There’s an really important topic In Episode 70 of our podcast, one that matters to us all: Cybersecurity in Real Estate. Now, you might be thinking, “What’s the big deal? It’s just property records.” But let me tell you, it’s way more than that.

Remember the Register of Deeds office that got hacked? Yeah, that’s right. The place where all your property deeds and records are stored got compromised. And it wasn’t just a minor glitch; it was a full-blown ransomware attack. They literally held the office’s data hostage and demanded money for it. Crazy, right?

Now, you might be wondering, “How does this affect me?” Well, think about it. If you’re in the process of buying or selling a property, your entire transaction could be at risk. Imagine waiting all weekend to get the keys to your new home, only to find out that the deed hasn’t been filed yet because the system was down. Frustrating, isn’t it?

And it’s not just about the inconvenience. It’s about the security of your personal information. Your property records, which include your name, address, and other sensitive data, could be exposed. And once that information is out there, there’s no telling what could happen.

So, what can we do about it? First and foremost, we need to be aware. Awareness is the first step in prevention. Keep an eye on the news, stay updated, and be cautious. And if you’re involved in a real estate transaction, double-check everything. Make sure all your documents are secure and that you’re dealing with reputable professionals.

In the end, cybersecurity is not just an IT issue; it’s a real estate issue, a personal issue, and a societal issue. It’s something we all need to take seriously because, in this digital age, the risks are too high to ignore.

And there’s much more than that! If you haven’t checked out Episode 70 yet, give it a listen for more in-depth discussion on this and other important topics. Stay safe, everyone!