At SCAQ 2025, one message was clear: strata management is becoming a much more secure ship in Australia to weather the storm of cyber attacks. With domestic cybercrime rising by 23% in a single year and more than 94,000 cases reported nationwide, the importance of battening down the hatches has never been more pronounced for strata organisations. The 2025 QStrata Conference (SCAQ 2025), hosted by the Strata Community Association Queensland (SCAQ), brought together professionals and industry leaders to discuss the strata sector’s pressing digital challenges. From operational efficiency to compliance and cybersecurity defences, the role of IT has firmly shifted from a support function to a strategic enabler.
Strata management involves handling large volumes of sensitive data and maintaining a complex infrastructure. The SCAQ 2025 conference underscored how industry-specific IT solutions and security frameworks are key to future-proofing strata operations in Queensland and across Australia. This article distils the most actionable insights from the event and presents the technologies, policies, and practices reshaping the future of strata management.
SCAQ 2025: The Role of IT in Modern Strata Management
What are the top IT takeaways from SCAQ 2025?
The QStrata 2025 Conference and Expo was designed to educate and inspire strata professionals through expert presentations, peer networking, and exposure to the latest innovations in the sector. This year’s focus on IT and digital transformation highlighted how foundational technology has become part of the future of body corporate services.
Among the key takeaways was the growing dependence on digital infrastructure to support daily strata operations. The conference clarified that IT systems now underpin almost every layer of service delivery, from cloud-based financial systems to resident engagement portals and automated compliance workflows. Reliable digital tools enhanced operational transparency and communication and enabled strata managers to scale services efficiently, especially as Queensland prepares for high-density growth in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
Attendees also engaged with new and emerging technologies showcased on the expo floor, highlighting how innovation is being embraced to elevate the standard of service delivered to body corporates across Australia.
Cybersecurity Challenges and Solutions for Strata Businesses
What cybersecurity risks do strata companies face?
Due to the sensitive nature of their information, contact details, bank details, owner details, and building access codes, strata companies are at risk of all types of cyber attacks. Phishing, ransomware, and social engineering attacks are among the most prevalent, which can lead to data breaches, financial loss, and reputational damage.
To combat these threats, IT specialists recommend a layered cybersecurity strategy that includes:
- Multi-factor authentication and access controls
- Regular vulnerability scanning and patch management
- Endpoint protection across all devices
- Dark web monitoring for exposed credentials
- Phishing simulations and team training
- Comprehensive incident response plans
These methods supplement the ACSC’s Essential Eight methodology and allow strata companies to meet privacy obligations under the Privacy Act 1988.
Innovations in Strata IT: Automation, Cloud, and Connectivity
How is technology changing strata management?
By letting digital transformation play a greater role in organising, processing, and assisting with decision-making, strata firms can expect to reduce manual tasks, improve communication, and scale operations. Automation tools now manage repetitive processes such as levy invoicing, payment reminders, and document sharing. Cloud-based platforms enable strata managers, committee members, and residents to collaborate in real-time, from anywhere.
Centralised IT systems allow seamless communication between all parties, reducing delays and improving service delivery. This integrated approach simplifies compliance and documentation, especially during audits or AGMs. Reliable connectivity infrastructure is critical for ensuring access to building management systems, surveillance feeds, and resident portals without disruption.
How Strata Companies Can Leverage Technology for Compliance
How can strata businesses improve IT security?
The SCAQ 2025 sessions stressed that compliance isn’t just a legal requirement. It’s a competitive advantage. Strata companies that align their IT systems with relevant regulations gain trust from owners and demonstrate professional responsibility. Core requirements include compliance with the APPs, secure data storage, controlled access, and breach reporting procedures. By aligning systems with industry standards and cybersecurity best practices, strata businesses can reduce their exposure to penalties, data loss, and operational disruption.
Key measures to strengthen IT compliance include:
- Ensuring encrypted storage for personal and financial data
- Implementing regular penetration testing
- Maintaining audit trails and automated record-keeping
- Conducting regular risk assessments and reviews
- Keeping systems and third-party software up to date
Future-Proofing Strata Operations with Digital Transformation
How can strata businesses future-proof their IT systems?
As Australia prepares for an influx of beds across Queensland in preparation for major upcoming events like the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, strata developments are becoming increasingly complex. A well-executed collaboration with automation allows strata firms to manage growth without compromising service standards.
Future-proofing requires a long-term IT roadmap that includes:
- Scalable infrastructure, such as cloud computing and virtual desktops
- Automation for maintenance scheduling, compliance alerts, and owner updates
- Real-time access to financial reporting and documentation
- Disaster recovery and business continuity planning
- Integration of new technologies like AI chatbots and IoT-based building monitoring
Strata managers must assess their digital maturity and implement technologies supporting growth, mobility, and data security. Regular IT assessments are useful tools for guiding this process, revealing gaps and opportunities in the current infrastructure.
Conclusion
The SCAQ 2025 Conference reinforced that strata management is no longer just about bricks and mortar, it’s also about bytes and bandwidth. As operational complexity grows and cyber threats become more sophisticated, the role of IT has moved from background function to frontline defence.
By investing in secure, scalable, and compliant IT systems, strata managers can streamline their operations, meet regulatory expectations, and maintain the trust of owners and residents alike. Whether through automation, cloud platforms, or layered cybersecurity strategies, technology is the key to building resilient and future-ready strata organisations.
Boost Your Strata Capabilities with Productiv’s Tailored IT Solutions
Whether you need to improve cybersecurity, ensure compliance, or scale your systems confidently, our team can help with industry insight and responsive service. Productiv can assist your business in meeting the demands of tomorrow, starting today.
Contact Productiv today to learn how our Essential or Enterprise plans deliver proactive, secure IT management tailored to your strata business.
