Landlords have benefited from innovations in technology to provide better experiences for tenants. The dilemma is, with increased convenience comes heightened responsibility. Cyberattacks continue to increase worldwide, on a variety of scales, and show no signs of slowing in the future.
The bottom line is, if you work in commercial real estate, you should be aware of common cyberattacks and how to respond to them. A single breach could mean thousands of dollars in losses. It could also lead to legal repercussions from the compromised personal information of tenants.
The good news is that there are a few main steps you can take to maintain online security and ensure the safety of your tenants’ information. Find out how you can step up landlord online security.
Perform a Technology Audit
One of the first steps you should take as a landlord is to perform a technology audit. This will give you an idea of potential vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.
These include cloud-based services, communication platforms for employees, and online portals used by tenants. Smart technologies for lighting, HVAC, or security can be targets for common cyberattacks.
The bottom line is that you must have a solid grasp of how all your systems work together. You also must stay on top of who has the authority to access them and how unauthorized users might infiltrate them.
Focus on Common Cyberattacks
Remember that hackers look for easy targets. Conducting regular employee training is an easy and important first step to take. Educate them to identify potential threats, such as email phishing scams and viruses.
Also, since many tenants pay rent at the beginning or end of the month, it provides a predictable window for hackers. Once they get log-in information, they can access information that they can use to commit identity fraud or similar crimes.
Cybercriminals use “trojan horses,” or files that embed in existing systems without you knowing they are there. Botnets are programs that spread malware and are another popular tool for cybercriminals. Robust security software is needed to catch these threats.
Put Protections in Place
The next step is developing ways to combat potential threats. This includes preventative, as well as responsive, measures.
Be sure you are using software that provides cybersecurity for landlords. This includes things like encrypted email and password-protected systems.
If you feel that your protections are lacking, consider hiring a property management company. They can work as a consultant or handle services that demand online interactions.
Learn More About Cybersecurity for Property Managers
Now that you have an idea of how to prevent and respond to common cyberattacks, you can put protocols and programs in place to keep your company safe. You will have the peace of mind that tenant and business information is protected from cybercriminal attacks.
If you are seeking a reputable company to manage your property, consider us. We have more than 20 years of experience serving clients from the Florida panhandle to Key West. Reach out to us today to see what we can do for you.
