Could your property management business survive a cyberattack? Last year, German property management giant DGIM, part of DZ-Bank Group, fell victim to a hack that compromised sensitive customer data. The reputational and financial cost of such breaches is a stark reminder that no industry, including property management, is immune to rising cyber threats.
At Data Energy, we understand the immense responsibility that comes with managing personal and financial data. That’s why we’ve gone above and beyond by securing Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation, a government-backed certification scheme designed to protect businesses from cyber attacks.
What is Cyber Essentials Plus?
Cyber Essentials Plus is an advanced-level certification that builds on the standard Cyber Essentials accreditation. It includes a rigorous security assessment to confirm that our systems are effectively protected against common types of cyberattacks, such as phishing, malware and network breaches.
Cyber Essentials (standard) involves self-assessment against a set of baseline requirements and is suitable for those looking to demonstrate basic cybersecurity compliance.
Cyber Essentials Plus takes this a step further by including an independent technical verification of your systems. This certification involves testing by an accredited assessor to ensure your defences effectively protect against common cyber threats. While more rigorous, it provides a higher level of assurance and confidence for businesses and their stakeholders.
This isn’t just a box-ticking exercise – it’s a demonstration that businesses like ours prioritise your data security and are continuously investing in safeguarding sensitive information.
Why Does Cybersecurity Matter for Property Managers?
Property Managers collect significant amounts of sensitive data on leaseholders, tenants and residents – from billing information to personal contact details. They act as data controllers, meaning they determine how and why data is used. This data can be a prime target for malicious actors seeking to exploit vulnerabilities.
Data processors (the billing companies like Data Energy), process this information on behalf of the data controller. Therefore, a billing company without robust cybersecurity practices puts not just their clients’ data but also the property managers’ reputations at significant risk.
Cyber Essentials Plus ensures that we meet and exceed the necessary measures to combat cyber threats, giving you peace of mind when working with us.
What Cyber Essentials Plus Means for You
Your Data is in Secure Hands
Be assured that your residents’ sensitive data is being processed and stored using the most effective measures available.
Reduced Risk of Breaches and Downtime
Cyberattacks can result in extended downtime for essential systems, but our certification means that these risks are mitigated, keeping your operations seamless.
Compliance with Data Protection Law
The Data Protection Act sets out strict rules for handling personal data, and property managers have a legal obligation to ensure your chosen data processors are compliant.
How We Maintain Your Security
Achieving Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation isn’t just about passing a one-off test. At Data Energy, we’ve embedded cybersecurity into every aspect of our operations; through carefully monitored processes, cutting-edge technology and regular audits to stay ahead of emerging threats.
This proactive approach means every touchpoint of data – whether it’s billing, reporting or customer communication – is protected by best-in-class practices.
Cybersecurity matters more than ever. Does your billing agent hold Cyber Essentials PLUS? Choose a partner who prioritises top-tier security to protect your data and build trust.
You can find more about your responsibilities as a data controller and the principles of data handling on the UK Government’s official website.