Cybersecurity in Community Associations
Cybersecurity risks facing community associations continue to evolve as communities increasingly rely on digital communications, online payments, resident portals, management software, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). The Foundation for Community Association Research has been tracking these issues since its landmark Wired: Cybersecurity in Community Associations (2018). Our latest 2026 Snap Survey revisits many of the same topics, providing valuable benchmarks and insights into how cybersecurity awareness, risks, and preparedness have changed over time.
2026 Snap Survey — Cybersecurity in Community Associations
Based on responses from 196 industry professionals across 37 states, the Foundation’s latest Snap Survey examines cybersecurity threats, preparedness measures, training needs, cyber insurance, AI adoption, and evolving digital risks facing community associations today.
Key Findings
- 38% rank phishing scams among their top cybersecurity concerns
- 54% report their community lacks formal cybersecurity policies and procedures
- 75% say training and education would most help reduce cybersecurity risk
- 67% report their community is exploring or using AI tools
How Things Have Changed Since 2018
The Foundation’s 2026 survey benchmarked several findings against its 2018 Wired cybersecurity study. While communities report greater awareness of cybersecurity threats today, the findings also reveal continuing gaps in formal policies, training, incident response planning, and preparedness.
Communities Reporting Cybersecurity Incidents
- 2018: 9%
- 2026: 42%
Communities with Formal Cybersecurity Policies
- 2018: 23%
- 2026: 30%
Wired: 2018 Survey of Cybersecurity in Community Associations
Published in 2018, Wired established a baseline understanding of how community associations were using technology and managing cybersecurity risks. The report explored data security, software usage, social media, online payments, privacy practices, and emerging cybersecurity concerns.
According to the report, more than half (56 percent) of community associations have policies and procedures in place to collect, store, and protect homeowners’ personal data. In 2018, with the assistance of independent research firm Strategic Research Partners (SRP) and a dedicated team of experts, the Foundation surveyed more than 600 community association managers, board members, and the professionals who support associations to identify the risks and liabilities associated with using technology to conduct association business. Download Wired: 2018 Survey of Cybersecurity in Community Associations.
According to the Foundation’s research, ransomware and phishing are the most common forms of attack on community associations. More than half (52 percent) of the communities surveyed reported that fraud and theft are their top concerns. Additionally, the majority of respondents (92 percent) report that their community associations use software management programs, and nearly half (49 percent) of respondents indicated that cost and program compatibility (46 percent) are the most common considerations when selecting financial software.
The research also shows that 56 percent of associations have adopted policies to protect privacy information, and the overwhelming majority (70 percent) continue to store hard-copy documents like contracts, financial and payment data and records, and resident contact information.
As more security and data breaches occur in the U.S., states are amending and adopting laws governing the protection of personal and financial information and how breaches in these areas must be reported and addressed. A snapshot of this legislation is included here.
Abbreviated Profiles of Remaining States
Want to see your state listed? Contact Executive Director Jake Gold, CAE, for sponsorship opportunities.
As technology continues to consume every aspect of our daily lives, there’s not one sector of our economy that’s safe. Community associations and the residents who live and work in these communities are no exception. This new research helps us establish a baseline of awareness that will be used to develop tools to educate community association leaders about cybersecurity issues arising from social media, community websites, and third-party payment portals.