This annual event, led in Canada by the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and helping individuals, businesses, and organizations protect themselves from the growing threats in the digital world. With the rising demand for cybersecurity professionals and the increasing prevalence of cybersecurity jobs and IT security roles, understanding cyber defence is critical for everyone.

In today’s fast-paced technological environment, where everything from our personal data to business operations relies on the internet, ensuring the safety and privacy of that information has never been more critical. Whether you’re an individual user or a business leader, here are key tips and takeaways from Cybersecurity Awareness Month to help you stay safe online.

 

Understanding the Threat Landscape

Cybersecurity threats are evolving at a rapid pace. Cybercrime, including identity theft and data breaches, affects businesses and individuals globally. Cybersecurity threats like phishing, ransomware, and malware are more sophisticated than ever. According to cybersecurity news, high-profile data breaches and malicious cyber threats have intensified demand for cybersecurity analysts, computer forensics specialists, and other cybersecurity careers dedicated to combatting these attacks. For those exploring a career in information security, now is a great time to gain skills in network security, system security, and cyber forensics.

Common cyber threats include:
• Phishing: Emails or messages that appear legitimate but are designed to trick you into revealing sensitive information, like passwords or credit card numbers.
• Ransomware: Malicious software that locks you out of your files or devices until a ransom is paid.
• Data Breaches: Unauthorized access to confidential data, often leading to identity theft or financial fraud.

 

Strengthen Your Defences

Strong password creation is a simple yet highly effective step in protecting against cyber threats. Complex passwords with 14+ characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, are crucial for security. It’s best practice to always use unique passwords. Better yet, use a password manager to generate and store complex passwords. Cybersecurity certifications often emphasize multi-factor authentication (MFA), which requires users to verify their identity through multiple steps, like a password and a fingerprint scan. MFA is widely recognized as a best practice in network security and provides an added layer of protection against unauthorized access.

For those interested in cybersecurity careers, developing skills in software security and computer security can prepare you for roles like cybersecurity analyst or network security specialist.

 

Beware of Phishing Scams

Phishing attacks are a primary method used by hackers to access sensitive information. Scams may appear as emails from legitimate companies encouraging you to click on malicious links or download harmful files. Be cautious of unsolicited emails and double-check email addresses for red flags, such as poor grammar or urgent requests. For companies, investing in cybersecurity training that teaches employees to recognize phishing threats can be essential in preventing breaches.

 

Back Up Your Data

Regular data backups can ensure critical information is secure, even if you’re targeted by an attack. Cloud storage services or external hard drives are reliable solutions for consistent backup practices, especially for businesses that handle sensitive customer data. This is crucial, as data loss not only has financial consequences but can severely damage a company’s reputation.

 

Create a Culture of Cybersecurity

For businesses, fostering a culture of cybersecurity is essential. Regular cybersecurity training helps employees stay aware of types of cyber attacks and proper password hygiene. Employees trained in cyber network security are better equipped to recognize threats and minimize risks to the organization. For information on employee training, consider programs like Watsec Cyber Risk Management or certification courses in cybersecurity and information science.

 

The Importance of Cyber Hygiene

Just like personal hygiene prevents illness, maintaining strong cyber hygiene prevents cyberattacks. Everyday actions like logging out of accounts, avoiding public Wi-Fi, and monitoring your accounts for suspicious activity can prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, data analysis certification courses often teach data protection best practices, valuable for those working in sensitive data environments.

 

Embrace a Zero Trust Approach

Businesses should adopt a Zero Trust security model, which assumes that no one should be trusted by default, regardless of their location within or outside the organization. Zero Trust aligns well with cybersecurity solutions like limited access control, ensuring that only verified users can access sensitive data. This model is increasingly recommended by cybersecurity certifications and organizations like CyberSecure Canada.

 

Cybersecurity Career Pathways and Education

For those interested in building a career in cybersecurity, numerous pathways exist, from cybersecurity degrees to certifications in computer forensics and cybersecurity certification paths. Programs in data analysis and computer and information science often provide a foundation for roles in cybersecurity. Pursuing certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) can enhance job prospects and increase cybersecurity salaries.

