Cybersecurity Strategies for CRE in 2024

Eric Marquette

Alright, Zoe, let's dive in! It's 2025—a brand new year, and for commercial real estate companies, that means it’s time to, you know, reset priorities. And cybersecurity? That’s gotta be way up there.

Zoe

Absolutely, Eric. At this point, it’s not just about keeping up—it's about staying ahead. Cyber threats are evolving faster than ever, and for CRE organizations, the stakes are particularly high.

Eric Marquette

Right. So let’s think about how they can kick-start their year. I love that idea of starting with a really targeted risk assessment—taking a hard look at current defenses, old systems, and even, like, employee training gaps.

Zoe

Exactly. A comprehensive risk assessment should include a vulnerability scan too. That'll pinpoint weak spots in the infrastructure. Pairing that with a review of past incidents? It’s a no-brainer for finding patterns or weaknesses that keep cropping up.

Eric Marquette

Ooh, like deja vu, but way less fun.

Zoe

Precisely. And here’s where step two comes in—updating the incident response plan. It has to evolve to match today’s threats. For instance, AI-driven malware is becoming more sophisticated, and phishing schemes… well, the creativity there is almost terrifying.

Eric Marquette

Oh my gosh, yes! Some of those phishing emails look better than, like, actual business emails. It’s wild! So, making sure the response plan includes, I guess, clear roles for everyone, a communication strategy, recovery protocols, that all seems super critical, right?

Zoe

It is. And testing the plan regularly with simulated attacks? That’s where teams can identify vulnerabilities in a low-stakes setting. It’s like a fire drill—better to practice now than scramble when it really counts.

Eric Marquette

Totally. But let’s pivot to step three—employee training. This is where so many companies either nail it or drop the ball.

Zoe

Yes. Employees are the first line of defense, and training needs to be continuous. Recognizing phishing attempts, securely handling data, reporting incidents—all of that should feel second nature.

Eric Marquette

And honestly, it doesn’t have to be boring. Adding gamified modules or interactive sessions? That stuff works. Who doesn’t like learning when there’s a little bit of fun involved?

Zoe

Exactly. It makes the material engaging, and people tend to retain it longer. Plus, it fosters a cybersecurity-conscious culture, which is invaluable.

Eric Marquette

Alright, Zoe, let's get to step four—my favorite: teaming up with the pros. Because, let’s face it, trying to handle it all in-house? Not always the smartest play.

Zoe

That’s why partnering with a provider like 5Q Cyber makes so much sense. They bring advanced tools, threat intelligence, and 24/7 monitoring to the table, so businesses can focus on what they do best without spreading their teams too thin.

Eric Marquette

And let’s not forget—outsourcing things like dark web monitoring or vulnerability management to 5Q can seriously boost your defenses without overloading internal resources. That peace of mind? Priceless.

Zoe

Couldn’t agree more, Eric. With the right partnerships and a proactive approach, CRE companies can position themselves not just to survive, but to thrive securely in 2025.

Eric Marquette

And that wraps it up for today! Thanks, Zoe, for all those fantastic insights. And thank you, listeners, for tuning in. Here’s to a secure and successful start to the year!

Zoe

Always a pleasure, Eric. Until next time, everyone.