Happy Tuesday Everyone, This week marks a continuation of our ongoing discussion regarding passwords and the crucial aspect of data integrity. In response to a recent surge in reported account security issues, KWRI’s Information Security team has undertaken an audit of KW accounts. The audit has revealed that several thousand accounts are utilizing generic, easily guessed passwords and/or lack a valid password Recovery Email, thereby exposing these accounts to significant risks. To ensure the protection of our agents’ sensitive information, we have implemented a series of measures. This includes the scheduled resetting of passwords and the removal of Recovery Emails for the affected accounts in batches. Detailed instructions and a comprehensive list of impacted agents will be communicated via email to each MC’s MCA (Market Center Administrator). The reset process will follow a rolling timeline based on regions and you will be notified if your account has been determined to be at risk. KWRI, prioritizes the security and privacy of our associates’ data. By taking proactive steps to address potential vulnerabilities, we aim to maintain a robust and secure environment for all users. We are not alone in this focus as NAR has recently been pushing associates for stronger data integrity/ password procedures: A robust password serves as the foundation of data security. However, a recent study conducted by password management firm NordPass has uncovered concerning trends among real estate professionals. Many of them rely on easily guessable passwords, phrases, and formats, putting their own information as well as that of their clients at heightened risk. The research, which examined password usage across 20 industries, including real estate, revealed common practices among professionals in the field. Real estate practitioners frequently incorporate their company’s full name, email domain, or partial name into their passwords. Unfortunately, these types of passwords are not only weak but also dangerous to use. NordPass CEO Jonas Karklys emphasizes the risks associated with such passwords, stating, “When breaking into company accounts, hackers try all the password combinations referencing a company because they are aware of how common they are. Employees often avoid creating complicated passwords, especially for shared accounts. Therefore, they end up choosing something as basic as the company’s name.” Additionally, the NordPass study highlighted the prevalence of common passwords within the real estate sector. Passwords such as “password,” “123456,” and “default” were found to be frequently used. The study identified the following as the most commonly employed passwords within real estate:
Part of the company’s name Company’s email domain Part of the company’s name + “1” Password Indiana1 Aaron431 123456 Company name Default While not in the top 10, the study also noted that real estate professionals often chose passwords like “fashion” and “sexy4sho.” Understanding Strong Passwords NordPass strongly advises companies to enhance their password practices to mitigate risk. Strong passwords should consist of random combinations of at least 20 upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Researchers also recommend enabling multifactor authentication, which includes an additional layer of security beyond the password, such as an SMS or email code verification. Password managers can be employed to securely store all passwords in one place. Many experts predict that passwords will ultimately diminish as a means of authentication due to their vulnerability to cybersecurity breaches. Technology giants such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, and PayPal have already embraced passkey technology, providing login options without passwords. Authentication now relies on biometrics like fingerprints or facial recognition, or the use of a PIN code. Karklys believes that other online companies will adopt similar methods, stating, “The world desperately needs to switch to new online authentication solutions.” Until such innovations become mainstream, it is crucial for real estate professionals to take extra precautions to safeguard their data. The National Association of Realtors® recommends watching the “Window to the Law” video below for additional tips on minimizing the risk of potential data security breaches. https://youtu.be/RGDcp5lR9tE) SEE original NVAR Article: https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/technology/real-estate-pros-most-common-passwords-may-be-dangerous?grp=residential&narmail=EdgeUp%20&date=06-30-2023&user=4591908 ddd ____________________________________________________________________________
Command Essentials:
Change Command Password: https://answers.kw.com/hc/en-us/articles/360017931913-Log-in-to-Command Password Best Practices: https://answers.kw.com/hc/en-us/articles/18031120315411-Password-and-Account-Best-Practices Change KW Email Password: https://answers.kw.com/hc/en-us/articles/360022697033-Change-or-Reset-Your-KW-Email-Password Change Command Recovery Email: https://answers.kw.com/hc/en-us/articles/18029144679315-Recover-Your-MyKW-or-KW-Gmail-Account ________________________________________________________________________________
Would you like to talk about what changes you might make in your business through utilizing the leverage of KW Command for your business? Schedule Time with David Donaldson and Get your Growth & Tech Business Evaluation Here: https://calendly.com/daviddonaldson/rtt-growth-conversation If you need a refresher Course to get re-introduced or gain clarity around the Fundamental use of Command register for our Aug 07-11, 2023 Training Sessions Training Here: kwregion12training.com Do you need to get some insight on what is KW Command. Learn more: https://getcommand.com/ or https://technology.kw.com/