precautions? That's what we'll show you in this week's Safe Selling episode. Watch the video above to learn: How to set expectations with prospects before a showing that you'll need to enter the home alone first A sample script to use when setting those expectations Why it's important to prepare the home for your safety... no matter what Next week: What happens when you're prospect really is a predator? Learn how to tell when they're gearing up for an attack—and how to stay safe.

Safe Selling: Opening a Lockbox and Door
Never turn your back on a client... and we mean that literally. To prevent finding yourself in a vulnerable situation with a prospect, we know to never physically turn away from them. But what should you do in times where that seems inevitable--like opening a lockbox or door? In this week's Safe Selling video, we talk about just that. Watch the video above to learn: Precisely how to stand so that you can open a lockbox while still being able to see the client How to open a door and walk through so that your back is never to the client How to come off as warm and welcoming when opening door or lockboxes, rather than awkward or standoffish. Next week: Simple tips for navigating stairs safely during a showing.

Safe Selling: Why Bedrooms Are a Danger Zone During Showings
As an agent, you've heard it a hundred times: don't go into the basement or attic during a showing because you can easily get trapped and assaulted by unsavory prospects. While that seems like a no-brainer, there's another place in the house that you need to be cautious about--and for very similar reasons. That place? Bedrooms! In this week's Safe Selling video, we break down why bedrooms are a danger zone for agents during a showing. Watch the video above to learn: The two major reasons that bedrooms are unsafe for agents Why bedrooms are ideal for carrying out an attack What to do when a client has a question about a bedroom Where to safely stand when a client is viewing a bedroom Next week: Master suites present their own safety challenges during a showing. Learn how to navigate them safely.

Safe Selling: How to Maximize Your Visibility During a Showing
The appointment is set, and you've just arrived ahead of your prospect for a showing. Beyond previewing the home to learn its layout and features, this is the perfect time to prepare the listing so that you're safe during the showing. How? As we've learned, the first step is to open all the blinds and turn on all the lights so that neighbors can see in. The next step? "Blocking" your presentation. "Blocking" is a theatrical term that means planning where you're going to stand. In the case of real estate, that means planning where you're going to stand during different segments of your showing presentation. Watch the video above to learn: Why windows are your key to staying safe Why it's important not to stand somewhere you can't be seen from the outside of the listing The red flag that predators may display when you've denied them an opportunity to attack Next week: Why you should take the literal "high ground" when showing a home or meeting with new prospects.

How to Overcome the Pain of Passwords
Are you like me and password dumb? Do you use the same password all the time (NOT a good idea)? Different sites require upper case, lower case, a number, and a symbol of some kind, and passwords have to be a minimum of eight digits long. Now let's add even more reasons to forget passwords, like facial recognition, password managers, and a ton of other apps and programs. How many times have you tapped on the "Forgot Password" link and a site emails you 23er&#7di1? So you go in to change your password, and the one you enter is rejected because you have used it once in the past 10 years! How about sticky notes on your computer or desk?

Privacy Changes Coming to Facebook Groups
Facebook, one of the largest social media platforms in the world, is one of the best tools you can use as a real estate agent. It offers endless opportunities for you to engage with potential buyers. One of those opportunities, Facebook Groups, enables you to create a group that can be targeted to a specific location or audience. While Facebook Groups are great, there are some upcoming changes that may impact the success of these groups. To get you ahead of the changes, we outlined them and how they may impact how you use groups for your business.

Safe Selling: Protecting Yourself as a Real Estate Agent
It's September, which means it's Realtor safety month. Real estate can be an extremely rewarding career, but it comes with its own set of dangers. The people and even places you run across can be hazardous. Even driving in your car puts you at risk. Here are some things you should keep in mind when going about your job. We've also included some apps and programs you should consider investing in to make sure you are as safe as can be.

What's the Safest Way to Manage Your Passwords?
It may be the biggest Catch-22 of technology: password protection keeps your data safe. After all, one in five Americans says they have experienced a compromise of an online account. But to be genuinely safe experts recommend using different, highly complex passwords: a mix of random letters, numbers, and characters. However, that approach makes these passwords nearly impossible for most people to remember!

