Data breaches are now a normal phenomenon, a circumstance that could be a cause for Mineola rental property owners to think about. When you lease a property, you accumulate sensitive personal data from your tenants, which may find its way into the hands of identity thieves unless handled correctly. To protect your tenant’s sensitive information in todays technology, either you have advanced IT skills, or you’ll need to start collaborating with a property management company that does. Either way, there are several strategies you can do to ensure that your tenant’s personal information stays safe and secure.
1. Use Strong Passwords and Firewalls
In most cases, the more random your passwords are, the less likely they’ll be hacked. Never select simple passwords that include words or easy to identify number sequences (like a phone number). Rather, create strong passwords for your Wi-Fi, computers, and cloud storage accounts. Avoid accessing tenant data while using unsecured Wi-Fi networks, including those often found in bars and cafes, and libraries. Another critical security measure is to enable a firewall on your computer. A firewall can make a good boundary between hackers and your tenant’s sensitive data. If you don’t have a clue on how to install one, enlist the help of an IT professional.
2. Prevent Malware
Along with a firewall, any computer you use to access tenant data needs to have anti-malware software installed on it. Anti-malware software will help prevent hackers and identity thieves from gathering the information they shouldn’t if they slip behind your firewall. Hackers will attempt to bypass your firewall by sending you links that will download malware onto your hard drive when you click on them. Maybe you’re not even conscious that you did it. Once installed, malware can be very tough to remove and usually needs the support of a specialist to do so.
3. Take Privacy Seriously
You may need your tenant’s personal data for good reasons, yet you need to build a secure system to safeguard that you don’t accidentally violate their privacy. If possible, avoid adding their social security numbers or credit card information in areas that are easy to obtain. Be very wary with any documents that may include your tenant’s personal information, as well as phone numbers and addresses, and shred any document you no longer need urgently – never throw documents in the trash. Even a simple act of negligence might place you on the hook for significant legal liabilities, especially if the privacy breach can be traced back to your information handling practices.
4. Call the Experts
With so much depending on your capability to protect your tenant’s sensitive information, it is still advisable to ask professionals to help. While you can establish and manage all of your own security measures, you may find it far more cost-effective to employ a property management company to undertake all of the essential services you need. National property management firms like Real Property Management have the means to supply high-level security for both you and your tenants. Our information security goes beyond even the measures stated in this post, ensuring that your tenant’s personal information remains safe and secure and to gives you excellent service.
Would you want to learn more about the superior services that we give our property owners and tenants? Call Real Property Management Landmark at 516-522-2859, or contact us online today!
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