Protect client data like it's your own

As a real estate professional, your clients trust you with some of their most sensitive information. You handle everything from driver's licenses and financial documents to wire transfer details.

Think about it. You wouldn’t leave your own bank account open for anyone to see, right? That same level of care is exactly how you should handle your clients’ data.

When it's just about scheduling a showing or sharing a listing link, a quick text or email is fine. But when it comes to personal or financial details, you should never share them over unsecured channels like standard email, text, or free, non-password-protected cloud storage.

A single data breach can shatter your clients' trust and put their financial security at risk.

Tips for protecting client data

1. Use secure platforms always. Use secure platforms to share contracts and IDs. This means using your MLS, broker portals, trusted transaction management systems, or encrypted email services. Never send sensitive documents by standard text or email.
2. Double-check wire instructions. This is one of the most common and expensive scams in real estate. Never forward wiring details by email or text. Instead, use a secure bank or title company portal. Always confirm the instructions directly with the title or escrow company using a known phone number you have on file—not a number found in an email.
3. Lock your devices. Make sure all your devices—your phone, tablet, and laptop—auto-lock with a passcode, fingerprint, or Face ID. This is a simple but critical step. If a device is lost or stolen, this small action can prevent a hacker from accessing your sensitive files.
4. Think before you share. This is the golden rule. If you wouldn’t feel safe sending your own bank information or social security number that way, then don’t send your client’s either.

Protecting client data isn’t just good practice; it’s how you build trust and keep your business secure. Make secure sharing a habit, and both your clients and your reputation will thank you.