Any firm, irrespective of its size, can become a victim of cybercrime. That’s why we’re producing best practice principles on data handling, in collaboration with the firms who need them most.

The 2019 UK Cyber Security Breaches Survey found 31% of micro and small businesses identified breaches or attacks. The average annual cost for those micro and small firms that lost data or assets after breaches was £3650. It’s no wonder then, that cyber security can seem like a daunting challenge for small and medium businesses. With the right help and information, it needn’t be.

Our new ‘Data Handling and Prevention of Cybercrime’ Professional Statement consultation addresses data and cyber risks posed by modern ways of working including:

• encryption to protect data on portable devices
• best practice when using cloud-based storage facilities, such as Dropbox, OneDrive and Google Drive
• ensuring appropriate data handling policies are in place in the event of a data breach or malware attack

We want to ensure you have the tools you need to protect yourself from serious reputational damage and financial loss.

Every firm will be expected to uphold the highest standards to deliver confidence to customers and clients. This new professional statement is an opportunity to define the most useful guidance on data handling so that you can protect yourself and boost your company’s resilience

The new Data Handling and Prevention of Cybercrime’ Professional Statement will apply to all RICS professionals in organisations big and small and will exist alongside local legislation, such as GDPR and the California Consumer Privacy Act.