Chances are either you or someone you know, has been a victim of the recent cyber attacks.

Companies we would think have A+ security are being hacked and customer data leaked online.

From Optus to Medibank – it is hard to imagine what might come next.

Which makes reminding our clients about the importance of cyber security so paramount.

Earlier this year, we highlighted our top 7 ways to avoid a cyber attack.

Now, we have even more pointers to add to the list.

  1. 2FA everything!

    Two-factor Identification (known as 2FA) is your new best friend. If you are prompted to add 2FA to your accounts, now is the time to do it.

    This includes emails, your Trust software and server – EVERYTHING!

    Sure, you may initially find it irritating to head to your Google Authenticator and key in a code.

    But it’s a lot less annoying than dealing with the fallout from a cyber attack.

  2. Use a password manager

    Password Managers such as LastPass can store your passwords in an online, secure vault.

    Ensure you log out every day and make sure your master password is NOT a word.

    Check out our previous article on password protection to ensure your password is NOT on the 25 most common password list.

    If it is – change it!

  3. Update your passwords

    Yep, every 90 days.

    We know this is annoying but set a reminder every 90 days and go to town. Make it the last, mind-numbing thing you do 4 times every year on a Friday afternoon.

    Crack a beverage to make it more exciting.

  4. Get insured

    Many insurance companies now offer cyber cover.

    It’s costly but worthwhile and covers you in the occurrence of a cyber attack whereby your client’s details are illegally accessed.

  5. Stop sharing passwords

    Big no-no. Use your Password Manager to give access if needed.

  6. Each staff member has their own login

    Avoid having a common log-in that is shared among staff members. Allocate everyone their own log-in.

  7. Lock your computer

    This is especially important in a shared workspace. Activate all staff computers to lock once they have stayed idle for five minutes.

  8. Ring people for bank details

    Yes, that’s right – physically call people for bank details. No texting or jotting over a skype message. Old school phone calls people!

We may seem to harp on about cyber security, but with so much of our lives and business online, we really cannot stress these points enough.

Make 2023 the year you get cyber-savvy.

Jane Morgan is the Director of End of Month Angels, a consultancy firm specialising in Trust Accounting. Jane knows the legislative requirements of running a successful Real Estate office through her 25 years’ industry experience. Don’t trust just anyone with your trust accounting. Book an appointment with an End of Month Angel today.