Cybersecurity Basics Every Realtor Must Know (2025 Edition)

Picture this: You’re at the closing table. Everyone’s smiling.
Then the buyer says, “We wired the money yesterday… did you get it?”

You didn’t.
Because someone hacked your client’s email.
Their life savings? Gone.

This happens every single week in our industry — and most agents still don’t have a plan for it.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the cybersecurity essentials every Realtor must know in 2025 — from simple tech upgrades to real-world client protection and legal responsibility.

💻 Why Real Estate is a Top Target for Cybercrime

You’re in a high-risk industry — here’s why:

• Deals move fast = verification gets skipped

• Emotions run high = logic gets ignored

• You handle sensitive info: SSNs, wiring details, contracts

• You use multiple tools: MLS logins, CRMs, email, Google, etc.

• Clients are often tech-unsavvy and vulnerable

This creates a perfect storm for hackers — especially with phishing emails, fake wire instructions, and spoofed DocuSign links.

And with AI making fake emails harder to detect, things are getting worse, not better.

🚨 Real-World Example (And Close Call)

A broker once called me in a panic.

One of their agents’ clients got an email with updated wire instructions. Looked real. Branded. Polite. Professional.

Fortunately, the client called to confirm — and avoided sending their down payment to a scammer.

But they almost lost everything.

🛡️ The 6 Cybersecurity Basics Every Realtor Needs

1. 🔑 Stronger Passwords

Stop using:

• 123456

• Your birthday

• Your dog’s name

Use tools like:

• Bitwarden (my current favorite)

• LastPass

• 1Password

✅ They generate and store complex, unhackable passwords.

2. 🔒 Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Every login — especially email and financial platforms — should be 2FA protected.

Best practice:
Use an authenticator app (Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator) instead of text message codes. They're more secure and harder to intercept.

3. 🧠 Phishing Awareness

Hackers rely on urgency and distraction.
Slow down before clicking.

Watch for:

• Weird sender emails

• Slightly misspelled company names

• Requests that sound “off”

• Fake urgency like “Send immediately or lose your house!”

When in doubt, call to verify — but don’t use the number in the email. Look it up yourself.

4. 📱 Device Security

Keep your:

• Phone

• Laptop

• Tablet

…all up-to-date with software patches.
Hackers exploit outdated systems — don’t give them the chance.

Also:

• Password-protect every device

• Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi

• Encrypt sensitive folders or drives where client data is stored

5. 🏡 Smart Home Awareness

Most listings have tech: Ring cameras, NEST thermostats, Alexa, smart locks.

✅ Remind your sellers:

• Disconnect or disable these during showings

• Keep firmware updated

• Understand privacy settings

✅ Remind your buyers:

• Assume devices are listening

• Don’t discuss strategy or pricing inside the home

6. 🧘‍♂️ Your Best Defense: Slow Down

Hackers prey on:

• Rushed agents

• Emotional clients

• High-pressure situations

Your job?
Be the calm in the chaos.

Take a breath. Verify everything. Don’t react to urgency.

That’s how you protect everyone — including yourself.

⚖️ What If You Do Get Hacked?

Under Illinois law (and most states), if you're hacked and store client data:

• You must notify affected clients

• You must disclose what was compromised

• You may face fines and lawsuits if you don’t

This includes:

• CRMs

• Email databases

• Transaction platforms

• Personal cloud storage

Ignorance of the law is not protection.
Learn your state’s rules — or risk your license and your business.

🧠 Final Thought: It's About More Than You

This isn’t just about your own security — it’s about being a trusted guide for your clients.

Teach them how to spot scams.
Model slow, smart decision-making.
Protect their data like it’s your own.

Because if you don’t, someone else (a hacker) just might.