How to Protect Your Tenant’s Private Information

Data breaches seem to become a common incident lately, which should be a scenario for Raleigh Court rental property owners to worry about. When you lease a property, you receive sensitive personal data from your tenants, which may find its way into the hands of identity thieves unless handled correctly. To protect your tenant’s sensitive information in today’s modern society, maybe you need advanced IT skills, or you’ll need to consider working with a property management company that does. Regardless of your decision, you need to carry out some things to guarantee that your tenant’s personal information stays safe and secure.

1.   Use Strong Passwords and Firewalls

Generally, the more random your passwords are, the less likely they’ll be hacked. Stay away from using simple passwords that include words or easy-to-find number sequences (like a phone number). Instead, make strong passwords for your Wi-Fi, computers, and cloud storage accounts. Stop accessing tenant data while using unsecured Wi-Fi networks, such as those commonly seen in cafes and libraries. One more vital security measure is to enable a firewall on your computer. A firewall can create a strong wall between hackers and your tenant’s sensitive data. If you don’t fully understand how to install one, seek guidance from an IT professional.

2.   Prevent Malware

In addition to a firewall, any computer you use to access tenant data needs to have anti-malware software installed on it. Anti-malware software can help eliminate hackers and identity thieves from gaining important details once they get through the firewall. Cybercriminals will try to bypass your firewall by sending you links that will download malware onto your hard drive when you click on them. You cannot even remember that you have done so. Once installed, malware can be very stressful to remove and often requires the help of a professional.

3.   Take Privacy Seriously

You may need your tenant’s personal data for good reasons, but a secure system is required to ensure that you don’t accidentally violate their privacy. Whenever possible, avoid storing their social security numbers or credit card information in a freely accessible area. Be very watchful with all documents that may include your tenant’s personal information, such as phone numbers and addresses, and shred any document you no longer need straightaway – don’t ever throw documents in the trash. Even a little act of negligence will result in significant legal liabilities, especially if the privacy breach can be traced back to your information handling practices.

4.   Call the Experts

With too much riding on your capability to secure your tenant’s sensitive information, it could be safer and more relevant to consults professionals for help. Although you can set up and manage all of your own security measures, it is convenient and more cost-effective if you hire a property management company to accomplish all of the essential services you need. National property management firms like Real Property Management have the capability to provide high-level security for both you and your tenants. Our information security goes beyond the things listed in this article, ensuring that your tenant’s personal information remains safe and secure and giving you competent and quality service.

Want to learn more about the top-quality services that we provide our property owners and tenants? Call Real Property Management Colonial at 540-595-7411, or contact us online today!