Inman Innovator Award-winning Solid Earth is a technology company that works with multiple listing services and associations to bolster workflow efficiencies, and part of that effort includes reducing the barriers to accessing data and tools often buried under multiple logins and outdated security measures.
To that end, the company has introduced Passkey authentication to all of its MLS clients, Inman learned in a June 26 statement. The new “password-free, phishing-resistant login” will be rolled out initially to thousands of members in the San Antonio Board of Realtors (SABOR).
“Passkeys are device-based credentials built on FIDO standards and backed by Apple, Google and Microsoft,” according to the statement. “They let users sign in using Face ID, Touch ID, or a device PIN, eliminating the need for passwords and reducing risk from phishing and credential reuse.”
It’s not at all uncommon for MLS platforms and industry data sources to be caught in hacks or phishing attempts, which puts all members at risk, especially those who rely on MLS software partnerships to run their business.
In 2023, Rapattoni suffered a ransomware attack that paralyzed servers hosting multiple listing services with hundreds of thousands of members. Those affected, among others, included Northwest Indiana Realtors Association, San Francisco Association of Realtors, BAREIS MLS, Pasadena Foothills Realtors, and CincyMLS.
It happened to MetroList in 2019 and to Georgia MLS in 2020, as well. It’s safe to say that the sophistication of such schemes has only evolved, making every tactic to prevent them all the more important.
“Our focus has always been on empowering members with intuitive, secure tools,” said Gilbert Gonzalez, CEO of the San Antonio Board of Realtors, in a statement. “Passkeys are a perfect fit, giving our members a seamless login experience while supporting our mission to lead with innovation.”
Solid Earth works with a number of technology-forward MLSs across the industry, such as BeachesMLS, Miami Realtors, and the Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors.
On top of its security tools, the company builds home search portals, company websites, member communication platforms and membership dashboards, among other custom offerings.
“Our mission is simple: to create one secure record for every real estate professional in the U.S. — making life easier for them and the MLSs that support them,” Rebecca Pearson, VP of Marketing and Communications at Solid Earth, said in the release. “Passkeys are a major leap forward in delivering on that promise.”
