You know the value of practicing dental hygiene. The same is true for your cybersecurity!
Anyone who has been to the dentist knows the drill. You are in the middle of getting your cleaning, and your hygienist starts asking about your flossing habits and the toothbrush you use. This isn’t mere chit-chat but rather a way for your dentist to gauge your overall oral hygiene. Dentists know that keeping your teeth healthy requires more than an annual cleaning. It is a daily routine, involving consistent brushing, limiting your sugar intake, and replacing your toothbrush regularly.
While it may be tempting to take a “set it and forget it” approach to cybersecurity, resisting that impulse is crucial! Just like oral health requires daily maintenance, cybersecurity needs ongoing attention to prevent vulnerabilities from developing. In this blog, we’ll draw direct comparisons between the two to highlight the importance of good cyber hygiene.
MFA and Password Management = Daily Brushing and Flossing
Dentists will say that the first line of defense against dental problems is consistent, at-home brushing and flossing. Without a good routine in place, problems can quickly emerge. In the short term, this can include plaque build-up and gum inflammation. If neglect continues, tooth decay, cavities, chronic pain, and even systemic health issues can develop.
Weak password strategies and a lack of multi-factor authentication (MFA) often lead to similar outcomes for cybersecurity. Just like plaque builds up over time, the threat of phishing attacks or credential hacking increases without stringent protections. Eventually, the consequences can become severe, including stolen credentials, ransomware attacks, and operational disruptions. These issues can ultimately lead to reputational damage, economic fallout, and even legal penalties.
Just as brushing and flossing protect your teeth, using MFA and strong passwords can prevent cybersecurity issues before they arise.
Avoiding Suspicious Emails and Links = Reducing Sugary Food
Keeping your teeth pearly white also requires making smart choices, such as cutting back on sugar. When people indulge too much in sweet treats, it often leads to tooth decay and other issues like bad breath, gum disease, and even an increased risk of heart disease.
Similarly, failing to exercise caution with emails and links can expose your agency to cyber threats. A small lapse here and there may not seem like a big issue. But just as excessive sugar consumption eventually leads to cavities, frequent mistakes in identifying phishing attempts can quickly spiral into a security crisis.
The best way to prevent this is by changing the behaviors that create risk in the first place. Just like education on the dangers of sugar helps people make healthier dietary choices, cybersecurity training and vigilance can help your team operate more safely online.
Software and System Updates = Replacing Your Toothbrush
Good oral hygiene is not just about daily habits; it also depends on using the right tools. Experts routinely advise replacing your toothbrush every few months to maintain optimal dental health.
Like an old toothbrush that has lost its effectiveness, outdated security software may fail to detect emerging threats. Worse still, it can slow down your systems, hinder productivity, and even put your business at greater risk.
The lesson is clear: keeping your software up to date is just as critical for cybersecurity as keeping your toothbrush fresh is for dental health.
Good Hygiene: The Best Thing for Your Teeth and Your Tech!
Practicing cyber hygiene outside of an annual checkup is essential for the long-term health of both your technology stack and your business. Just as strong oral health depends on brushing, diet, and fresh tools, maintaining cybersecurity requires strong passwords, robust email security, and consistent software updates. Neglecting these steps can result in serious consequences—whether that be rotten teeth or IT system vulnerabilities. By taking these simple precautions, you can keep both your smile and your cybersecurity in top shape.
From Sci-Fi to Real Life: The Evolution of Deepfake Technology
Once upon a time, the idea of digitally swapping faces or creating hyper-realistic videos of people saying things they never actually said was confined to Hollywood blockbusters. Think of movies where actors were digitally de-aged or deceased celebrities made surprising cameos. However, in 2017, a new term hit the internet: “deepfake.” It was a blend of “deep learning” and “fake,” originally coined when a Reddit user used AI to swap celebrities’ faces in videos.
