Cybersecurity in Property: Why Choosing a Secure Law Firm Matters in High-Value Transactions
Across the legal and property sectors, cybercrime is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Law firms handling high-value transactions are a particular target, with online criminals looking for ever-more complex ways to exploit personal data, publicly available information, and emerging technologies to deceive clients.
At RSL LAW, the security of our clients’ information and funds is paramount. From massive data breaches to multi-million pound scams, recent incidents have highlighted just how sophisticated attempts can be, and why rigorous safeguards must be standard practice for any firms involved in the property trade.
A Changing Threat Landscape
Cybercriminals are deploying advanced methods to impersonate legal professionals, replicate correspondence, and mislead individuals at critical points in the property-buying process. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) reports that 80% of UK law firms experienced a phishing attack in the last year, with conveyancing practices consistently singled out due to the significant sums of money involved.
This environment reinforces the need for constant vigilance. Even highly tailored impersonation attempts – often using combinations of publicly sourced information, historic data leakage, and AI-generated content – can appear genuine at first glance.
A Reassuring, Robust Approach
At RSL LAW, we have long embedded stringent cybersecurity standards across our operations. Our systems are designed to prevent unauthorised access, detect anomalies early, and ensure that any suspicious activity is immediately escalated. When a recent phishing attempt in the wider sector underscored the sophistication of these attacks, our internal controls operated exactly as intended: no systems were compromised, no data was breached, and no funds were lost.
To raise awareness of the seriousness of these risks, RSL LAW made the decision to publicly reveal the details of this attack, which attempted to steal £25,000 from a client. 
Read more about this story in Estate Agent Today: Conveyancers urged to be alert to cyberattacks after ‘sophisticated scam attempt’
Key to this resilience is a security-first culture supported by continuous training, multi-layer authentication processes, secure communications protocols, and a firm-wide commitment to following industry best practice. In all cases, clients are encouraged to verify any unexpected financial request using known, trusted contact details.
Industry-Leading Accreditation
Since joining RSL LAW in February 2025, Director of Finance and Administration Ian Boswell has strengthened the firm’s cybersecurity posture even further. Under his leadership, RSL LAW achieved Cyber Essentials Plus certification, an independently verified accreditation supported by the NCSC and recognised as one of the highest standards in UK cyber defence.
This certification confirms that our systems, processes, and infrastructure meet rigorous industry benchmarks designed to protect both our organisation and our clients. It demonstrates not only how seriously we take information security, but also our commitment to continual improvement as threats evolve.
Supporting a Safer Legal Sector
While RSL LAW maintains robust in-house capabilities, we believe cybersecurity must be a shared responsibility across the profession. Smaller practices, especially those outsourcing IT functions, can be particularly vulnerable if they lack up-to-date controls or regular staff training.
We encourage all firms operating in the property sector to:
- Conduct regular internal and supplier audits
- Implement multi-factor authentication across all systems
- Provide ongoing information-security training for staff
- Review communication protocols for handling client funds
- Stay informed about new risks, including AI-driven impersonation and targeted phishing.
Staying One Step Ahead
Property transactions often involve life-changing financial commitments. Clients must feel confident that their legal representatives are safeguarding not only their personal data, but also their peace of mind.
At RSL LAW, our commitment is clear: to remain at the forefront of cybersecurity best practice, to protect clients against emerging threats, and to ensure that every stage of the conveyancing process is handled securely, transparently, and professionally.
For further guidance on staying safe during the property-buying process, or to learn more about our security protocols, clients are always welcome to contact our team directly.
More Information
Data obtained from the National Cyber Security Centre’s Cyber Essentials training.