Safety in the CRE Community
Your Summer Break Could Be a Hacker's Opportunity
Heading out for summer vacation? Cybercriminals don't take time off—and they often target businesses when guards are down. Protect your commercial real estate business with these four essential security steps.
Summer Cybersecurity Tips for Commercial Real Estate Professionals
Update Everything
Install all software updates and security patches before you travel. Outdated systems are easy targets for hackers.
Use a VPN
Never send sensitive information over public Wi-Fi. Use a Virtual Private Network to encrypt your data on hotel, airport, and café networks.
Disable Auto-Connect
Turn off automatic Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. Manually choose trusted networks to avoid connecting to malicious hotspots.
Secure Your Devices
Keep work devices in sight and set them to auto-lock. Use strong passwords or biometric authentication to prevent unauthorized access.
Bottom Line
Commercial real estate operates year-round, but you can still enjoy your summer safely. A few minutes of security prep protects your business data and client trust while you're away.
Don't let vacation time become cyber-attack time.
NC REALTORS Tech Helpline
(877)573-5612
CRCBR Safety Focus for 2024-Technology
The real estate profession is constantly adapting to technological advancements. While these changes bring numerous benefits, they also introduce new risks. Modern tools like smartphones, tablets, apps, social media, and various software enhance client communication and property marketing. However, they simultaneously create vulnerabilities that criminals can exploit, targeting both real estate professionals and their clients.
In our digital age, where information and financial transactions occur instantly, there's an increased risk of interception by malicious actors. This can lead to significant harm for both you and your clients. To help mitigate these risks, we've compiled a set of guidelines below. These recommendations are designed to help you protect the sensitive data that you and your clients regularly exchange during your business.
- NAR Data Privacy Toolkit
- Cyber Security Checklist
- Cyber Security Tech Helpline
- Cyber Security/Email Phishing Resource
- Wire Transfer Red Flags: A Guide to Spotting Fraud
- Wire Fraud Alerts Form
- Wire Fraud Email Signature Notice
- How to Report Cases of Wire Fraud
- Sample Wire Fraud Alert for Clients
NEW! 2024-Staying Safe in the Commercial Real Estate Space Podcast
CRCBR President, Kim Kendall, sat down with Captain Bret Balamucki of CMPD to discuss various issues (and solutions) that commercial brokers may face. Captain Balamucki offers tips and strategies to remain safe in your practice.
Highlights:
- Showing vacant properties
- Addressing unwanted visitors on property
- Prepping for a big prospect
- Engaging with CMPD Community Coordinators
- Meeting new clients
- Property owner for safety (Authority to Act)
- Cyber security and QR Codes
Important CMPD Resource Links
Addressing unwanted visitors on properties
Show Your Appreciation
Know Your Community Coordinators
Broker Safety
40% of real estate professionals stated they experienced a situation that made them fear for their personal safety.
The safety of our members is a top priority. Our members routinely find themselves in situations where they are alone with clients they have very little background information on. The very nature of showing real estate to prospective buyers and tenants who are virtual strangers can make both men and women susceptible to becoming victims of violent crimes. During these times, it is also important to consider your safety from a health perspective. CRCBR aims to provide members with practical information to keep safety top of your mind.