Since then, deepfake technology has evolved at warp speed. While some use it for harmless fun—like making historical figures “sing” pop songs—others have taken a more sinister route. Today, deepfakes are used in political disinformation, identity fraud, and cybercrime, including the more recent entrée into the fraudulent diversion of funds and properties in real estate transactions.
The Rise of Deepfake Fraud in Real Estate
Deepfake fraud has been making headlines in unexpected ways, and real estate is one of the latest industries to be hit. In the past two years, fraudsters have harnessed AI-powered deepfake technology to pose as property owners, financial executives, and even notary publics.
Take, for example, a case from 2023 where a scammer used a deepfake voice to impersonate a real estate attorney in a communication with a client. The unsuspecting buyer was convinced that he was talking to his legitimate attorney and wired a six-figure down payment—straight into the scammer’s account.
Another shocking case involved a fraudster using a deepfake video to pose as a property owner looking to sell a luxury home. The scammer managed to fool not only the buyer, but also the title company, leading to the fraudulent sale of a multimillion-dollar estate.
Of course, there was also the fraudulent attempt to force a foreclosure sale of Graceland, Elvis Presley’s home, which made headlines in 2024.
How to Combat Deepfake Fraud in Real Estate
With deepfake technology becoming more advanced, spotting fakes is harder than ever. But that doesn’t mean we’re powerless. Here are some strategies to avoid falling victim:
Double-Verify Identities Don’t rely solely on phone calls, video calls, or emails. Always confirm identities through multiple channels—such as in-person meetings, official documentation, and voice confirmation through previously established phone numbers.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) When transferring funds or signing critical documents, consider requiring MFA. This adds an extra layer of security beyond just visual or voice verification.
Scrutinize Video Calls and Emails If something feels off—like unnatural blinking, delayed audio sync, or robotic speech patterns—be skeptical. Deepfake videos often have subtle imperfections that can give them away.
Conduct Due Diligence If a new client or seller suddenly appears with urgent demands, do your due diligence. Check property records, verify business affiliations, and ensure everything aligns with known facts.
Leverage AI Detection Tools Just as AI is being used to create deepfakes, it’s also being used to detect them. Some AI-driven tools analyze facial movements, voice anomalies, and inconsistencies in digital assets to help identify fraudulent activity. In the real estate sphere, SecureMyTransaction®, developed by Alliant National, applies AI facial-recognition technology to verify identity documents such as driver’s licenses and passports.
The Bottom Line
Deepfake technology is no longer a futuristic concern—it’s here, and it’s changing the way fraudsters operate. By staying vigilant and implementing multi-layered verification methods, you can ensure that your next property transaction doesn’t turn into a deepfake disaster.
See Alliant National’s most recent Title Tip, which was inspired by a real-life attempt to commit wire fraud using deepfake technology.
Like many people, I often find myself in a reflective mood at the start of the new year. The days are getting longer, and the prospect of renewal is in the air. One area that I naturally like to focus on during this period is cybersecurity. As someone who has been in this field for a long time, I know that achieving success and keeping fraudsters at bay requires constant vigilance, as well as a dedication to continual improvement of your cybersecurity strategy. Let’s discuss some resolutions you can make for the new year. Hopefully, you’ll find them helpful for strengthening your own security posture in the months ahead.
Resolution #1: Protect your emails
Reacclimating to work after the holidays can make reviewing your cybersecurity posture feel even more overwhelming. Focusing on specific cybersecurity vulnerabilities, however, can make the project much more manageable. Of all the ways that criminals can attack your agency, email is one of the most common. Phishing and business email compromise are two particularly insidious schemes that have long threatened the title insurance industry. A good starting resolution for 2025 is to ensure your organization’s email communications are secured.
Resolution #2: Don’t wait to deploy multi-factor authentication
In one of my most recent blogs, I wrote about the importance of multi-factor authentication (MFA) and how these technologies are becoming ever easier to manage and deploy. Modern MFA technologies offer invaluable benefits for title agencies, enhancing digital security without compromising productivity. This blog provides helpful insights into how MFA can support your agency’s operations while keeping threats at bay. At Alliant National, we have embraced MFA technology across our operations, and other industry professionals may find it worthwhile to integrate it into their security suite as a valuable enhancement.