 

Conclusion

Cyber threats will continue to evolve, but by staying informed and adopting best practices, we can mitigate risks and keep our digital world safer. For more information on how to start your cybersecurity journey or discover career opportunities in Canadian cybersecurity companies, contact Bulletproof Solutions at https://bulletproofsi.com.

 

This blog post is brought to you by SaleFish, the trusted provider of real estate sales and management software for developers, builders, and sales companies. We prioritize cybersecurity, with CyberSecure Canada certification ensuring the safety of our software solutions. At SaleFish, we empower our partners with secure, innovative tools, award-winning support, and a commitment to data protection.

The Impact of Technology on Customer Service and Support in Home Building

Incorporating cutting-edge technology in home building has significantly transformed the way builders deliver customer service and support. With advanced tools such as specifically designed for real estate, builders can now offer a seamless experience to home buyers. Technology enables builders to provide real-time updates on the construction process, promptly address inquiries, and resolve any issues efficiently. By leveraging digital platforms, builders enhance transparency and communication, ultimately leading to higher customer satisfaction. The integration of proprietary inventory and contract management systems, further streamlines the documentation process. Buyers can finalize their transactions securely online, while technology verifies critical information ensuring that all contracts are completed accurately and efficiently. This simplifies the home buying journey and reduces risks associated with manual errors, such as misfiled documents or missed signatures. By automating these critical steps, technology helps builders maintain compliance and protect both their business and their clients.

 

Advancements in Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: A Win-Win for Buyers and the Environment

One of the most significant benefits of technology in the home building industry is the advancement of energy efficiency and sustainability. Builders are increasingly adopting smart home technology and digital contract systems that help reduce energy consumption and lower utility costs. Smart thermostats and energy management systems are prime examples of how technology can lead to substantial energy savings. These systems allow homeowners to control and optimize their home’s energy usage, contributing to both cost savings and a reduction in carbon footprint. Furthermore, the integration of solar panels and energy storage systems empowers homeowners to generate their own electricity, minimizing reliance on the grid. Builders are also utilizing innovative materials and techniques to enhance insulation and overall energy efficiency. High-performance windows, advanced insulation, and sustainable construction practices are just a few examples of how technology is driving greener home building. By focusing on energy-efficient and sustainable technologies, builders not only offer added value to buyers but also contribute to a more sustainable future.

 

Exploring Smart Home Technology: Transforming New Construction

The rise of smart home technology has revolutionized new home construction, offering enhanced convenience, comfort, and security. Builders are now incorporating a wide range of IoT devices and smart systems that allow homeowners to control various aspects of their homes remotely. From automated lighting and smart security systems to voice-controlled assistants, these technologies are becoming standard in modern homes. For instance, smart thermostats not only learn homeowner preferences but also optimize energy usage, while smart lighting systems can automatically turn off when a room is unoccupied, further reducing electricity consumption. The inclusion of smart home technology in new construction adds significant value to homes, making them more attractive to potential buyers who are looking for modern, tech-enabled living spaces. Builders who embrace these technologies are positioned to stay ahead of the competition and meet the growing demand for digitally advanced homes.

 

Enhancing Safety Through Technological Innovations in Construction

Technological advancements in construction have also brought about crucial safety improvements on building sites, protecting both workers and future homeowners. Drones are now commonly used for site inspections, offering a safer, quicker, and more accurate way to assess construction sites. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, drones can identify potential hazards, monitor progress, and reduce the need for manual inspections, which can be both time-consuming and risky. Additionally, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies are being employed to train workers in a controlled, virtual environment. These simulations allow workers to practice safety protocols and prepare for real-life scenarios, minimizing the risk of accidents on the job. Another technological innovation enhancing construction site safety is the use of wearable technology. Smart helmets and vests embedded with sensors can detect and alert workers to potential dangers, such as extreme heat, hazardous chemicals, or unsafe movement patterns. These wearables provide real-time data, helping to prevent accidents and ensure a safer working environment.

