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.

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.
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

Free, one-hour webinars include interactive chat feature.

A Fund Roundtable: Cyber-Hygiene Tips You Need to Adopt Today

October 8 | 12pm – 1pm

Attorneys from The Fund’s Legal Education department share practical tips that law firms and title agencies can adopt as Best Practices to mitigate against cyber-crime.

Third-Party Security Vetting for Law Firms

October 15 | 12pm – 1pm

Ron Frechette, CEO of GoldSky Security, reviews a standard cybersecurity questionnaire and discusses implementing security controls, performing an internal security risk assessment and building an affordable cybersecurity program.

Computer Security in the Age of Cyber-Crime

October 29 | 12pm – 1pm

Darrell Marsh, The Fund’s Computer Security Manager, Information Technology, shares computer security measures that Members and their IT managers should take to guard against data breaches and cyber-attacks