Property investors targeted in cyber attack spike
Summary
The article reports a 17% rise in cyber attacks on the UK property services sector over the year to 31 December 2025, with property investor clients and the data held by agents and property managers identified as attractive targets. It highlights risks including ransomware, identity theft and payment diversion fraud, and notes that the sector may be behind other professional services in data security preparedness.
Why it matters
Residential property surveyors and related firms often handle sensitive client and transaction data, making them potential targets for cybercrime. The article is relevant to operational risk, client data protection and fraud prevention, particularly where surveyors are involved in property transactions or hold personal information.
Key points
- UK property services cyber attacks rose from 178 to 208 in the year ended 31 December 2025.
- Hackers are targeting property firms because they hold valuable personal and financial data.
- Risks mentioned include ransomware, identity theft and payment diversion fraud.
- The sector is said to lag behind other professional services in data security arrangements.
- Specialist cyber insurance is suggested as a mitigation measure.
This is an RPSA summary of a publicly available article. The full content remains with the original publisher.
