Real estate professionals are relying on digital tools more and more to help manage transactions, communicate with clients, store sensitive information, and more. However, this further entry into the digital world can leave gaps exposing you to cybersecurity threats, including malware. Understanding what malware is and how to defend against it is crucial for safeguarding yourself, your business, and your clients.
What Is Malware?
Malware, a shortened word for “malicious software,” is an all-encompassing term for any type of harmful software designed to infiltrate, damage, or disable devices and networks as well.1 Though there is typically no damage to a physical device or system, malware steals data, disrupts operations, and compromises system integrity.
Why Are Real Estate Professionals at Risk?
Real estate professionals handle a lot of personal and financial data, making them high-risk targets for cybercriminals. Some factors contributing to the risk are:
- High-value transactions involved in property deals
- Time sensitivity and urgency to close deals
- Multiple stakeholders involved in transactions (e.g., agents, clients, lenders, and title companies)
What Are Some Common Malware Threats in Real Estate?
Cybercriminals have become even more sophisticated, and their attacks are even more prevalent. Therefore, it’s vital to be aware of the threats that could target you as a real estate professional.
These are some examples of threats to the real estate industry:2
- Email account compromise. When scammers hack into a real estate professional’s email account to take information about closings and send fraudulent wire transfer instructions.
- Fake property listing inquiries. Cybercriminals will send emails posing as interested buyers, and when agents respond, it gives the cybercriminals access to compromise their email accounts.
- Fraudulent wire transfer requests. Cybercriminals will use compromised email accounts to send seemingly legitimate emails with fraudulent wiring instructions to redirect property purchase sums to their own accounts.
- Impersonation of trusted entities. Oftentimes, phishing emails are designed to look like they’re coming from a trusted source (e.g., banks, mortgage lenders) and ask clients to reset passwords or provide sensitive information.
- Lockbox code change requests. Cybercriminals will send an email or text message positing as a client to request changes to the lockbox code in order to gain unauthorized access to a property.
These are just some of the ways cybercriminals are targeting real estate professionals. It has become increasingly more important to be vigilant about cybersecurity awareness.
How Do I Protect Myself and My Business?
There are a few precautionary measures you can take to protect yourself and your real estate business.
- Educate your team—regular training to recognize phishing attempts and other suspicious activities can help prevent a cyber breach.
- Create an incident response plan—have protocols prepared for potential breaches, including steps for containing the breach, notifying affected individuals, and recovering systems.2
- Implement strong passwords—use complex passwords and change them regularly.
- Backup, update, and patch systems—ensure all your software, operating systems, and applications are up to date to detect and prevent threats.2
- Limit access—only grant system access to necessary personnel in order to minimize any potential vulnerabilities.
- Invest in cybersecurity technology—implement firewalls and other protective software to keep your data secure.2
Despite best efforts, breaches can still occur. Though malware does pose a significant threat to the real estate industry, it’s possible for real estate professionals to protect themselves, their businesses, and their clients through proactive measures. Staying informed and implementing robust cybersecurity practices are key steps in defending against cyber-attacks.
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1“Malware – Cybersecurity 101.” Illumio, 2025.
2“Cybersecurity Threats in the Real Estate Industry: Risks and Protective Measures.” BLTA Examiner, 20 Sep 2024.
