By Karen Kage, Chief Executive Officer

In July, Realcomp began enforcing the newly adopted mandatory password change policy. Within the first three (3) days, 2,707 agents had successfully changed their passwords. We have received several calls about this new change. So I thought I would share some of the questions and comments along with some answers and additional information that I hope will help to make this transition a little easier for those of you who have not yet made the change.

Q. Why is Realcomp forcing us to change our passwords every 90 days?
A. The Realcomp Board of Governors remains focused on securing the data that all of you work so hard to acquire. Requiring that you change your password every 90 days is the first step in trying to accomplish this goal.

Q. What led the Board to this decision?
A. Several agents have contacted Realcomp to share information regarding consumers having access to the MLS by virtue of having received a login name and password for a Realcomp Subscriber.

Q. I have never shared my password with anyone, so why am I being punished? Why doesn’t Realcomp go after the agents that are giving this information away and not the rest of us?
A. This change in policy was never intended to be a punishment! We do realize it is inconvenient. However, it is meant to provide improved first level security to the database. In May, the Realcomp Board of Governors also adopted some substantial fines for anyone who shares their password. The first offense is $5,000 and a second offense is $10,000. These are fines that will be assessed directly to the agent. Realcomp thoroughly investigates all reports of this occurring. We consider this to be a very serious offense.

Q. What if I forget my password?
A. On the Realcomp Online^® login screen the following prompt is displayed at the bottom of the screen: “Forgot your password? Click here for help”. If you forget your new password, click this link and you will be able to assign yourself a new one.

Q. Weren’t there other options available for accomplishing improved data security?
A. Yes. There are actually several other options, but they were considered to be far more inconvenient. For example, some MLSs have added a “Secure ID Card” requirement that must be used each time an agent logs into the MLS system. The Board felt that the password change requirement was a better first step.

Q. Why does the password need to be so long (eight (8) characters)?
A. It was determined that a longer password with the requirements of at least one (1) letter and one (1) number, was more secure.

I will also share with you that the Board of Governors and the MLS/User Committee were the first ones required to change their passwords. Next, was the Realcomp Staff. And, I was the first one to forget my new password. I had to use the “Forgot your password” option the first day after I changed it. I know how difficult these types of changes can be. Please know we are here to help – that is why we are here.

I do want your feedback on this and other changes that have recently been made. I can be reached by email or directly by phone at 248.699.9120.

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