Dealing with Squatters: How to Ask Them to Leave
So, you've calmed an agitated squatter in the home you're showing. What's the next step to take in order to show the listing without provoking a confrontation? Watch this week's episode of 'Real Answers' to find out. In the video above, you'll learn: How to safely give squatters options to leave so you can show the home What to say if they choose not to leave Why respect and appreciation for the squatter and their decision are key Why you should never issue ultimatums if you want to stay safe Sample scripts you can use throughout the interaction

Dealing with Squatters: Avoiding Confrontation During a Showing
Last week, we showed you what to do when the vacant home you're showing has a squatter. If you used the techniques we discussed, the squatter may leave the property voluntarily--but what happens if they refuse? That's what we're exploring in this week's episode of "Real Answers." Watch the video above to learn: Why you should treat them like the homeowner to avoid a confrontation A sample script for starting a conversation with them What NOT to say to avoid aggravating a squatter The physical signs that hint that a squatter may escalate the situation No matter how considerate your approach, sometimes a squatter may want to confront you anyway. Tune into next week's episode for tips on talking down an agitated squatter!    

How to Show a Vacant Property Safely, Part 1
Vacant properties, while convenient to show, present a host of safety issues for real estate agents. First among those concerns, according to Real Safe Agent CEO Lee Goldstein, is the potential presence of squatters. In this week's episode of "Real Answers," a video series on real estate safety issues, Goldstein shows us how to deal with vacant homes in general and squatters in particular. Watch the video above to learn: What to do before you enter a vacant listing Why it's important to take accompaniment when previewing or showing vacant properties And more! Next week, be sure to tune in again as we cover Part 2 of how to show vacant listings!  

Safe Selling: Reading the Predator, Part 1
Throughout this video series, we've showed you how to deter predators. But what happens when you realize the person that you're with actually IS a predator? And what are the signs that tell you it's time to exit the house you're showing and get to safety? Watch the video above to find out the subtle, physical signs that a predator is gearing up for an attack.

Beyond CCPA and GDPR: New Digital Privacy Developments that Realtors Need to Know
We recently talked about the new California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and its impact on the real estate industry in the United States. CCPA is the first domestic state regulation after the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and although CCPA isn't as far-reaching as GDPR, it will mean a change in the way real estate agents in the US handle and manage personal identifiable information for their clients and leads. Unlike the GDPR, CCPA is based in this country and, much like GDPR, has inspired other new privacy regulations in other states that are reflective of CCPA and the GDPR.

Google Flags Websites that Are Not HTTPS as Not Secure
It's for your clients. It's for your security. It's for Google. Our team heard "rumblings" as early as two years ago from Google strongly "advocating" website owners move to HTTPS encryption to make the Internet secure and protect the privacy of your users. If you have not yet acquired an SSL certificate, you may have already noticed Google has flagged your website as "Not Secure" in Chrome.

Safe Selling: Opening a Lockbox and Door
Never turn your back on a client... and we mean that literally. To prevent finding yourself in a vulnerable situation with a prospect, we know to never physically turn away from them. But what should you do in times where that seems inevitable--like opening a lockbox or door? In this week's Safe Selling video, we talk about just that. Watch the video above to learn: Precisely how to stand so that you can open a lockbox while still being able to see the client How to open a door and walk through so that your back is never to the client How to come off as warm and welcoming when opening door or lockboxes, rather than awkward or standoffish.

Safe Selling: Why Bedrooms Are a Danger Zone During Showings
As an agent, you've heard it a hundred times: don't go into the basement or attic during a showing because you can easily get trapped and assaulted by unsavory prospects. While that seems like a no-brainer, there's another place in the house that you need to be cautious about--and for very similar reasons. That place? Bedrooms! In this week's Safe Selling video, we break down why bedrooms are a danger zone for agents during a showing. Watch the video above to learn: The two major reasons that bedrooms are unsafe for agents Why bedrooms are ideal for carrying out an attack What to do when a client has a question about a bedroom Where to safely stand when a client is viewing a bedroom

Safe Selling: The 'No Influence' Sales Strategy
Here's something you can try on your next showing: the 'No Influence' sales strategy. It's a showing technique you can use to keep yourself safe from potential predators--all while making legitimate prospects feel like a million bucks. From childhood, we're taught to make others comfortable in our presence, and as Realtors, a certain interpersonal ease is important in building a thriving client base. Because of this, too many agents ignore their gut instincts to protect themselves during in-person interactions with new prospects. They fear alienating a prospect by making them uncomfortable. The No Influence technique lets agents seem every inch the gracious guide during a showing. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, this strategy actually allows agents to subtly position themselves in a protective manner during showings. Check out this week's Safe Selling video to learn more about this technique. Watch the video above to: Get a script to use with prospects during the home tour Learn why this technique pleases legit buyers and deflates predators

