Estate agents handle some of the most sensitive client data you can imagine:
🏠 Personal financial information
🏠 Copies of passports, driving licences, and other ID documents
🏠 Mortgage application details
🏠 Contracts, addresses, and payment records
That wealth of personal and financial information makes estate agents a high-value target for cybercriminals, and attacks are on the rise.
According to a 2023 report by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), sectors handling high-value transactions and sensitive personal data, like property, are increasingly facing targeted phishing, ransomware, and impersonation scams.
Why Are Estate Agents Particularly at Risk?
1. High Transaction Values = High Rewards for Hackers. The larger the sums of money involved, the greater the incentive for criminals. Property transactions involve hundreds of thousands—sometimes millions—of pounds, making even a single successful attack incredibly lucrative.
2. Email Reliance Creates Phishing Opportunities Estate agents depend heavily on email communication—between buyers, sellers, mortgage brokers, and solicitors. This opens a wide door for phishing scams, where cybercriminals impersonate trusted contacts to steal money or sensitive data.
3. Outdated or Insufficient Security Measures Many estate agencies, especially smaller or independent firms, still rely on outdated IT systems, weak password practices, and unsecured devices. Without layered security, they become easy targets.
In fact, a 2022 Hiscox Cyber Readiness Report showed that small and mid-sized businesses are now the primary targets for 60% of cyberattacks, precisely because their defences are often weaker.
The Top Cyber Threats Facing Estate Agents
🎣 Phishing Emails Hackers often send realistic-looking emails designed to trick staff into clicking malicious links or sharing login credentials. A 2024 survey by Proofpoint found that over 74% of UK organisations experienced a phishing attack last year—and real estate is one of the most targeted sectors.
🛑 Ransomware Attacks Ransomware encrypts your files and demands payment for their release. Without solid backups or protection, agencies risk losing client data—and their reputation.
🎭 Business Email Compromise (BEC) In BEC scams, criminals impersonate trusted figures (like directors, solicitors, or clients) to redirect property deposits or request unauthorised payments. Action Fraud UK estimates that BEC cost UK businesses over £77 million in 2023 alone.
How Estate Agents Can Protect Themselves
At Johnson Technical, we recommend a practical, multi-layered approach to cybersecurity for estate agencies:
✅ Advanced Email Security Email filtering, anti-spoofing protocols (like DMARC and SPF), and phishing detection systems stop scams before they reach inboxes.
✅ Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Even if login credentials are stolen, a second authentication factor prevents unauthorised access.
✅ Staff Training Human error remains the biggest cyber risk. Regular awareness training and simulated phishing exercises turn staff into your first line of defence.
✅ Managed Endpoint Protection Modern cybersecurity tools for laptops, tablets, and mobiles protect devices even outside the office—essential for field agents.
✅ Regular Cybersecurity Reviews Threats evolve constantly. Regular IT health checks, vulnerability assessments, and patch management keep you one step ahead.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Beyond financial loss, a serious cyber attack can have lasting consequences:
Regulatory Fines under GDPR if personal data is compromised
Severe reputational damage affecting client trust
Operational disruption leading to missed deals and lost revenue
Clients trust you with their most valuable transactions. Protecting their data isn’t just good practice—it’s a business necessity.
At Johnson Technical, we work closely with estate agents to create affordable, business-friendly cybersecurity strategies tailored to the fast-paced world of property sales and lettings.
✅ No jargon.
✅ No unnecessary costs.
✅ Just real protection for your business and your clients.
Don’t wait for an attack to reveal your weaknesses. Strengthen your defences today. Get in touch to book a free Cybersecurity Health Check with our expert team –
📧 sales@jtechnical.net | 📞 01277 888 799
#MakeITOurBusinessSoYouCanRunYours
