Information Center

Information Security

Every day, our industry experiences cyberattacks aimed at stealing closing funds. If you think you’re safe, guess again. NO ONE IS IMMUNE.

A startling fact from the FBI: Between 2015 and 2018, real estate transaction scams increased more than 1,000%.

To help you protect your practice, your funds, your employees and everyone with whom you interact, we've pulled together these valuable tips, learning opportunities, links and updates. Feel free to download and share the 8 Cybersecurity Commandments flyer and the Information Security FAQs document.

Be Cyber-Smart!

Our industry is a primary target of the fraudsters, exercising good cyber hygiene and diligence is a year-round requirement. These tips run the gamut, from articles on encrypted email, links to the FBI’s ic3 website, recorded webinars, and more.

View Cyber Security Tips

8 Cybersecurity Commandments

Be Smart. Be Safe. Be Cyber-Secure!

Document all approved parties’ contact information at the start of a transaction.

Encrypt all emails containing wire instructions or other sensitive data.

Use ONLY trusted, secure email accounts for communications and transactions - NEVER use free or web-based accounts.

Prior to closing, execute an agreement determining the methods of funds transfer with the seller/borrower.

Regard any request for deviation from the established funding agreement as suspicious.

Confirm wiring instructions and receipt of wired funds verbally with documented approved parties.

Slow down. A slow, confirmed closing is always preferred over one that could be compromised.

DON’T WAIT! If you suspect fraud, contact your bank and appropriate authorities.

8 Cybersecurity Commandments PDF (.pdf)

How to Report Cyber Fraud

If you feel that your business or information may be compromised through a cyber attack:

Inform local law enforcement or the state attorney general as appropriate.
Report stolen finances or identities and other cyber crimes to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. If a wire transfer was involved, also file a complaint at bec.ic3.gov. Watch How to Report Wire Fraud from ALTA
Report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at www.onguardonline.gov/file-complaint.
Report computer or network vulnerabilities to US-CERT via the hotline: 1-888-282-0870 or www.us-cert.gov.

Webinars

Video – An Insider's Look at Cyber Security Cases - Watch Now

The Fund’s Legal Education Department is pleased to welcome Joseph Swanson, a shareholder of the Tampa office of Carlton Fields, An Insider’s Look at Cyber Security Cases. A large portion of Mr. Swanson’s practice...

Video – What?! We’ve Been Phished! – An Online Tabletop Exercise - Watch Now

Join us as we depict a fictional firm’s reaction to learning that it’s fallen victim to an elaborate wire transfer fraud. At crucial points in the firm’s odyssey, we stop and consider the firm’s actions – and inactions - in view of the...

Video – Third-Party Security Vetting for Law Firms - Watch Now

Join Ron Frechette, CEO of GoldSky Security for a FREE webinar, Third-Party Security Vetting for Law Firms. Ron wowed the crowd at Fund Assembly with his Dark Web presentation and is back to introduce Fund members to the...

Video – Computer Security in the Age of Cyber-Crime - Watch Now

Join Darrell Marsh, The Fund's Computer Security Manager, Information Technology, as he presents Computer Security in the Age of Cyber-Crime. This program focuses on the various types of computer security that Fund members and their...

Video – A Fund Roundtable: Cyber-Hygiene Tips You Need to Adopt Today - Watch Now

Join the attorneys of The Fund's Legal Education Department as we present A Fund Roundtable: Cyber-Hygiene Tips You Need to Adopt Today. We will share practical tips that law firms and title agencies can adopt to mitigate against cyber...

Video – Insuring Against Mortgage Payoff Fraud, Business Email Compromise Fraud & Other Social Engineering Fraud - Watch Now

Real estate settlement providers are now the #1 target of cyber fraudsters and the types of frauds are ever evolving. Mortgage payoff frauds now joins the list of business email compromise and other social engineering frauds affecting closing agents. This webinar...

Video – Protecting Yourself Against Wire Fraud - Watch Now

Day of closing. Updated payoff letter received and your bookkeeper has loaded the wire for you to release. Before you hit the “Send” button, are you absolutely certain that the wiring instruction relied upon is authentic? Are there ways to tell? How...