Webbers Estate Agents has notified clients that their personal information may have been compromised following a security incident involving a third-party service provider.
The South West-based firm, which operates across Devon, North Cornwall and Somerset under the Webbers and Fine & Country brands, contacted customers this week after becoming aware of the breach at approximately 4pm on the day of notification.
According to the agency, the affected information could include names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses. Webbers confirmed that its own systems were not breached, stating the incident occurred at third-party organisations working with the business.
Regulatory notification
The agency has confirmed it notified the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) the incident. A spokesperson said: “We are investigating an IT incident which affected a third-party service provider. Our present understanding is this involved basic details for a subset of our clients.”
The incident highlights growing cyber-security risks facing estate agents that rely on external suppliers with access to client information. Similar concerns have emerged across the property sector as estate agents increasingly adopt third-party technology platforms for marketing and client management.
Webbers has not disclosed the number of clients potentially affected or identified the third-party provider involved. The agency said it is working with the organisations concerned to establish the full extent of the breach.
Based on current information, the agency has not reported any compromise of financial information or passwords. The breach appears limited to basic details for what the company described as “a subset of our clients.”
In its initial communication to affected parties, Webbers stated: “We are obliged to inform you that we have been made aware, at approximately 4pm today of a security breach that may have affected your personal data.”
The agency added it is “liaising closely with our clients and the relevant authorities on a precautionary basis.” The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
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