Why Private Clients are increasingly targeted by cyber criminals

Cybercrime is often perceived as a random threat. In reality, many attacks are far more deliberate - particularly when it comes to Private Clients.

As lifestyles become more digital, affluence can unintentionally increase online visibility. This, in turn, can make individuals and families more attractive to cyber criminals.

Why Private Clients are more exposed

For many households, digital activity now underpins day-to-day life - from managing finances and investments to travel, communication, and home technology.

Private Clients often have:

• Multiple online financial accounts and platforms

• A larger digital footprint across personal and professional life

• Smart home technology and connected devices

• Family members using a wide range of devices, apps, and social platforms

Each of these touchpoints can create an opportunity for criminals. The more connected a household becomes, the more potential routes there are for unauthorised access.

The role of publicly available information

One of the defining characteristics of modern cyber crime is how information is used.

Cyber criminals are increasingly relying on open source intelligence - information that is publicly available online - to build a detailed picture of individuals, families, and their homes. This can include social media activity, travel plans, business interests, and increasingly, property-related information.

There is growing evidence that this type of data is also being used to target physical properties. I report by the BBC shows how online sources such as property listings, images, and floorplans can be used to identify entry points, layouts, and potential vulnerabilities within a home. Burglars who used Rightmove to plan home raids in Cheshire jailed - BBC News

In practice, this can include:

• Historic property listings on sites such as Rightmove or Zoopla, which may remain accessible long after a sale

• Estate agent listings, often including detailed photography, videos, and layout information

• Content shared by architects, contractors, or designers showcasing completed projects

• Public records, where personal and property information may be cross-referenced

• Social media posts that provide insight into occupancy, travel, and lifestyle

It is worth considering not only the information you share yourself, but also what others may be sharing about you or your property. Tom Tahany of Blackstone Consultancy highlights the role that third parties can play:

“Understanding permissions that are written into agreements with your contractors, be that architects, interior designers, estate agents or others with access to your home is crucial. Though possible, having clauses around marketing and use of your imagery removed from agreements in advance is far simpler than retrospectively requesting organisations remove imagery from their website.”

He adds

“We find that third party exposures are often one of the most significant areas of digital over exposure when we are assessing clients’ online footprints.”

While this information may seem harmless in isolation, when combined it can provide a detailed view of a property and its occupants.

As a result, exposure is no longer limited to what can be physically observed. It can be built remotely, using information that is already in the public domain.

When digital exposure becomes a physical security risk

The relationship between online information and physical security is becoming increasingly important.

In a recent security briefing, Simon J Giddins, Managing Director of Blackstone Consultancy, highlighted what he describes as “the convergence of physical and digital threats.”

Blackstone notes that personal information, including residential addresses, family connections, travel details and professional affiliations, can be assembled through open-source research, social media, data breaches and other forms of online investigation. This information can then help hostile actors identify individuals, conduct reconnaissance and facilitate targeted harassment or physical incidents.

It reinforces an important point: cyber security isn't only about protecting devices, passwords and financial accounts. What is visible about you online can potentially have implications for your privacy, your family and the security of your home.

Beyond financial loss

While financial loss often the first concern, the impact of cyber crime can extend further.

For Private Clients, this may include:

• Loss of access to personal or financial accounts

• Compromised privacy or sensitive information

• Reputational harm, particularly where personal data is involved

• Disruption to day-to-day life

• Emotional stress for individuals and families

In many cases, it is this combination of practical and personal impact that makes cyber incidents particularly challenging to manage.

A more proactive approach to protection

As the risk landscape evolves, so too does the approach to managing it. For affluent households, protecting against cyber and wider security risks is increasingly about understanding where you may be exposed before something happens.

Blackstone recommends regular digital footprint reviews for individuals and, where appropriate, their families, identifying and removing unnecessary public access to personal information. It also recommends reviewing residential and travel security arrangements alongside digital privacy.

For Private Clients, a proactive approach might therefore include:

• Reviewing your digital footprint – understand what information about you, your family and your property is publicly accessible

• Reducing unnecessary exposure – consider whether historic property listings, floorplans, photographs and other personal information can be removed

• Considering the whole family – understand what family members may be sharing through social media, apps and other online platforms

• Connecting digital and physical security – consider whether information available online could reveal details about your home, movements or lifestyle

• Having access to expert support – know where to turn if something goes wrong

As Simon J Giddins explains:

“Early action can reduce the likelihood of individuals becoming targets, limit the consequences of an incident and strengthen organisational resilience.”

This reflects a broader shift in Private Client protection, moving beyond reactive cover to a more proactive, joined-up approach to risk.

Confidence in a connected world

Digital connectivity is now an integral part of modern life, and for Private Clients, it brings both opportunity and exposure.

Adopting good digital habits and having access to the right support can provide reassurance and help families navigate an increasingly complex landscape.

If you would like to understand how cyber protection can support you and your family, or explore the services available, please contact us on 020 8256 4901 or email privateclients@howdeninsurance.co.uk.