Strata management has become increasingly digital - and that’s a good thing. Online portals, cloud-based document storage, and streamlined workflows make it easier to run a building and stay organised.

But there’s a trade-off: the same systems that make life easier also hold a lot of sensitive information. Financial records, owner and tenant details, meeting minutes, invoices, and access credentials often sit in one place. That makes strata organisations an attractive target for cybercrime.

Cybersecurity isn’t just “an IT issue” anymore. It’s part of good governance, day-to-day operations, and protecting the trust within your community.

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The most common cyber risks in strata

Most cyber incidents aren’t dramatic. They’re practical, disruptive, and expensive to clean up.

Here are the threats strata organisations most commonly face:

• Phishing emails targeting strata managers or committee members
• Ransomware that locks critical files and demands payment
• Data breaches exposing personal and financial information
• Unauthorised access caused by weak passwords or shared logins

Strata schemes also involve multiple stakeholders, managers, contractors, committee members, and owners, so access can quickly become messy if it isn’t controlled. More people involved often means more chances for something to slip.

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Three practical steps that reduce risk quickly

1) Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA)

If you only make one improvement, make it this one.

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of verification (for example, a code or app prompt). Even if a password is stolen, MFA can stop someone from logging in.

Make sure MFA is enabled on key systems like email, accounting software, and your strata management platform wherever possible.

2) Tighten access (and stop sharing accounts)

Access should be granted on a strict need-to-know basis. In other words: people should only have access to what they genuinely need to do their role.

Strong access control usually means:

• Committee members only accessing documents relevant to their responsibilities
• Contractors having limited, time-bound access
• Avoiding shared logins
• Doing regular access reviews so former staff or committee members don’t retain access

This is one of those areas where “we’ve always done it this way” can quietly create risk over time.

3) Keep systems updated and securely configured

Outdated software is a common entry point for attacks. The basics matter here:

• Apply security patches promptly
• Make sure cloud platforms are configured securely
• Work with vendors who actively maintain and monitor their systems

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Where ISO/IEC 27001 fits in (without making it complicated)

When you’re choosing platforms, IT providers, or even reviewing internal practices, it helps to know whether there’s a real security framework behind what’s being done.

ISO/IEC 27001 is an internationally recognised standard for managing information security. In simple terms, it’s a structured approach that expects organisations to assess risks, implement controls, document policies, and continuously improve - so security isn’t ad hoc or reactive.

You don’t need to be an expert in the standard to benefit from it. Even asking a provider questions like these can be useful:

• Do you operate an Information Security Management System aligned with ISO/IEC 27001?
• How do you assess and manage security risks?
• How often are access rights reviewed?
• What’s your incident response process if something goes wrong?

The point isn’t to chase buzzwords, it’s to make sure security is organised, accountable, and actively managed.

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Cybersecurity is also a compliance issue now

Cybersecurity isn’t only about best practice. Strata organisations often need to consider:

• Privacy laws governing personal information
• Strata by-laws relating to record security and data access
• Contractual obligations with owners and service providers

Having clear policies and documented controls can help demonstrate due diligence, especially if an incident ever needs to be reviewed.

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Don’t ignore the human factor: training matters

Even with good systems, people are still the most common “weak link”, usually through no bad intent, just a busy day and a convincing email.

Regular training should cover:

• How to recognise phishing and social engineering attempts
• Secure password and device habits
• Safe handling of digital records
• How and when to report suspicious activity

Including cybersecurity training as part of staff onboarding and committee inductions is a simple step that can make a meaningful difference.

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Building a cyber-resilient strata community

Cybersecurity for strata is ongoing, but it doesn’t need to be overwhelming.

Start with the fundamentals (MFA, access control, updates), make responsibilities clear, and use structured security approaches like ISO/IEC 27001 as a helpful benchmark when evaluating systems and providers.

The goal is straightforward: protect your data, keep operations running smoothly, and maintain the trust that holds the community together.