Resolution #3: Implement Zero Trust architecture
U.S. President Ronald Reagan once famously said, “Trust, but verify.” While this was perhaps good advice for Cold War relations, when it comes to digital security, you must never trust and always verify. One of the best ways to do this is with Zero Trust architecture. Zero Trust protects sensitive client information by making sure access is restricted only to those who truly need it. On top of that, Zero Trust is essential for compliance, which is a big benefit for a heavily regulated industry like title insurance. It is for these reasons that Zero Trust architecture is an important resolution for any title agency to adopt in 2025.
Resolution #4: Automate your backups
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, a catastrophic cyber event will still occur. When that happens, you want to be sure that your most important files, data and systems can be recovered and restored as fast as possible. Establishing reliable and effective backup procedures ensures your organization can bounce back quickly. They minimize downtime, prevent data loss and maintain customer trust. Leveraging a multi-tiered backup strategy that combines on-premise servers and secure cloud environments is the best way to make sure your bases are covered. With this approach, you can turn a potential disaster into a manageable situation, making automated backups a valuable addition to your resolution list.
Resolution #5: Consider your contingencies
Given the risks, it is never a bad idea to invest in additional protections for your agency and clients. One of the best ways to do this is by considering a fraud prevention tool like Alliant National’s own SecureMyTransaction, which vets transaction stakeholder ID documents with cutting-edge AI technology. Another strategy would involve obtaining cyber insurance to protect yourself from breaches and advanced cyberattacks like ransomware. Each provides critical safeguards for your agency’s operations, allowing you to focus on ensuring transactions go off without a hitch.
Make your resolutions count in 2025
They say the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry, and despite our best efforts, the promises we make at the beginning of the year can quickly fall by the wayside. Thankfully, resolutions are a bit easier to stick to if they involve cybersecurity, as the consequences of not doing so can be severe. I hope these resolutions can provide you with some good guidance for setting cybersecurity priorities for your own organization. When your security strategy is well-organized, you can operate more effectively on behalf of your clients and strengthen your market position in the process.
From AI to advanced analytics, here are the trends that can reshape your IT stack for the better.
With 2024 almost behind us, IT planning is ramping up for many companies. The technology landscape continues to evolve rapidly. Emerging technology like AI is proliferating at an ever-faster clip, and even tried and true workflows are becoming more complex to manage. Considering all these developments, it can be difficult to know which trends your agency should focus on. Let’s work together to get our bearings and make sure your agency kicks off 2025 without a hitch.
AI, AI and more AI
AI continues to dominate IT discussions, and for good reason. One area where we expect to see an increased use of these technologies is fraud detection and identity verification. With fraud and other forms of fraudulent activity continuing to rise, agencies require an easy way to detect and deter this activity. AI-powered tools such as our own SecureMyTransaction meet that need by using cutting-edge technology to confirm stakeholder identities, protect transaction integrity, and reduce agency risk.
Regulatory compliance needs
In the new year, compliance will be a key focus, driven by data privacy fears and the acceleration of automation technologies. Title agencies can take advantage by adopting new platforms that optimize compliance workflows for local, state, and federal regulations. These tools leverage AI to monitor compliance in real time, automate reporting and auditing processes, and integrate seamlessly with other agency technologies.
Advanced analytics and BI
With a dynamic industry like title insurance and real estate, the contours of the market are always in flux. Naturally, this means there is a powerful application for advanced analytics and business intelligence technologies on the agency level. Modern solutions are equipped with features designed to enhance operational efficiency and elevate customer experiences. With the right analytics capabilities, agencies will be well-equipped to conduct powerful risk analyses, track team performance, boost pipeline efficiency, and gain new insight into closing times and transaction volumes.
