Key Points:
- Fidelity National Financial, a company that turns paperwork into pleasure by simplifying the real estate process, has admitted to a “cybersecurity incident,” and no, it’s not another season of Mr. Robot.
- The Jacksonville-based firm was hit where it hurts (their technology department, not the gut) which disrupted its ability to provide title and escrow services, among other things. In plain English: they couldn’t do that thing they’re exceptionally good at.
- Fidelity is now in the big leagues of those hit by pesky cyber troublemakers, alongside juggernauts such as Target, Yahoo, and Equifax. Welcome to the club, guys. Drinks are on the house (pun intended).
- Of course, given this title-titan’s size (they are one of the nation’s largest title insurance companies), the potential scale of this incident could be more substantial than your average cyber hiccup.
- The company insists that it’s still open for business despite the glitch – though if you’re in the midst of buying a house, maybe just cross your fingers and touch wood for good measure.
- There is currently an ongoing investigation, but so far no customer data has been reported as compromised. One could say they’re trying to find the rotten apple in this cyber-fruit-bag.
Hot Take
Cyber-attack on the Big Fidelity – more than just a plot twist?
Let me pull up a chair, because it’s time for a sit-down chat with reality. Cybersecurity is serious stuff (almost as serious as selecting the right avocado at the supermarket). Nearly every corner of our modern life has some interaction with the digital world and sadly, there are bold, naughty busybodies out there who use this to cause mischief.
Now, when it comes to real estate, you’d think it’s all about tall buildings, luxurious amenities and Instagrammable views, right? Wrong! It turns out; it also involves being caught in the tangled spiderweb of cybersecurity threats. Fidelity National Financial – a cornerstone marking every real estate transaction with their stamp of security – itself wasn’t immune to this annoying ailment.
In the era where everything from mortgages to meal deliveries have gone digital, safety should be a priority, not an afterthought. Yes, it’s splendid that they managed to hustle and keep the business running while under siege from the cyber baddies (now that’s dedication!). And sure, no client data seems to have been vacuumed up by the cyber-miscreants (phew!). But let’s not try and put a cherry on top of this cybersecurity sundae.
Here’s hoping that Fidelity learns from this incident and bounces back harder, better, faster, stronger – Daft Punk style!
Remember folks; change your passwords as often as you change your socks and keep your virtual doors as secure as your real ones. Cybersecurity should be as essential to us as the roof over our heads in this brave digital world we live in. And for any wannabe virtual villains out there – remember, snitches get stitches – in the real and the virtual world.
Original article: https://www.inman.com/2023/11/27/nations-biggest-title-insurer-hit-by-ransomware-attack-reports-say/
