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Homeowner Data at Risk: The Alarming Cybersecurity Gap in CAM Operations

Written by CINC SYSTEMS | Jun 14, 2025 3:00:00 PM

In our 2025 State of the Industry report, an alarming statistic emerged: 37% of Community Association Management (CAM) executives either don't know where their customer data is stored or lack secure storage altogether. In an era where cyber threats are escalating in complexity and frequency, this oversight isn't just concerning, it's a ticking time bomb.

Cybersecurity threats are no longer niche issues buried in IT departments. They’ve gone fully mainstream. In fact, “CrowdStrike” was one of the top Google searches of 2024, signaling that the public’s concern around cyberattacks and digital defense has never been higher. Cyberattacks on businesses are up 47% in 2025 as criminal cyber operations become increasingly structured and sophisticated.

The reality is that no organization is immune, and the CAM industry is no exception. CAM companies handle a wealth of sensitive homeowner information—names, addresses, financial details, and more—a goldmine of data for cybercriminals.

Robert Moua, Director of Information Security at CINC Systems, shared his perspective on where CAM companies are falling short and how they can begin to close the gaps.

Common Cybersecurity Pitfalls in CAM

Several prevalent issues contribute to the vulnerability of CAM companies, according to Robert:

  • Inadequate Multifactor Authentication (MFA): Many breaches occur due to compromised credentials. 
  • Lack of Regular Security Audits: Without routine checks, vulnerabilities can go unnoticed until exploited.
  • Insufficient Employee Training: Human error remains a leading cause of data breaches.

Taking the First Steps Towards Enhanced CAM Security

"Every CAM or HOA company should have basic security practices in place, such as strong password policies, good onboarding/offboarding practices, regular software updates, and data encryption," explains Robert. "Leading organizations are also adopting advanced measures such as incorporating cybersecurity risks into business decisions, expanding on basic security protection measures through defense in depth strategies, and standing up dedicated IT/Security staff."

To get started, he recommends three foundational steps:

  1. Conduct a comprehensive audit. Start by understanding exactly where your data resides. Map out your systems, identify your vulnerabilities, and take inventory of who has access to what.
  2. Implement fundamental security measures. That means basic protections like multifactor authentication, antivirus software, firewalls, and encryption for sensitive data.
  3. Schedule regular security training. Your staff is the first line of defense. Equip them with the knowledge to recognize phishing schemes, suspicious links, and data handling do’s and don’ts.

Vendor Security: A Shared Responsibility

It's not just about internal controls. CAM companies also rely on third-party vendors for their day-to-day operations, which may manage and store their data. But how secure are those partners?

“Every CAM or HOA company needs to make sure the vendors they have their data stored with have SOC2 Type II or equivalent certification,” Robert says. “Being SOC2 Type II certified tells us that a company takes data protection seriously, handling sensitive information with the utmost security and care.”

CINC Systems is proud to meet that bar. Our SOC2 Type II certification reflects our commitment to secure, responsible data practices—not just for our platform, but for the peace of mind of every CAM and HOA that partners with us.

Navigating AI Integration Safely

AI is becoming an indispensable tool in the CAM world, helping teams automate repetitive tasks, analyze large volumes of data, and even enhance board and homeowner satisfaction. But AI can also introduce new vulnerabilities if not used responsibly.

CINC’s Cephai stands apart by offering robust security features including segregation, ensuring trust, and promoting responsible use of AI,” Robert notes. “With Cephai, every customer has their own trained AI model that can be accessed only by them, and every user within the company can only access the information they are authorized to see.”

In other words, with the proper safeguards in place, you can leverage AI without sacrificing security.

Want more expert insights, strategies, and trends shaping CAM in 2025?

Download the full CINC Systems 2025 State of the Industry Report here.