The real estate sector is facing an influx of cyber attacks, with title insurance companies increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. Industry professionals handling sensitive data and large transactions face heightened risks This potentially leads to reputational damage and non-compliance penalties with regulations like the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.
The consequences of a successful cyber attack can be severe. Research shows that the average cost of a data breach per stolen record is $165. In other words, a breach impacting 1,000 documents could cost your business $165,000 or more. And any busy title agent knows that you might have 1000 new documents in your files by lunchtime on a busy day. It’s easy to see how a serious data breach could cripple a company with costs!
To combat these threats, title insurance companies require a proactive and systematic approach to cybersecurity. The CIS v8 security framework, developed by the Center for Internet Security, offers a strategic roadmap tailored for this purpose. It comprises a set of best practices that enhance cybersecurity defenses by prioritizing the protection of sensitive data and systems.
Recognized globally for its effectiveness, the CIS v8 framework equips companies to not only respond to immediate threats but also to build a sustainable, secure infrastructure that instills trust among clients and stakeholders.
Rather than needing to extensively study and determine how to apply this framework, we’re here to help! This article presents an actionable cybersecurity risk assessment template based on the CIS v8 framework, tailored to title insurance companies.
Part 1: Asset Management and Configuration
Title insurance companies must maintain accurate inventories of all hardware (for instance, computers, servers, network devices) and software (for instance, operating systems and applications). The visibility of all these components is essential for preventing unauthorized access as it allows you to spot and manage any unauthorized device connected to your network.
Beyond monitoring, you should strive to secure your device and system configurations to stop intrusions right from the get-go. Prevention is better than cure, after all. Industry best practices (like the CIS Benchmarks) and routine compliance checks ensure continued adherence to security standards. Proactively resolve unauthorized changes before they lead to a breach.
Actionable Tip
Employ Microsoft Intune to consistently manage and update your inventory of hardware and software assets. This comprehensive management solution allows you to oversee devices across your organization, ensuring that all endpoints are securely configured and compliant with your company’s policies.
Intune provides the ability to detect and report on unauthorized devices or rogue software installations. For example, you can set up Intune to alert your team whenever an unauthorized application is installed or when a device falls out of compliance, enabling quick remediation to close any security gaps.
Part 2: Data Security and Privacy
The title insurance industry handles a lot of sensitive client data, including nonpublic personal information (NPI), financial details, and property records. A data breach in this sector could lead to severe financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties.
While robust encryption protocols and clear data handling policies require additional IT investments, they go a long way in preventing attempted attacks. Nearly half of U.S. businesses do not have an encryption policy – does your title insurance firm?
Moreover, cybersecurity threats evolve constantly. Regular training on data privacy and security best practices is crucial to defend against threats. Your team should know how to identify phishing attempts, spot suspicious emails, follow cybersecurity risk assessment templates, and manage passwords securely. Awareness reduces the risk of breaches stemming from human errors.
Actionable Tip
Secure your client data by classifying and encrypting sensitive information. Start with a simple assessment to determine which data needs the most protection based on its sensitivity. Implement encryption tools like Microsoft BitLocker for data at rest and use secure protocols like SSL/TLS for data in transit. Schedule regular reviews of your encryption methods to keep up with new security standards and ensure your client information remains protected.
Part 3: Account and Access Management
Rigorous account and access management practices mitigate insider threats and prevent unauthorized external access. Enforce the principle of least privilege. Users should only be granted the minimum level of access necessary to their job roles. Doing so limits the potential damage of compromised credentials.
Conduct regular access rights audits for both user and service accounts. Routinely verify if the permissions granted align with their current roles and responsibilities. Proactive revocation of unnecessary privileges significantly reduces your attack surface.
Actionable Tip
Pull a list of users with access to your system and review it at least quarterly. For those who have access, implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all sensitive systems and data. It stops hacking attempts through lost credentials by creating additional authentication factors (like a code or biometric verification) beyond the standard username-password credentials.
Part 4: Threat Detection and Response
Cybersecurity threats are dynamic and persistent. To identify and mitigate potential security threats in real-time, you need proactive monitoring and detection techniques. Address security incidents before they cause significant disruptions.
Likewise, a comprehensive incident response plan is equally important. It should clearly outline roles, responsibilities, and procedures for responding to different types of cyber incidents. A well-defined and regularly updated plan allows your team to act effectively and decisively during a security crisis.
Actionable Tip
Enhance your cybersecurity approach by implementing a 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) that actively monitors, detects, and responds to threats as they occur. A 24/7 SOC provides real-time analysis and swift action against potential threats. This proactive stance reduces the risk of downtime and secures your operations against cyber threats around the clock.
Part 5: Secure Infrastructure and Services
Managing vulnerabilities in your network infrastructure, application software, and remote access services keeps hacking attempts at bay. They’re common entry points for cybercriminals. If left unresolved, hackers could perform data exfiltration. This could compromise your internal and external partners.
In addition, email and web gateways are susceptible to phishing campaigns. Secure these channels through technical measures like DMARC, DKIM, SPF for email authentication and web application firewalls for web defense.
Finally, make sure you train your employees on how to browse the web safely, identifying phishing attempts and malicious websites. Encourage them to check for secure connections (https URLs), be wary of unsolicited downloads, and never enter personal or company information on suspicious sites. Regular training sessions, coupled with updated guidelines on internet safety, can significantly reduce the risk of security breaches originating from online activities.
Actionable Tip
Engage with third-party security consultants to conduct thorough testing and evaluations of your systems. These experts can uncover hidden vulnerabilities and provide unbiased insights into security gaps you might not be aware of. Regular security assessments by external specialists not only reinforce your defense against potential cyber threats but also ensure your practices align with the latest industry standards and compliance requirements.
How a Title Insurance IT Managed Service Provider Can Assist
An IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) can be invaluable in customizing and implementing the CIS v8 security controls—especially an MSP that knows the ins and outs of title insurance companies. They tailor cybersecurity strategies to fit the precise needs of your operations, from securing sensitive transactions to safeguarding client records.
MSPs bring sophisticated tools to the table, automating everything from inventory tracking to real-time threat detection. This means your company can uphold tight security standards without the heavy lift of managing complex IT systems or extensive employee training.
And, an MSP specialized in the title industry can regularly audit systems to ensure ongoing compliance with laws like the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and state regulations, rapidly respond to incidents, and recover critical functions quickly if breaches occur. Plus, they keep your team sharp with training programs focused on emerging cyber threats, turning your staff into the first line of defense against cyberattacks.
Don’t Go It Alone Implementing Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Templates
By adopting this structured, five-part cybersecurity strategy grounded in the CIS v8 framework, title insurance companies can enhance their security posture. This approach is vital in sectors where threats are constantly evolving. Remember, adopting these strategies not only safeguards your assets but also mitigates risks, ensuring long-term sustainability.
In the title industry, mitigating risks and maximizing security is critical. Our specialized IT experts at Premier One are here to help.
From our specialized knowledge of industry software (e.g., SoftPro, RamQuest, and Qualia) to our deep understanding of security needs for title companies, we’ve been the industry’s trusted partner for more than 30 years. Discover how our title IT experts can help!
