Practical tips for Estate Agents navigating growing cybersecurity concerns

With a 17% rise in cyberattacks against UK property businesses over the last 12 months¹, it’s never been more important for Estate Agencies to understand their data and how to protect it. To help you feel more informed and confident when navigating data and cybersecurity, we’ve teamed up with IT and cybersecurity specialists Cortida.

In time for Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October, we’re sharing five practical tips you can factor into your day-to-day, helping to protect your data, agency and clients.

1. Use strong, unique passwords and turn on MFA

Weak or reused passwords are an open door for attackers. Multi‑factor authentication (MFA) blocks most account takeovers even when passwords are stolen.

Tip: Use a password manager to create safe passwords and enable MFA on all work systems. Where available, use Passkeys or Windows Hello instead of passwords.

2. Treat every email, link and attachment as potentially malicious

Phishing and scam messages are the most common ways attackers gain access. They often look almost genuine and use urgency or curiosity to trick you.

Tip: Check the sender’s real email address, hover over links before clicking and don’t open unexpected attachments. If in doubt, don’t click and report it to IT.

3. Keep everything patched and up to date

Out‑of‑date software is one of the easiest ways for attackers to break in.

Tip: Install OS, browser and app updates promptly and allow automatic updates. Don’t ignore update notifications.

4. If something feels wrong, report it quickly

A suspicious email or message, strange pop-ups, unusually slow performance or unexpected behaviour on your device could all be signs that something isn’t right.

Tip: Report any request that feels suspicious to IT, even if it looks “official”. Early reporting limits damage and speeds containment.

5. Verify all requests for money, data, or access, even from the “CEO”

Always verify urgent messages from the “CEO”, “finance director”, or a “supplier” asking you to complete actions around paying an invoice, sharing a password, or changing bank details. These requests positioned from authority figures within a business are a classic trick.

 Tip: Always confirm through a known phone number or in person before you act, no matter who the request appears to come from.

For even more cybersecurity advice you can tune into our expert-led podcast, hosted by our Chief Technology Officer, Hayley Stafford, and featuring Cortida’s CEO, Andy Compton here.

The conversation offers practical advice on where agencies may be exposed, what you should expect from technology partners and how to adopt new tools and technology safely without compromising customer trust.

¹Data from Information Commissioner’s Office Sept 2026.