Data security is a growing concern across industries, and the real estate sector is no exception. As technology advances, protecting sensitive data becomes increasingly challenging, especially when dealing with massive volumes of replicated data. Today, we’re excited to announce a new feature that provides our subscribers with an enhanced level of API security: the ability to forward the IP address of their user in an API request using a custom header key/value pair. This simple yet powerful solution can be implemented in just minutes, making it easier than ever to protect your application from potential abuse.

The Cost of Data Replication in Real Estate

In a recent post, we shared our thoughts on MLS (Multiple Listing Service) data replication and the challenges it poses to the real estate industry. Data replication, while offering convenience, also carries significant risks. Replicating MLS data to hundreds of thousands of end users exposes it to increased vulnerabilities, making it difficult to ensure that all parties are complying with their data agreements and actively protecting against threats like scrapers and bots. You can read more about our views on the pitfalls of data replication here: Why Listing Data Replication Is Draining Billions from the Real Estate Industry.

One of the most pressing issues with the current system is that the majority of end users simply lack the resources to efficiently monitor their applications for abuse. Despite agreements that require end users to protect against data scrapers and bots, the reality is that many of them do not have the necessary infrastructure or technology in place to properly defend themselves.

A New Layer of Protection

This is where our new API Firewall comes into play. By allowing subscribers to forward the IP address of their user in API requests, we’re adding a valuable layer of security that makes it easier to distinguish between genuine traffic and potentially harmful requests. Our system can then proactively monitor and block non-genuine traffic, as well as identify known abusers from around the world.

Our Co-founder, Patrick Arlia, emphasized the importance of this solution: “What we’ve observed over the years is that as much as 75% of requests at times are coming from abusive scrapers and bots. The reality is that the industry’s data is more vulnerable than ever.”

Our approach combines proactive monitoring with IP data analysis to ensure that traffic coming through our systems is legitimate. By allowing developers to forward user IP addresses in the API request, we’re giving them an easy way to help secure their applications and take advantage of our powerful monitoring capabilities.

Fast and Easy Implementation

One of the key benefits of this new feature is its ease of implementation. Developers can set up this feature in just minutes, using a custom header key/value pair to forward the user’s IP address in API requests. The straightforward setup process ensures minimal disruption, allowing developers to quickly bolster their security defenses.

If you’re a developer looking to implement this new feature, you can find detailed instructions here: Best Practices for Securing Your Application. Our step-by-step guide walks you through everything you need to know to get started.

Why This Matters for the Industry

Data security is a critical issue that affects not just individual businesses, but the entire real estate industry. With the new IP forwarding feature, we’re helping MLSs and their users proactively combat the risks associated with data replication, adding an extra layer of security that can significantly reduce the amount of abusive traffic hitting their systems.

Our solution not only helps identify and block malicious activity but also ensures that genuine users continue to have a smooth and secure experience. In an industry where data is highly valuable, providing the right tools to protect it is crucial.

Get Started Today

We’re committed to providing the best tools to secure and protect your data. By introducing this new IP forwarding feature, we’re making it easier for you to defend against scrapers, bots, and other threats. Start using the feature today and see the difference it can make in your data security strategy.

For more information about our data security and access control solutions, visit our website: Data Security and Access Control.