You’d think that real estate pros—smart folks who handle massive deals—would be cybersecurity experts too. But guess what? A lot of them aren’t. And it’s not because they’re lazy or don’t care. It’s because no one ever told them how bad things can get until it’s too late.
Let’s fix that, friend to friend.
Here’s What Most Real Estate Pros Get Wrong:
1. “It won’t happen to me.”
This is the biggest myth. Scammers love real estate deals because the money is huge, and everyone’s in a rush. You’re the perfect target if you think you’re too smart to fall for a trick.
2. Relying only on email for wiring instructions.
Bad idea. Hackers can sneak into your email, change the account number on a wire transfer doc, and boom—your client’s $80K is gone. Always confirm wiring info over the phone (and not the number in the email—use a verified one!).
3. Ignoring two-factor authentication (2FA).
If you’re not using 2FA on every single account—email, DocuSign, Dropbox, whatever—you’re leaving the door wide open. It’s like locking your front door but leaving the window wide open.
4. Using public Wi-Fi at coffee shops or open houses.
That latte might be hot, but the Wi-Fi is cold, hard danger. Hackers can watch everything you do. Use a hotspot or VPN instead.
5. Not updating phones and laptops.
“Remind me later” is the enemy. Updates often include security fixes. Waiting = risk. Set your devices to auto-update and let them do their thing.
So, What Should You Be Doing?
Here’s your no-fluff, quick checklist:
✅ Always use 2FA
✅ Double-check wire transfers by phone
✅ Avoid public Wi-Fi without a VPN
✅ Update devices regularly
✅ Use strong, unique passwords (a password manager helps)
✅ Never open attachments or links you weren’t expecting
✅ Ask your brokerage what cybersecurity tools and training they offer
Real Talk: Why This Matters
Imagine working for years to build trust, only to lose it because your client got scammed through your email. Yikes.
Cybersecurity isn’t just a tech thing—it’s a trust thing. Your clients are trusting you with their dream homes and their life savings. Keeping their info safe? That’s part of your job now.
But don’t freak out. You don’t need to be a hacker to stay safe. Just take a few smart steps, and you’ll be ahead of 90% of real estate pros.
Final Thoughts
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be scary. Think of it like locking your doors at night. It’s basic, it’s easy—and it could save your career.
Take it one step at a time, and soon it’ll just be part of how you do business. Safe, smart, and professional.
Let’s keep you—and your clients—protected.