In the age of the digital economy, data storage and processing have become integral components across various sectors, extending far beyond traditional IT services. As industries continue to undergo rapid digitalization, data privacy and protection have emerged as paramount concerns, including within the real estate and construction sector.

The Need for Digital Security

To ensure the resilience of real estate and construction businesses in the face of increasing digital threats, it is imperative to transition from conventional, perimeter-focused cybersecurity tactics to more data-centric strategies. Safeguarding data integrity and accessibility is paramount, especially given the rising frequency of ransomware attacks. Therefore, data governance must prioritise categorization and security to protect valuable process knowledge.

Data Privacy Risks in Real Estate

Despite handling a vast amount of personal information, many real estate companies have not prioritised privacy and data protection. This oversight encompasses data on financiers, renters, property owners, and other stakeholders. The industry’s focus on rapid, complex transactions has, at times, overshadowed privacy concerns. Additionally, the typically smaller staff sizes of these companies often result in the inadvertent neglect of privacy regulations.

Some common problems contributing to increased data privacy risks in the real estate industry include:

Lack of Sufficient Cybersecurity Systems: Inadequate measures to protect against cyber threats.

Ineffective Data Retention Practices: The absence of well-defined data retention schedules.

Limited Response Mechanism: Inability to respond effectively to customer requests.

Absence of Data Breach Notification Systems: Failing to notify stakeholders in case of data breaches.

Regulatory Requirements

With the continuous expansion of regulatory requirements surrounding personal and sensitive user data, real estate companies can no longer evade data protection compliances. Two key regulations affecting the sector are the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The CCPA grants consumers rights to know how their personal information is collected and used, request data erasure, and stop the sharing of their personal information. GDPR applies to companies doing business in the European Union and mandates compliance with strict rules regarding data handling and privacy.

Practices Ensuring Data Protection

Compliance with regulations like CCPA and GDPR is essential, but additional practices can further minimise data privacy concerns:

Secure Backups: Implement network segmentation and log monitoring for data recovery in the event of cyberattacks.

Efficient Cybersecurity Systems: Develop policies and procedures to protect customer information throughout its lifecycle.

Data Protection Impact Assessment: Assess the handling of highly sensitive data and consult relevant data protection bodies when necessary.

Certifications: Encourage professionals to obtain certifications such as ISO 27001,C-DPO India, Certified DPO Practitioner and DSCI to ensure data privacy and compliance with privacy laws.

Conclusion

In summary, data privacy certifications have become indispensable in the real estate industry. These certifications ensure regulatory compliance, strengthen data privacy practices, and build trust with clients. Moreover, they help organisations differentiate themselves in the market and promote a culture of continuous improvement in data management procedures. As privacy concerns continue to grow, these certifications will remain crucial in protecting personal data in construction and real estate activities.

If you’re seeking data privacy certification or training, consider Tsaaro Academy, where experienced trainers can assist you in becoming a privacy specialist. Tsaaro Academy’s mission is to provide top-tier instruction and training, enabling individuals to embark on successful careers in data privacy, and support organisations in safeguarding data in an increasingly digital world.

Click Here to Become a Data Protection Officer.