5 Cybersecurity Solutions to Implement at Your Title Company

Cybercrime has intensified for businesses in every industry, but in the high-pressure and sensitive world of real estate and title companies, these threats can be particularly acute.

Perhaps no incident has demonstrated the potential impact of a cyberattack on the industry more than the Cloudstar ransomware attack in July 2021. This attack was far-reaching and deeply impactful for those that use the company’s system.

Fortunately, just as cybersecurity threats have evolved, so too have the options title companies have to protect themselves and their customers from these startling trends.

So what options do businesses have to fight back against cybercrime? Here is our list of the top five cybersecurity solutions your title company should implement today.

1. Get Antivirus software

One of the biggest steps you can take is actually one of the easiest: taking advantage of the native antivirus software that comes with modern operating systems.

Although commercial antivirus suites are also effective, options such as Windows Defender come with your operating system and simply need to be configured to fit your organization’s needs.

Whichever route you go, keeping these security tools updated and always on is a great way to improve the security of individual computers and the network of devices that enable web-based services, such as websites, emails, and file servers.

2. Leverage Virtual Private Network (VPN) technology

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered how organizations get work done and stay connected, virtual private networks (VPNs) were a powerful and popular way to secure networks.

Cybercrime has been However, in the wake of a new remote working environment, there has been a 22% YoY increase in cybercrimes. In response, there has been an uptick in the use of VPN technology, with numerous options to choose from based on specific operational needs.

Utilizing these technologies helps your team create secure connections. Once in place, VPNs dramatically decrease the likelihood of hackers pushing their way into your legitimate network traffic and incepting your internal communications.

Keep your business safe with CertifID's free cybersecurity guide. Click here to visit the guide and download your free copy.

3. Use network and host-based firewalls

Network perimeter defenses like firewalls use signatures and preconfigured rules to constantly monitor and filter traffic. Based on the established rules, traffic is either allowed to traverse a network or is dropped.

In addition to monitoring traffic from outside of your organization, perimeter network firewalls may also be used in other scenarios, including:

• When access to network devices or servers used by one business function needs to be limited to those only within their group.
• When there are restrictions on allowing network traffic from inside a network to go to external systems, websites, or servers based on IP addresses or types of services.

Firewalls are also great for:

• Filtering out malware and spyware based on signatures, such as IP address source, the type of network traffic, or the volume of traffic.
• Blocking accidental or unauthorized data transmissions or access outside of an area of trust based on destination or source IP address.

4. Integrate an end-to-end wire fraud prevention solution

Choosing a proactive partner that offers a user-friendly platform will confirm the identities of all parties involved in a real estate transaction, which is vital when it comes to facilitating wire transfers and protecting from the rise in cybercrime.

It’s important that your chosen provider can integrate with your existing closing and title production software. This works by sending a trusted message to the party, scanning the end-user device for authenticity and security, confirming their identity, and allowing information to be securely shared.

5. Implement a data loss prevention solution

Similar to firewalls, data loss prevention solutions monitor your outbound network traffic—either from internal sub-networks or to destinations outside of your network—for sensitive data that could be leaving your organization, whether purposely or accidentally.

Once in place, a data loss prevention solution can prevent an accidental or malicious data breach while allowing users with a legitimate need to share secured data.

Take the next step in securing your business

It may seem overwhelming to bolster your organization’s defenses with cybersecurity solutions like these, but it is essential to remember two things:

• The consequences of not doing so can be damaging to your brand, your customers, and your bottom line.
• You do not have to face these new challenges alone.

In fact, there are experienced partners out there—like the team at CertifID—that are ready to work with your organization to evaluate and implement cybersecurity solutions. With CertifID, you can immediately improve your security posture and prepare for the threats of today and tomorrow.

Ready to learn more? Speak with the CertifID team to learn more about how to keep you and your organization safe.

‍