BPINA: How to Keep Clients’ Personal Data Safe
The Breach of Personal Information Notification Act (BPINA) can have serious implications for REALTORS® who regularly collect personal information from their clients.
BPINA requires anyone who stores personal information linking the name of a Pennsylvania resident to his Social Security Number (SSN), driver’s license number (or other state-issued ID number) or financial account number to notify the individual when there has been a database breach of security.
Business owners are responsible for keeping the personal information they collect safe. That’s where software like anti-virus programs, spyware and firewalls become even more important.
Marty Manion, PAR director of information technology, offers the following tips for keeping data secure:
Use either hardware or software firewalls. Some suggest using both to ensure greater protection.
Update Windows programs. These updates close the holes that have been found in the programs that can allow viruses in.
Use encryption features. Many Windows programs include free encryption options so others cannot access files.
Install both anti-virus and anti-spyware software.
Protect wireless routers. Change the name, enable the password and use the encryption security.
Use a USB drive with security features. Many newer drives have a security zone which is a portion reserved for data that needs a password to access.
REALTORS® using mobile technology are at risk as well. “If you’re using a laptop or personal data assistant (PDA), don’t save your password or have it log on automatically. You’re making it easier for someone to steal your information if he gets his hands on your computer.
“The bottom line is REALTORS® have to collect personal data in order to process the transaction,” Manion says. “They need to protect that data as best they can to avoid someone else gaining access to it.”
For more information on Data Security Resources, log online to www.parealtor.org and click on Data Security Resources under Quick Links.