You want to really help your members with password security? Require adaptive MFA.
As an MLS, your applications are the central nervous system of real estate transactions. Every day, your members rely on you for fast, secure access to listings, client collaboration tools, tax data, sensitive documents and forms, transaction management, and more. But with cyber threats growing more sophisticated with real estate a high-value target, security isn’t just IT’s job. It’s a member experience issue too.
That’s why MFA (multi-factor authentication) matters. It’s one of the easiest ways to reduce stolen and shared credentials and protect the sensitive data flowing through your systems. But not all MFA are created equal, and if you're still relying on basic MFA alone, it’s time to level up.
What is two-factor authentication?
Two-factor authentication or 2FA, requires a user to log in with their password, then confirm their identity through a second factor, typically:
- A code or link sent by text or email
- An authenticator app
- A physical token
It’s a great start and far better than relying on a password. But even then, it’s not 100% foolproof. You can have a 14-character password and MFA, but if someone’s sharing both, or if their email or device gets compromised, it defeats the whole purpose. This form of MFA, as described, is always on and treats every login the same, regardless of risk.
Security isn’t just about the tools. It’s about behavior too. Even the most effective multi-factor authentication (MFA) tool and process can't protect you if you have weak security habits and a poor security mindset.
A better solution: Adaptive MFA
Adaptive MFA is designed to learn your user’s behaviors and then challenge them for the second factor only when deviations are identified. It uses contextual risk signals to evaluate each login attempt in real-time, including, but not limited to:
- Device type
- Location and IP address
- Time of day
- Login history and behavior
If something looks suspicious, like a login from an unfamiliar device or unusual location, the system automatically steps up authentication or blocks access. If everything checks out, the user logs in smoothly without any extra steps.
It’s security that adapts in real time without adding unnecessary roadblocks for your members. Clareity products have led the way in adaptive security for the real estate industry for over a decade.
What’s next? Passkeys
If adaptive MFA is smart, passkeys are the next leap forward. Passkeys are a new, more secure way to log in that don’t require passwords. Instead, they use a unique digital key linked to your device, like your phone or computer, to confirm it’s really you. A passkey lets members sign in using just a fingerprint, face scan, or device PIN, and no password needed. When implemented correctly, this set up can be phishing resistant. It’s a better experience for your members and a major step toward eliminating account break-ins and phishing scams. Clareity Assure has had passkeys enabled from the beginning.
All that said, there are easy ways to intentionally share passkeys, unless additional steps are taken by the authentication system.
Why it matters for your MLS
MLSs are the gatekeepers of some of the most important and sensitive data in real estate. That’s why building better habits and technology around security isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a daily must.
Clareity Assure™ Adaptive MFA detects and prevents potentially risky logins in real time—while allowing trusted users to continue without interruption. Reach out to your Cotality rep about implementing it for your MLS. You can also email us at sales.res@cotality.com.
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