 

Partner with SaleFish to Harness the Power of Technology in Home Building

At SaleFish, we understand the critical role that technology plays in transforming the home building industry. Our proprietary software not only integrates seamlessly with CRM’s, ERP systems, and accounting software but also drastically reduces the risks associated with manual errors. By automating the signing and document management processes, we ensure that every step of your real estate transactions is secure, accurate, and efficient. Whether you’re looking to enhance customer service, improve energy efficiency, or adopt the latest in smart home technology, our solutions are designed to help you stay ahead of the competition and deliver exceptional value to your clients. Ready to take your home building projects to the next level? Contact the SaleFish team today to learn how our technology can streamline your processes, reduce risks, and drive success for your business.

 

Soruya bakınca, “devlet Webtapu’yu başlattı ya, daha ne kadar dijital olabilirki?” diye bir başka soru akla gelebilir. Özellikle, ister satış isterse kiralama olsun sözleşme süreçleri hâlâ daha ıslak imzayla yapılıyorsa, gayrimenkulde dijitalleşme henüz sonuçlandırılamamıştır demek yanlış olmaz.

Teknolojik gelişmeler yadsınamaz, engellenemez, durdurulamaz bir şekilde hayatımızın bütün alanlarına ve aşamalarına nüfuz ediyor. Bankaya gitmeden banka işlemleri, seyahat acentesine gitmeden uçak ve otel rezervasyonu ve markete gitmeden alışveriş yapabilmek artık günlük olağan oldu.

Gayrimenkul sektörü açısından bakılırsa da, imar durumu sorgulamak, sair mevzuata erişmek vb. kolaylıklar zamanımızı etkin kullanmamıza imkân tanıyor. Yine gayrimenkul sektöründe ilerleyecek olursak, diğer sektörlerde yaşanan hızlı gelişmelerin sektörümüze yeterince adapte edilemediğini söyleyebiliriz. Bu noktada, gayrimenkul geliştirme, tasarım, mimari ve inşaat safhalarını bir kenara bırakacak olursak, kendi uzmanlık alanımızda yani pazarlama ve satış ayağında, ne durumda olduğumuzu belirlemek yerinde olacaktır.

Bir gayrimenkul projesinin ya da satışa/kiralamaya konu gayrimenkulün duyurulması ve tanıtılması ayağında, sektörümüzün dijital ortamları son derece yoğun kullandığının tespitini yapabiliriz. Gayrimenkul web sitelerinin genel olarak oldukça güncel uygulama ve içerik yönetim sistemlerine sahip olduğunu ifade edebiliriz.

Konu, satış ve kiralama için sözleşme süreçlerinin yönetimi ve sonuçlandırılması olunca, henüz tam dijitalleşemediğini söylemek yanlış olmaz. Devletimizin yasal mevzuatının emrettiği fiziki takip gerektiren işlemler özelinde bakınca devletimizin sektörümüzün tam dijitalleşmesinin önündeki engel olduğunu söylemek yanlış olmaz. Bir ikametgah belgesi, bir adli sicil kaydı verirken veya devletin kurumları arası yazışmalar artık ‘E-İmzalı’ hâle getirilmişken, devletimizin yapılan satış ve kiralama sözleşmeleri için ıslak imzayı, noter onaylarını talep etmesi, sektörel ilerlemenin önündeki engeldir.

Halbuki devletimizin gayrimenkul satış ve kiralama sözleşmelerinin çevrimiçi ortamda yapılabilmesine ve bu dijital sözleşmelere hukuki geçerlilik kazandırılmasına yönelik adımlar atması gerekir. Devletimiz, e-devlet uygulamalarıyla kendi tarafında etkin olarak kullandığı dijital teknolojiyi, gayrimenkul özel sektörünün de etkin kullanması için teşvik edici olmalıdır. Örneğin, tapu devir süreçlerinde dijitalleşmeyi iyi seviyeye getiren devletimiz, tapu devrine götüren satış sözleşmeleri ve tapuya şerh edilebilen kira sözleşmelerinin dijital ortamda hazırlanarak karşılıklı imzalanması konusunda mülk/proje sahiplerini ve alıcıları/kiracıları rahatlatacak ortamı hazırlamalıdır.

