October 16, 2025
CRE Firms Can't Afford to Overlook IT Security
In Manhattan and Northern New Jersey, commercial real estate companies face a unique challenge: keeping tenants, buildings, and sensitive data secure in a world where cyber risks and physical access threats overlap. Real estate cybersecurity has become a critical concern for property owners and managers alike.
For CRE decision-makers, IT security is no longer just about protecting computers, it's about safeguarding entire portfolios. From property management systems to building control systems, every technology touchpoint is a potential risk, increasing the overall cybersecurity risk exposure for the organization.
At Integrated Business Systems (IBS), we've spent more than 46 years helping CRE firms in NYC and NJ implement proactive IT strategies that reduce risk and keep operations running smoothly. Our expertise in cyber risk management has made us a trusted partner in the industry.
What Is CRE IT Security?
Commercial Real Estate (CRE) IT security means protecting firms' property management systems, building control systems, tenant data, and vendor connections from cyber and physical threats. In Manhattan and New Jersey, proactive strategies like MFA, encryption, and 24/7 monitoring safeguard both buildings and sensitive information, including personally identifiable information (PII).
The Biggest Commercial Real Estate Cybersecurity Risks Today
Commercial real estate is a high-value target for attackers and fraudsters. Here are the key areas where we see vulnerabilities:
- Property Management Cybersecurity Gaps: Many firms still rely on outdated accounting and lease management systems without proper security control measures. This leaves tenant data, invoices, and financial records exposed to potential breaches and ransomware attacks.
- Building Control Systems: Door entry, cameras, and HVAC systems all run on networks. If not properly secured, these building management systems become entry points for cybercriminals.
- Third-Party Vendors and Contractors: Landscaping, cleaning, and maintenance vendors often connect to CRE systems. Without strong controls, these can become weak links in your cybersecurity governance framework.
- Regulatory & Insurance Compliance: Cyber insurance carriers now demand proof of controls like multi-factor authentication (MFA). Without them, firms risk claim denials and increased cybersecurity risk exposure.
Proactive IT Security Strategies for CRE
Here's how CRE leaders in Manhattan and New Jersey can protect their properties, tenants, and reputations through cybersecurity best practices:
1. Secure Property Management Software
Protect tenant and financial data with:
- Multi-factor authentication across all accounts
- Encryption of rental applications and lease data
- Regular patching and updates to systems like MRI, Yardi, or RealPage
2. Harden Building Control Systems
- Segment networks for cameras, door systems, and HVAC
- Monitor access logs in real time
- Partner with IT teams who understand how PropTech systems connect
3. Implement Cyber Insurance Compliance Controls
- Review your policy requirements line by line
- Deploy mandatory security control measures (MFA, backups, encryption)
- Keep detailed evidence to prove compliance if you need to file a claim
- Develop a cybersecurity governance framework
4. Train Your Team and Vendors
- Conduct phishing simulations to reduce human error
- Enforce secure vendor access policies
- Require cybersecurity attestations in vendor contracts
5. Develop Comprehensive Disaster Recovery Plans
- Create and regularly test backup and recovery procedures
- Establish clear roles and responsibilities during a cyber incident
- Ensure business continuity in the face of potential ransomware attacks
Why CRE Firms in Manhattan & NJ Trust IBS
- 46+ Years of Experience: Specializing in CRE IT and real estate cybersecurity since 1977
- Local Expertise: We know the unique challenges of NYC high-rises and NJ portfolios
- 3-Minute Response Time: No waiting around when security is on the line
- Tailored Solutions: We align IT with your lease operations, building management systems, and compliance needs, not cookie-cutter templates
Key Takeaways
- CRE IT security is about protecting tenants, buildings, and sensitive data, including personally identifiable information.
- Risks span from property management software to building control systems.
- Proactive steps like MFA, encryption, vendor controls, and compliance evidence can protect both your operations and insurance coverage.
- Implementing cybersecurity best practices and a robust cyber risk management strategy is crucial for modern CRE firms.
- IBS brings CRE-specific knowledge and decades of IT experience to keep Manhattan and NJ firms secure.
CRE IT Next Steps
Don't wait until a cyber incident exposes a building or delays lease operations. The cost of inadequate real estate cybersecurity can be devastating.
Schedule a free discovery call with Integrated Business Systems today and see how proactive IT security can safeguard your properties, tenants, and data while minimizing your cybersecurity risk exposure.
Click Here or give us a call at (973) 575-4950 to Book a FREE Consultation