In today’s market, real estate professionals do everything online — emailing wire instructions, storing client data, submitting documents, and texting buyers and sellers in real time. But with that convenience comes exposure, and cybercriminals are paying attention.
The truth is: your agents are prime targets. Wire fraud, phishing, and data breaches are now some of the most common (and costly) risks in real estate — and one mistake can jeopardize your deals, your reputation, and your bottom line.
The Big 3 Cyber Threats Agents Face
- Wire Fraud
Hackers spoof email addresses to redirect buyer deposits or closing funds. If agents aren’t using secure communication or verifying instructions, a single misstep can result in six-figure losses. - Phishing Attacks
Agents often receive realistic-looking emails with fake links or attachments. Clicking them can compromise login credentials, give access to client data, or allow malware into company systems. - Data Leaks
Many agents store documents and client info in shared folders, on personal devices, or in unsecured cloud accounts. This makes sensitive information vulnerable to breaches — especially in firms without strong protocols.
Cyber Risk = Business Risk
One successful cyberattack can lead to:
- Lost client trust
- Lawsuits over data exposure
- Regulatory fines
- Delayed or canceled closings
- Insurance claims — or worse, denied ones
Yet many brokerages either lack a cyber policy entirely or carry one that doesn’t reflect how their agents actually operate.
You Can’t Eliminate Risk — But You Can Manage It
At RiskPoint / IMA, we help real estate brokerages build practical, affordable cyber protection that fits the way agents work. That includes:
- Cyber insurance with real-world coverage (not vague clauses and low sublimits)
- Incident response tools and vendor support
- Training resources agents can use to spot scams and protect client data
Cybercrime is evolving. So should your protection.
Let’s set up a quick call to assess how exposed your firm may be — and what steps can close the gaps. Download a pdf of this article here.
