Rapattoni MLS Ransomware Attack: Top 5 Lessons for Multiple Listing Services, Brokers and Leaders
The recent ransomware attack on Rapattoni MLS serves as a stern reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in today's digital landscape. Rapattoni became the latest victim of a cyber attack that shut down its system, leaving agents unable to perform crucial tasks like uploading, editing, or searching listings. This incident highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures for MLS (Multiple Listing Service) providers. Here are the top five things MLS should learn from the Rapattoni MLS ransomware attack.
1. Assess Security: Regularly assess the security protocols in place. Cybersecurity is not a one-time setup but an ongoing process. Regular audits and assessments of the security infrastructure are necessary to ensure that all potential vulnerabilities are identified and addressed.
2. Plan for Disaster Recovery: A comprehensive disaster recovery plan is essential to minimize the impact of any cyber attack. This plan should include regular backups of both data and functions. While many will reasonably call for MLSs to have secondary database backups (hot or cold backups) following this crisis, it is also essential to have backups of functions as even data backups can be hacked.
3. Seek Technology Opportunities: Stay abreast of the latest technological advancements in cybersecurity. Employing state-of-the-art security measures, such as advanced encryption, multi-factor authentication, and intrusion detection systems, can significantly reduce the risk of a successful attack. Along with technology opportunities, strict policies regarding passwords and phishing event tests.
4. Educate Employees and Users: Human error is often a significant factor in successful cyber attacks. Regular training and awareness programs for employees and users can help them recognize potential threats, such as phishing emails, and take appropriate measures to prevent a breach.
5. Vendor Management: MLS providers often hire vendors to supply tools that support their services. It is crucial to ensure that these vendors also adhere to the highest standards of cybersecurity. Conduct regular audits of vendor systems and include cybersecurity requirements in vendor contracts.
Conclusion
First, our heart goes out to Rapattoni, their clients and agents using them. We understand the magnitude of this and how difficult it is. The Rapattoni MLS ransomware attack underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures for MLS providers. Regularly assessing security, planning for disaster recovery, staying abreast of technological advancements, educating employees and users, and managing vendors effectively are all crucial components of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.
An MLS provides services and hires vendors to supply tools that support those services. Those tools offer functions to make the business work. In the wake of the Rapattoni incident, it is evident that MLSs need backups not only of data but also of functions. Cybersecurity is not just about preventing attacks but also about minimizing the impact when an attack does occur.