Özellikle ABD ve Avrupa’da, bırakın satış ve kira sözleşmesinin elektronik imzayla imzalanmasını, sözleşmeyi müşterisi adına inceleyip onaylayacak avukatın, konut/mortgage kredisi sağlayacak banka uzmanının, satış/kiralama sonrası bina yönetim hizmeti (güvenlik, temizlik, bakım, 2. elde satış veya kiralama vb.) verecek şirketlerin entegrasyonu bile yurtdışında yapılan gayrimenkul pazarlamalarında ve satışlarında/kiralamalarında dijital ortamlarda olağan hale gelmiş durumda. Bizim neyimiz eksik? Tam tersi genç nüfusumuz, bu tür altyapılara çok daha hızlı adapte olabilecek nitelikte.

Building on SaleFish Software’s proven success with more than 1.5 million users completing 200,000+ transactions valued at over $100 billion USD in the last 15 years, the industry leader has released SaleFish 2, its latest innovation as a culmination of upgrades to streamline the real estate buying process like never before. The new release will feature the most up-to-date web standards and introduces a new, fluid design system named “Sail.” Simultaneously, SaleFish 2 will maintain competitive differentiators such as seamless integrations, smooth processes that make sales 75% more efficient, and he highest standards for cybersecurity, making this one of the world’s most powerful cloud-based real estate sales solutions.

What the MFA!?

Passwords are an essential part of staying cyber secure. But they’re not infallible.  Cyber criminals can use various methods to guess, steal, and compromise your passwords.  But Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) can help. You can use Multi-Factor Authentication to make it more difficult for cyber criminals to access your devices and accounts. Nowadays, most companies like financial institutions, Google, and the government offer multi‑factor authentication features on their products. SaleFish does as well.

Multi-Factor Authentication means that you need more than one authentication factor to log in to a device or an account. For example, to unlock your phone, you need to enter a passcode and scan your fingerprint. SaleFish offers verification code to be sent by text or email so that you can add a layer of security to your devices and online accounts. With this feature enabled, you need to provide multiple pieces of authenticating information to access a device or an account. If cyber criminals gain access to one piece of information (e.g. your password), they still need to provide additional pieces of information to successfully gain access to your accounts.

Multi-Factor Authentication is a way for SaleFish to say, “OK, you have one piece of information that identifies you as the account owner. But can you provide two pieces of information? Three? Four?”  Multi-Factor Authentication is an important cyber security measure because it provides an added layer of security for devices, accounts, and information.

 How Multi-Factor Authentication Works:

The most common form of Multi-Factor Authentication is pairing your login credentials, meaning your username and password, with another authentication factor. In many cases, this is 2-step verification – something like a text message sent to your phone or an email sent to your inbox with a unique verification code which is better than a password alone. Access your documents, sign them remotely, run reports and manage sales with full confidence knowing your data is in a secure environment using SaleFish’s Multi-Factor Authentication system.

Multi-Factor Authentication is a key component of keeping yourself cyber secure. So don’t wait! Use multi-factor authentication on all of your projects today. Click here to see a short video from Cyber Safe Canada to learn more.

The most powerful sales tool is one that can do far more than sales; one that can market for you, visualize the product with perfect clarity, and make completing a transaction a breeze for everyone involved. Through SaleFish’s expansive integration capabilities with top industry partners, the company is blazing a new path of open, integrated, solutions that elevate the pre-construction real estate sales and marketing experience.

With evolving services, SaleFish offers innovative integrations with flexibility. The cloud-based sales software solution can integrate with any developer or sales teams’ preferred ERP, 3D rendering & marketing partner, accounting platform, CRM, and even their own website, ensuring a smooth process on both the front and back-end.

Considering every opportunity for accuracy and efficiency, SaleFish has also begun exploring never-before-seen integrations in pre-construction sales. For example, the company has partnered with LawyerDoneDeal (LDD), which provides web-based productivity tools to legal service providers, simplifying legal filings for property purchases. Once the LDD integration is complete, SaleFish will digitize all legal documents to live in one system with improved productivity, distributing copies to all pertinent parties during the process and upon completion. As a real game-changer, the software will also completely automate tracking deposits. Without this technology, it would often take legal offices days – or even weeks – to manually track deposits coming in and out on spreadsheets. Not only was this excessively time-consuming, but it was less accurate and there was more opportunity for human error. SaleFish is the first sales software to streamline the process for legal offices saving both them and the builder considerable amounts of time and money.

