My Florida Regional MLS has recently taken important steps to face a challenge that is prevalent in our entire industry – that of data security – and we wish to share information about this initiative with you, our member. MFRMLS made it possible for you to access the MLS system from any computer with Internet connectivity. As a result, your ability to communicate with clients increased ten-fold. However, with this convenient method of access comes a big challenge – specifically protecting our valuable MLS data from misuse and theft.

In early September, MFRMLS will be implementing a proven security technology. This solution is offered by Clareity Security, a well-respected real estate technology company. Clareity is the leading provider of authentication solutions to the real estate industry and is integrated with the majority of MLS application providers, including your provider MarketLinx.

You will be hearing more about this initiative in the coming weeks, but you can expect to see a slightly different log in screen. This new log in screen will require Adobe Flash. This is a very common program that is required by numerous sites, thus the majority of computers are already equipped with it. However, if you don’t have the latest version, there will be a link on the new login page for you to download it. In addition, you will no longer be able to save your log in ID or password, as this technology involves keystroke recognition and will require you to type your user ID and password with each log in. Your password will also be required to be between 6-12 characters long meaning a change will be needed for some of our members.

As this security initiative moves forward, MFRMLS will provide you with more detailed information about how it will work, and how we as MLS members can appropriately protect access to the sensitive information entrusted to us.