Safe Selling: How to Maximize Your Visibility During a Showing
The appointment is set, and you've just arrived ahead of your prospect for a showing. Beyond previewing the home to learn its layout and features, this is the perfect time to prepare the listing so that you're safe during the showing. How? As we've learned, the first step is to open all the blinds and turn on all the lights so that neighbors can see in. The next step? "Blocking" your presentation. "Blocking" is a theatrical term that means planning where you're going to stand. In the case of real estate, that means planning where you're going to stand during different segments of your showing presentation. Watch the video above to learn: Why windows are your key to staying safe Why it's important not to stand somewhere you can't be seen from the outside of the listing The red flag that predators may display when you've denied them an opportunity to attack

[Best of 2018] Safe Selling: Screen Prospects with This Easy Phone Trick
We're continuing an annual tradition of counting down our top 10 articles of the year. The following article was originally published in November and is #5 in our countdown. See #6 here. We're keeping it short and sweet this week with a quick trick you can use over the phone to reveal 'red flags' that suggest a prospect might be dangerous. You recently learned the basics of spotting red flags in prospects. In this week's 'Safe Selling' episode, discover a trick called 'The Training Play' that can help you gauge a prospect's hidden motives. Watch the video above to: Hear a sample script for using the Training Play on the phone Find out which vocal cues to be alert for Learn how to tell if you should take another agent with you on a showing Stay tuned until next week's episode of Safe Selling!  

Safe Selling: Use the Meet Time to Establish Power and Control
"Always take power and control wherever you can." That's the advice from agent safety expert Lee Goldstein. In this week's "Safe Selling" video, Lee shares another way that agents can turn off potential predators--by taking control of what time you'll meet a prospect for a showing. It's a simple tactic. Rather than simply agreeing to meet a new prospect at the time they suggest, Lee recommends telling the prospect you can meet them at an alternative time. Because predators look for weakness and subservience in victims, this minor pushback may signal to them that you aren't an easy target, and that YOU are the one in control. Watch the video above to learn: Why this tactic turns off predators, but leaves real clients unphased Why you should never apologize or ask if the alternate time is "okay" with a prospect

Safe Selling: Screen Prospects with This Easy Phone Trick
We're keeping it short and sweet this week with a quick trick you can use over the phone to reveal 'red flags' that suggest a prospect might be dangerous. You recently learned the basics of spotting red flags in prospects. In this week's 'Safe Selling' episode, discover a trick called 'The Training Play' that can help you gauge a prospect's hidden motives. Watch the video above to: Hear a sample script for using the Training Play on the phone Find out which vocal cues to be alert for Learn how to tell if you should take another agent with you on a showing Stay tuned until next week's episode of Safe Selling!  

Shady Prospect? Spot 'Red Flags' with This Technique
Have you ever gotten a 'funny' feeling when talking to a new prospect over the phone--like something just felt a bit 'off'? That may have been your intuition warning you that a prospect may not be who they seem. Today, we're exploring a communication technique that will help you uncover 'red flags' that warn you to be wary of a prospect. In this week's 'Safe Selling' video, you'll learn: What active listening is, and how to use it with prospects How to tell a legitimate buyer from a suspicious prospect The 'onion peeling process' of drilling down into what a prospect says and looking for inconsistencies Why inconsistencies in what a prospect tells you are a red flag And, bonus, while active listening can help you weed out shady prospects, it can also help you gain a deeper understanding of what real buyers need! Stay tuned 'til next week for more safe selling techniques!    

Safe Selling: How to Avoid Marketing that Attracts Predators
Does the information you provide in your marketing attract leads--or predators? Last week, we learned the difference between "strong" language that attracts leads and "weak" language that draws in predators. We're building on that lesson this week by exploring what types of marketing information attracts dangerous people, and what repels them. Watch the video above to learn: The difference between personal and professional information Why you should NEVER include personal information on your website or other marketing channels The personal details that can cause a predator to stalk you in person What topics your marketing should focus on instead Stay tuned for next week's 'Safe Selling' video!