Another one of SaleFish’s most valued integration capabilities includes 3D rendering partners, which brings a pre-construction project alive on screen in front of a potential buyer’s eyes – whether remote or in-person. SaleFish has integrated with 3D Cityscapes on a current project called The Moderne by Spallacci Homes and Valery Homes (yet to be launched). Through the partnership, 3D CityScapes has taken its immersive, interactive platform and directly integrated SaleFish’s seamless, secure transaction workflow. Potential buyers will be able to virtually walk through suites and amenities to truly get a sense of what it would be like to live there, even though the project has not started construction. The process of exploring, shopping, and buying becomes completely frictionless.

Sales teams have also found it extremely effective to integrate SaleFish directly into a project’s website portals and digital brochures. In 2020, SaleFish partnered with COOLAID Studios, a marketing company also owned by The Plus Group, to build a digital experience for Cachet Group’s ParQ project in Brantford. This took potential buyers on an experiential journey as they scrolled through the story of the project on the ParQ website, seamlessly showcasing top project features. As an important touch-point, SaleFish added clickable site plans to browse specific townhomes in more detail. Simultaneously, Cachet also used SaleFish to power an entire online sales platform so agents could process transactions remotely. The project sold out in only four days!

With a collaborative spirit and the offering of streamlined services, SaleFish can guarantee an elevated user experience for both the seller and purchaser. The combined technology molds into a consistent look and feel within the SaleFish platform for an intuitive journey. Developers and agents can rest easy knowing they are ​​using the best vendors to create optimal buying experiences – sales will not only be coming in faster than ever before but can also be processed quickly, more accurately, and more securely than ever before.

Thanks for reading! Make sure to follow SaleFish Software on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more news and updates.

Earlier this year, we at SaleFish had the pleasure of hosting a webinar with top real estate industry experts, Pamela Ventresca (COO at PACE Developments and owner of P2 Realty Brokerage), Justin Bossio (Senior Sales Manager at Minto Communities), and Ben Myers (President of Bullpen Research & Consulting Inc. and Co-Host of the Toronto Under Construction Podcast) where we discussed pivotal changes within real estate since the onset of the pandemic in 2020. We also collectively considered the year ahead and how the evolving digital transformation of the industry would prevail. We agreed that there has been significant adoption of various digital technology and that early adopters continue to expand their virtual footprint. We’ve also seen major shifts in communication strategies to accommodate the needs of buyers, meanwhile recognizing the heightened importance of cybersecurity as the industry continues to navigate the online world. 

A key takeaway was that the digital transformation of real estate is not new, but the pandemic has significantly accelerated this process. We’re seeing an unprecedented rate of adoption for PropTech like digital sales software enabling builders and agents to sell remotely in real-time with cloud-based technology. Through necessity, they are reshaping and rethinking the way they transact business, which will prove to have significant long-term rewards.

What is particularly interesting about this catalyst for change is that beyond the increased demand for digital real estate sales software, early adopters of this technology are expanding their software footprint to create new efficiencies for their operations and shifting gears on how they communicate with prospective buyers. As we are navigating digitally, there has also been an increased need for flexibility in the back-end operation features such as pricing, floor plans and promotional amendments and the increased demand for sales software such as SaleFish to accommodate those features.  

Presentation centres can no longer be the only point of interaction with purchasers – builders and agents are quickly learning that there are various avenues for educating prospective buyers. Paper brochures have pivoted to digital portals to give full access and visibility to sales assets – by a simple click of a button, agents and developers are now able to showcase projects and the surrounding communities all virtually. Our SaleFish team recently powered sales for Cachet Homes’ ParQ project, a community of townhomes in Brantford, and they sold out of all 150 units in four days using this technology without a sales centre.

The industry has also recognized the importance of providing prospective buyers with early access to information. Traditionally, information such as sales pricing and floor plans were withheld until the sales launch, but now, it is a common practice to share assets ahead of time to ensure buyers are fully educated when looking to make a decision. Not only does this increase overall efficiency, but also allows for increased transparency – these are major shifts from the conventional pen-and-paper ways and, needless to say, this has rapidly improved profitability. 

