Computer Security

David Dikeman, Vice Chair
Tech Users Forum

Most likely your computer holds client databases containing all sorts of personal information, not to mention your financial account numbers, assorted letters, and other correspondence. Think of your liability risk should someone obtain access to your computer!

When it comes to your computer security, think CIA:

1. Confidentiality – Make sure no one sees private/confidential information
2. Integrity – Assure that information is accurate and has not been modified by unauthorized processes or personnel
3. Availability – Access business-critical information in a timely and reliable manner

Too much security can negatively affect number three above. When there’s not enough, it’s not a matter of “if” the hackers will come but “when”.  So how does a non-technical realtor protect him/herself?  The CBR Technology Users Forum recently reviewed some basic recommendations outlined below.

Keep your Operating System Software up to date
Most of us use Microsoft Windows (just ask the government!!). Updates are easily accomplished by going to http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com--it scans your computer, recommends updates, and updates automatically.

Secure the network connection
I was shopping for a car stereo and also looking at car security systems. I asked the sales person about an item that didn’t appear to give much protection. He said, “This accomplishes the primary goal: Make the car next to yours more inviting.” This can be done in the computer world by buying a “Router” that has a built-in firewall and NAT (Network Address Translation). You can purchase one for about $40. I bought one, plugged it in, and it worked right out of the box. I was amazed!

Secure your passwords
A coworker came to me in shock. Someone had hacked her AOL email account and sent twenty thousand emails promoting body part enhancement. Her email address was Stephanie.Jones@aol.com (name changed to protect the unsecure). I said, “Let me guess, your password was ‘Stephanie’.” She responded, “Not a good password, huh?”

Use a password containing letters and numbers – preferably non-word passwords because names and subjects are easy to hack. The best is an acronym. I like song choruses like “Two out of three ain’t bad” which equals a password of “2oo3ab” (Meatloaf would be proud of me!).  Also, never give your password to anyone for any reason – even if it’s somebody from technical support. If they’re truly from tech support, they can change it themselves!

Secure your area
A 1 Gigabyte flash drive is now available and is the size of a keychain. It can be plugged into the USB port on the front of a computer and it’s automatically recognized and loaded. With this device, a person could copy all of your files in a matter of minutes while you’re away or at lunch.

Viruses and spam
These can load Trojans, attack-bots, and spyware onto your computer while infecting the internet and your clients. Make sure you have virus protection software and update it daily. At Homestead Mortgage, I update our system’s virus protection files hourly through automatic updates!! If your kids use your computer, scan often! They do the darnedest things!

You have a responsibility to your clients, to your constituents, and to yourself to practice secure computing. Not only am I a Mortgage Consultant, I also manage the servers and computers at Homestead Mortgage.  If you have any security questions, please feel free to contact me at (614) 310-1126.

Free resources

• http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ – uses a reliable company to scan your computer for viruses
• www.lavasoft.de -- Adaware -- removes spyware that tracks your internet surfing.
• www.safer-networking.org -- Search and Destroy Spybot -- removes items that Adaware might miss (nobody’s perfect!).  It also looks for Trojans
• www.grc.com -- Shields up! -- scans your connection and ports for security leaks.