Do you have sensitive client information on your laptop?

What if you lost your laptop? Could a crook access your client information and use it for devious purposes?

Technology can be a great productivity booster. You can work from anywhere at any time. You can help your clients 24/7 if you so desire, but you need to make sure that you protect client sensitive information. Just like you have a fiduciary responsibility to your client when they hire you as their REALTOR, you also have a responsibility to protect their most sensitive information. I am talking about social security numbers, signatures, financial statements, account numbers, address etc. All of this kind of information, thieves would love to exploit to their own financial gain and your clients demise.

I have a couple of recommendations for minimum computer security:

1. Firewall. Any computer should have a firewall installed. Today, according to federal sources, it only takes 10 to 15 minutes for a computer to be compromised if you connect to the Internet and does not have any firewall installed.
2. Virus scanning software. The Internet is full of nasty software which your computer easily can pick up if you are not careful. The best advise is to have a commercial grade virus scanning software installed. Several vendors provide excellent solutions to protect your computer from all kinds of viruses, however you need to keep the signatures updated. So please check for new updates aat least once a week. Windows Live One care is one solution, McAfee, HouseCall and Kaspersky are other solutions.
3. Spyware scanning software. Protect your computer with a good spyware scanning software. Several versions are free of charge. SpyBot is a free version, even though you are encouraged to donate a small amount.
4. Check for operating system and application updates. Every second Tuesday of every month, Microsoft comes out with their monthly software updates and if the situation is serious, Microsoft will releases an update ASAP. So check for update on a weekly basis.

Here are some more advanced computer security recommendations:

1. Hard disk encryption software. If you encrypt your hard drive, your information will still be secure even after it would fall into the hands of "bad" people. There are several solutions available. Microsoft Vista has a built in bit locker and PGP Corp has several commercial grades encryption solutions.
2. Computer monitoring software. If your computer should et stolen or lost, LoJack can help authorities recover your computer.
3. Backup. Use an on-line service like Mozy or Carbonite for remote backup solutions. Separate free standing hard drive for weekly backup and burn a CD once a month.

If you follow this advise your clients will thank you should you loose your computer and you will also avoid and legal exposure from lawsuits.