Zero Trust is a cybersecurity framework and mindset that is gaining popularity across various industries, including real estate. Implementing a Zero Trust policy for an Identity Provider (IdP) and Single Sign-On (SSO) platform in the real estate sector can provide numerous benefits in terms of security, compliance, and operational efficiency.
Zero Trust Security is the process by which all methods of accessing a system are shut off and all logins have no access as the default. This includes for both users and server to server connections.
So what is the main advantage of Zero Trust Security for MLSs & Associations?
Reduced Attack Surface: Traditional network security models typically rely on perimeter defenses, such as firewalls, to protect against external threats. However, in today's distributed and cloud-centric environments, the concept of a perimeter is becoming increasingly obsolete.
Zero Trust mitigates this risk by shrinking the attack surface and segmenting the network into micro-perimeters around individual assets and data. By implementing granular access controls based on user identity, device health, and contextual factors, organizations can limit lateral movement and contain potential breaches, thereby reducing the impact of cyberattacks.
As an example, we were recently asked by a major MLS platform vendor to whitelist all access from a general UserAgent or requests from AWS. This came after the vendor attempted multiple SAML connections to our system for the launch of a mega MLS from a previously unregistered UserAgent, IP Address, or CIDR. They then requested that we whitelist the entire generic UserAgent or all requests from AWS.
This would have allowed anyone with an AWS account to get whitelisted access to our servers. That vendor was adamant that the other vendors do this and that we were the oddballs for starting with Zero Trust security.
Instead we were provided IP addresses to approve requests from. Our system was then set to only allow SAML or oAuth connections from those IPs. All other requests are given a 403 Access Forbidden error, the request is logged with their IP, ISP, the date and time, and the request that was made. Our MLS / Association AI Security System then learns from those requests.
In addition, when we open up trust to another system, we review this regularly to make sure that nothing stays open that is no longer needed.
By having your MLS / Association attack surface reduced to the absolute minimum, you'll gain multiple advantages in security.
From a user perspective, Zero Trust can also provide a streamlined user experience when coupled with Ezement IdP / SSO Dashboards.
Through the integration of IdP and SSO capabilities, users can authenticate once and gain secure access to multiple services without the need for repetitive logins or cumbersome authentication methods. This streamlined user experience enhances productivity, reduces password fatigue, and fosters adoption of security best practices across the organization. Most importantly, it also helps cut down on password sharing. Learn more about the benefits of streamlining the login experience for your members.
Yet another way you can provide a Zero Trust environment to your members, while at the same time making it easier for them to access your services is through the use of Passkeys. Passkeys offer much greater security due to the use of biometric logins vs a traditional password system. Passkeys are one of the ultimate ways of implementing Zero Trust.
In addition to your member access systems, you should consider implementing Zero Trust security for your employees to access all of your tools. The Solid Earth IdP / SSO system can be used for this as well to ensure only those that need access have it and when they no longer need it, you can instantly shut it off.