Cloud-based collaboration and cybersecurity
Since the pandemic, the demand for remote work technologies has exploded. To help navigate this transition, many businesses have adopted cloud-based platforms for communication, collaboration, and cybersecurity. In 2025, these solutions will become ever more tailored and impactful for companies working in the title insurance and real estate fields. These tools benefit agencies with their easy integrations, not to mention AI, productivity, and security features that reduce transaction delays, increase customer confidence, and strengthen their cybersecurity posture.
2025 is the year to put IT front-and-center
For title agencies, achieving market leadership requires more than excellent staff and title production. Establishing the right digital infrastructure is equally important to getting ahead of the competition. AI, cloud computing, advanced analytics—these are all powerful strategies that can help you get there. They will cement a standard of technological excellence in 2025 that will delight existing customers and help you win new ones to boot!
To learn more about how you can begin to strengthen your IT stack with the help of Alliant National’s SecureMyTransaction, visit the solution’s website at securemytransaction.com. There you’ll find blogs, videos, and more that explain how the tool can get you and your team on the cutting edge of digital security.
For over 15 years, multi-factor authentication (MFA) has played a critical role in how businesses operate securely online. The rise of cloud computing, social media, and mobile apps has made MFA essential for many companies—particularly in regulated industries. However, despite its importance, many users find MFA cumbersome due to its reliance on SMS text or authentication apps.
The good news is that significant changes are coming to the MFA landscape. Let’s explore the latest trends for 2025 and beyond, showing you how to leverage these advancements to maximize security while minimizing inconvenience.
Why you should keep up with the MFA evolution
When it comes to cybersecurity, the threat landscape is ever changing. MFA practices continue to evolve as well. Agencies that evolve along with this technology in 2025 will be able to reap the full benefits of advances like biometrics, adaptive MFA and continuous authentication. Let’s look at each one-by-one.
Believe in biometrics
Arguably, the biggest shift coming down the MFA pike is the rise of biometrics. Biometrics is already a big part of many applications. Anytime fingerprints are used to log in, for example, biometrics is at work. Look for these services to proliferate more quickly, and eventually include vocal and behavioral verification capabilities. Title companies can leverage advanced biometrics to improve security and convenience for their teams and customers. These services offer unique layers of protection without the hassles of managing multiple passwords.
Adaptive MFA is advancing
Another development for agencies to watch out for is adaptive MFA. Today’s MFA requires repeated verification, sometimes as often as during every login. Adaptive MFA streamlines this by analyzing the context. It prompts additional verification only when warranted—such as when a change is detected in a login’s location or device. By reducing unnecessary prompts without compromising security, title agencies can offer a smoother, more user-friendly experience.
Continuous authentication is coming
Perhaps one of the most exciting MFA developments that has a clear applicability for title agencies is continuous authentication. Continuous authentication is closely related to adaptive verification. It takes it one step further, however, by working in the background and constantly assessing factors like typing patterns, device usage and location. This allows it to confirm the user’s identity throughout a given session and detect anomalies in real time. Title agencies can use this technology to improve verification and security experiences.
Protecting transactions
In an age of endless cyber threats, adopting the latest MFA technology is critical for agencies seeking the right balance between security and convenience. In addition to MFA, agents need effective solutions to address fraud risks within transactions. Alliant National’s new identity verification and fraud prevention tool, SecureMyTransaction, for instance, provides validation of identity instruments, as well as bank account and business information, helping to move transactions forward with confidence. Title professionals also benefit from detailed audit trails, simplifying compliance and providing added peace of mind.
Achieve reliable and convenient MFA security MFA technology is an effective, albeit inconvenient, security technology. In an era of remote work and complex technology like cloud networks, it will remain an important part of agencies’ security stacks. The encouraging news is that we are on the cusp of new MFA developments that will ensure better security and improved customer experiences. In the end, that will enable the type of smooth, swift transactions that both customers and agents appreciate.