Selling real estate online also means communicating sensitive information on the web, so cybersecurity has become an important industry conversation over the past year. I recently spoke at the Buzz Conference in March about this topic and we conducted a survey with over 100 industry players. What’s especially interesting is that although cybersecurity is a top priority for the majority of these professionals, less than seven percent felt very prepared for possible cyber threats. We’re expecting an educational reform in the industry with builders and agents improving their knowledge for how they should treat data and manage devices that are at risk of being compromised. As the first and only software to be certified by Cyber Essentials Canada, our SaleFish team continues to be a leader in this important conversation, and we’re excited to see more discussion on the topic. 

One of the most significant changes we’re seeing in the industry today is not that of hardware or software, but that of mindset and attitude. Customer behaviours and preferences are changing and those who have long been reluctant to buy into the digital transformation are now firmly on board. Prospective buyers are more comfortable than ever before interacting with developers and/or agents online and signing agreements digitally. During a recent launch, 75% of the buyers chose to have online appointments.

Above all, a key takeaway is that the digitalization of real estate is here to stay. The last year has taught us that change allows for innovative approaches to business and helps us expand our capabilities by putting customer experiences and expectations at the heart of everything we do. Moving forward, technology will be embedded in all aspects of real estate. The streamlined sales process will be an ongoing asset to the industry, and the proficiencies of selling virtually will continue to be vital for reaching remote buyers.

Missed our webinar? The full recording is available here.

Rick Haws is President & Co-Founder of SaleFish, a cloud-based sales solution provider in the real estate industry. SaleFish’s proven platform improves real estate sales efficiency by 75% and has completed more than 150,000 transactions valued at over $55 billion USD in the last 15 years. With its head office based in Toronto, SaleFish is also the only company in the real estate industry to be certified by Cyber Essentials Canada. SaleFish is scaling up on a global level, recently expanding into Australia, Turkey and the Middle East. Around the world, they are enabling real estate professionals to transact digital documents with e-signatures, ID scanning and identity verification to complete a sales agreement in as little as four minutes, while also allowing buyers to purchase from the comfort of their own home.

To learn more, contact info@salefishsoftware.com

Well ahead of March 2020, we at SaleFish have proudly offered innovative digital workflow solutions for brokers and agents to simplify the selling process. When a state of emergency was first ordered last year, many businesses immediately were forced to re-evaluate how they would manage operations to support safe physical distancing. For real estate professionals, that meant presentation centres would not be enough to effectively sell units for pre-construction residential projects. For many, they turned to SaleFish as a partner that could provide the necessary technology to ignite creative selling. What came with that was a stark realization of just how powerful digital workflow could be.

Now over one year later, remote selling has become commonplace. Brokers and agents are setting up one-on-one virtual appointments to take potential buyers through their options with necessary digital paperwork accessible with the click of a button, and are processing transactions in under five minutes. While maintaining that touch of personalization that comes with in-person meetings, the agent is processing sale after sale with our technology carrying them with the current. Notably, this saves builders hundreds of thousands of dollars on costs for sales centres and couriers, not to mention the excessive wasteful paper that can easily exist solely online. They also cut down on travel time for purchasers and signing authorities, and often reduce extra administrative labour. Further to these savings, agents are closing deals in record time because they can start the 10-day cooling-off period immediately for condominiums with digital documents, converting sales one to two weeks faster!

Crescendo Real Estate Solutions Inc., based in Vaughan, Ontario,  is a boutique brokerage setting an example for adopting digital workflow. As a consultant for builders across the province, they immediately set up shop virtually using SaleFish when the pandemic started, and have been processing sales online for various residential projects ever since. Leveraging Zoom and screen share functions to show digital documents, they’ve established new processes that put prospective buyers at ease while turning over sales at unheard-of speeds. In one day, they were able to book 95 virtual appointments and sell 30 homes. They also estimate that about 95% of buyers today are very comfortable using Zoom or other video services before signing digital documents. Keep in mind, the buyer can practically be anywhere, so Crescendo is seeing traffic from purchasers across the country. 

This is just the beginning. Sales centres will always have a place within the real estate industry, but not the only place, and as we’ve established, there are exceptionally profitable alternatives through digital workflow. This is where builders and agents of tomorrow will be turning and SaleFish will always be there with a helping hand.

To learn more about our digital workflow offerings, click here.

Fred Nicolucci

Manager, Project Implementation, SaleFish

FredN@salefishsoftware.com