The REALTOR® Code of Ethics makes one thing clear: protecting client confidentiality is not optional. As outlined by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), agents are obligated to preserve the confidentiality of personal information provided by clients both during and after the transaction has ended.

At its core, this responsibility is about more than compliance; it’s about trust. During a transaction, clients hand over some of their most sensitive personal and financial information, relying not just on your expertise, but also on your discretion.

The way real estate professionals do business has evolved dramatically, especially with the rise of new technology. Transactions that once relied on paper files and in-person meetings now take place through email, cloud-based platforms, mobile apps, and digital signatures.

According to the NAR 2025 REALTOR® Technology Survey, 66% of REALTORS® say they adopt new technology primarily to save time, while 64% report doing so to enhance the client experience. The most widely used tools include eSignature platforms (79%), social media (75%), drone photography and video (52%), and AI-generated content such as listing descriptions (46%).

While these tools make transactions faster and more convenient, they also introduce new risks. Client information like financial records, Social Security numbers, and home addresses can be vulnerable to cyberattacks, phishing scams, and simple human error. Something as small as sending documents to the wrong email address or using unsecured Wi-Fi can unintentionally expose sensitive details.

The data underscores how real these risks have become. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 28% of identity theft complaints in 2022 were connected to real estate transactions. Reports also show that many of these incidents stem from phishing attempts that trick professionals into sharing sensitive information.

Beyond the immediate risk to personal and financial information, there is also a REALTOR®’s professional reputation to consider. A single privacy breach can damage client relationships and undermine credibility. Simply put, protecting client information is an essential part of providing responsible, trustworthy service.

The good news is that you don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to protect personal and client information. Just a few extra steps can really go a long way in keeping data secure.

• Use protected communication channels: Avoid sending sensitive documents through unencrypted email when possible. Use secure transaction management platforms or encrypted file-sharing services. When in doubt, double-check before hitting “send.”
• Strengthen your passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts, and don’t reuse them across platforms. Consider using a password manager to keep things organized and secure. Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) can also add an extra layer of protection.
• Be cautious on public Wi-Fi: Working from a coffee shop or airport is convenient, but public networks are often unsecured. If you must access client data on the go, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to keep your connection safe.
• Verify before you share: Wire fraud and phishing scams often target real estate transactions. Always confirm requests for sensitive information – especially financial details – through a phone call.
• Limit access to information: Only share client data with those who absolutely need it to complete the transaction. The fewer people who have access, the lower the risk.
• Keep devices secure: Lock your phone, tablet, and computer with strong passcodes (the longer, the better), and if available, consider biometric security such as fingerprint or face scanning. 
• Dispose of information properly: Shred physical documents that contain sensitive information and securely delete digital files when they’re no longer needed. 
• Stay educated: Take time to stay informed about common scams and best practices. To help, NAR has an entire section on its website dedicated to data privacy and security that includes a Data Security and Privacy Toolkit available for download. 

Remember, protecting client privacy is about more than avoiding risk – it’s also a key part in building relationships that last. When clients feel confident that their information is in good hands, that trust carries through every part of the transaction. And in an ever-changing, competitive industry, that trust is what truly sets you apart!