Real estate agencies are also a target for cybercriminals because of the highly sensitive data they hold.
Information collected for rental applications can include everything from up to five years’ of an applicant’s employment history, as well as passport details, referees’ contact information, and even the name of the applicant’s pet – not to mention highly sensitive financial details.
This is exactly the kind of information cybercriminals are after, because it can be used in various ways: whether that means the criminals want to ransom it back, use it to commit fraud, or sell it on the dark web for a high price.
So, how can real estate agencies protect themselves, their clients, and their reputations?
Common cyberattack methods
Real estate professionals can become the victims of cybercriminals who use a wide range of tactics to exploit vulnerabilities.
Some of the most common attack methods include:
- Phishing emails: Phishing is a type of social engineering attack. A phishing email is a deceptive message that trick recipients into clicking malicious links or providing login credentials.
These often appear to be from legitimate sources, such as banks, clients or colleagues. - Vishing (voice phishing): The CrowdStrike Global Threat Report 2025 shows that vishing attacks are skyrocketing, up by 442% between the first and second half of 2024.
Vishing attacks are similar to phishing emails, where cybercriminals directly phone targets and uses social engineering tactics to trick them into giving up sensitive information. - Data breaches: This refers to any type of unauthorised access to client databases, contracts, or stored ID documents.
These breaches can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and legal consequences for failing to safeguard sensitive information. - Supply chain attacks: A supply chain attack occurs when cybercriminals infiltrate an organisation by targeting a third-party vendor or service provider with access to that organisation’s systems or data.
Instead of attacking the business directly, hackers compromise trusted software, hardware or service partners, using them as a backdoor into the target company. The most notable example of this is the recent Qantas supply chain attack. - Ransomware: This is malicious software that encrypts files and locks systems until a ransom is paid. This can bring an agency’s operations to a standstill, especially if access to CRMs or document management platforms is lost.
Ransomware can infect a system in numerous different ways, including via phishing emails or supply chain attacks.
Real estate industry risk profile
The way real estate businesses operate makes them particularly exposed to cybersecurity threats.
From daily transactions to long-term data storage, agencies rely on a complex digital ecosystem that may accidentally leave the door open for cybercriminals.
Here are some of the ways you may be inadvertently exposing your agency to cyber risks.
Multiple digital touchpoints
Real estate agencies typically operate across a wide range of platforms, including email, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, electronic signature services, online portals, and cloud-based storage.
Each of these points introduces a potential security vulnerability, especially when not centrally managed or regularly updated.
Cybersecurity tip: Perform a digital inventory review to assess platforms and tools in use across the agency.
Ensure software is regularly updated, remove unused accounts, and consider using a secure, centralised platform or IT partner to manage system access and updates.
Mobile and remote work vulnerabilities:
Agents often work on the go (from home offices, cafes, or open houses) using laptops, tablets or smartphones.
This flexibility, while great for productivity, increases exposure to threats from public Wi-Fi, lost devices, or unsecured personal networks.
Cybersecurity tip: Equip staff devices with VPN access and antivirus software.
Avoid public Wi-Fi when accessing sensitive information or use a personal hotspot.
Use of contractors and external partners
Agencies sometimes need to rely on freelance photographers, virtual assistants or outsourced IT providers.
If these third parties lack proper cybersecurity protocols, they can become weak links in the agency’s digital defence.
Cybersecurity tip: Vet contractors beforehand, making sure they follow basic cybersecurity best practices. Where possible, limit third-party access to only the systems and data they need.
The role of Cyber Liability insurance
To further help safeguard your business, consider purchasing Cyber Liability insurance.
Cyber Liability insurance is designed to help protect you from claims and support your profitability in the event of a cyber breach or attack.
Costs associated with defending a cyber claim are also covered.
Some of the risks that Cyber Liability insurance can assist with are unintended loss or release of customer personal information, cyber crime, cyber extortion and ransomware, and business interruption due to a cyber event.
BizCover makes it easy for real estate agents to quote, compare and buy insurance online.
Through the online BizCover platform, you can get multiple quotes on Cyber Liability insurance and other business insurance policies in minutes.
For on the go cover, go BizCover.
This information is general only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It should not be relied upon as advice.
As with any insurance, cover will be subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions contained in the policy wording or Product Disclosure Statement (available on our website).
Please consider whether the advice is suitable for you before proceeding with any purchase.
Target Market Determination document is also available (as applicable).
