This week on Modern American Realtor, the Wright brothers discuss cyber security with expert Scott Krawitz. The Internet has become an irreplaceably ubiquitous component of today’s professional landscape. However, the news of security breaches has also become commonplace. Everyone from large multinational corporations to government agencies have fallen victim to cybercrime, and while it may not make headlines, small businesses are also frequently victimized. As a result, many business owners are forced to consider the vulnerability of their company’s data, and steps they can take to increase internal protection. In this episode, Corey, Casey, and their guest discuss strategies small business owners can implement to strengthen their network and help prevent damaging cyber attacks.
The first step towards improving network security is identifying areas of weakness which may exist throughout your infrastructure. Scott provides recommendations for agents and business owners to help identify vulnerabilities, and simple tasks that can bolster and strengthen the network. Identifying what data is most important to your business and where the data resides is a vital step to averting potential calamities.
Following the identification of critical data, understanding how company data may be compromised is beneficial for improving business infrastructure. Scott outlines a common strategy used by hackers, which often involves simple social engineering tactics. In order to obtain stolen data, a hacker may contact staff under false pretext, such as impersonating an IT professional, to gain sensitive passwords and network information. Additionally, hackers may deploy a blanket attack, targeting thousands of systems with malicious software and exploiting the successful hits. Scott suggests simple solutions to these potential incidents, including staff training and awareness and security software.
The statement “you are only strong as your weakest link” remains true in regards to cyber security. Basic measures, such as up-to-date virus protection, can be an important defense towards preventing attacks. Additionally, using a centralized password management system allows complicated passwords that change on a regular basis to be deployed across the network. Corey recommends all businesses should employ a network security consultant to conduct a custom evaluation and provide recommendations to address network vulnerabilities. Furthermore, purchasing data breach insurance is also recommended.
Network security is a topic most business owners would love to avoid. However, solutions are often simple and straightforward, and invariably essential towards protecting the most important aspects of a business. Identifying valuable information held within your network and weaknesses that exist in your systems are the first step. This objective, combined with the implementation of security software products, is where most businesses should begin. For those who wish to take their protection to the next level, hiring a profession to provide a custom consult is a surefire way to promote the safety and protection of vital business data.
3:39 – Cyber Security
5:28 – Realtors Raising The Bar
9:50 – Guest Introductions
11:45 – Protecting Your Business
13:39 – Understanding The Problem
16:29 – Types of Attacks
20:05 – The Three As
24:11 – Recommended Solutions
32:50 – Data Loss
36:49 – Future Of Security
38:10 – Data Breach Insurance
39:29 – Solutions for Agents
41:41 – Final thoughts
PM Talent Global
Avast
LastPass
Dropbox
Podcast produced and edited by Jacob Turnbloom
Intro and outro music created by Jacob Turnbloom
Show Notes by Matt Russell
Categorized in: Uncategorized
