Introducing E&O’s new Cyber Guard loss prevention program

March 2025

E&O is launching new complimentary Cyber Guard services to help real estate agents and brokerages in BC protect themselves against cyber attacks.

With the view that the best protection starts with claim prevention, E&O’s Cyber Guard services are offered in partnership with DynaRisk, a proven cyber protection platform designed to help reduce the risks of cyber attacks through a simple process.

E&O’s Cyber Guard services will not provide further insurance but are a comprehensive set of loss prevention tools accessible online and by phone at no cost to individual agents and brokerages.

“We’ve identified cyber risks as an increasingly dangerous threat to real estate professionals, so we’re excited to be able to deliver new loss prevention tools to help individual agents and brokerages avoid becoming the victim of cybercrime that may lead to claims against them,” says E&O Executive Officer Leslie Howatt.

“We’re able to provide this service at no additional charge to our insureds so they’ve got protection from a growing risk of attacks like phishing, hacking and social engineering.”

A cyber-nightmare becomes reality for some

For many professionals, losing access to their key business systems is a story that plays out in a variety of different ways across Canada on a daily basis. It’s why the Canadian government has deemed March Fraud Prevention Month and is offering a range of resources and information.

When hackers succeed in cracking into the computer system of a small- or medium-sized business, that business is typically disrupted for a minimum of two to three weeks. In many cases, it’s even longer before a company is back functioning like they were before the incident.

Real estate agents and brokerages facing a cyber breach could be unable to access information needed to help their clients complete deals or may be tricked into paying money into a fraudster’s bank account. These scenarios may lead to lawsuits against them.

First step to protection is recognizing weak spots

One of the reasons E&O’s Cyber Guard is such a user-friendly tool is because it takes a straightforward, step-by-step approach to helping real estate professionals protect their online presence by:

• Assessing online threats – helping users understand their online vulnerabilities and denying hackers the chance to take advantage of these opportunities by taking personalized steps based on their assessment.
• Offering expert guidance – with personalized advice on topics like how to secure your data, as well as how to follow safe practices and management of your online activities.
• Detecting breaches – through ongoing monitoring of Cyber Guard user accounts, e-mail addresses, passwords, etc.
• Delivering real-time insights – if a breach occurs, Cyber Guard users will be notified with an e-mail as soon as it’s detected.
• Providing 24/7 support – around the clock support for E&O licensees who use the service. In the event they’ve become a victim of a cybercrime, they can call the E&O Cyber Guard Help Line at 1-855-701-9985 or e-mail the team at REEOIC@dynarisk.com.

Taking 10 minutes now can save hours of time and frustration

Agents and brokerages can save themselves time, frustration and a hit to their good reputation with clients by protecting themselves now.

Individual agents can either learn more about the first few steps with E&O Cyber Guard or start the E&O Cyber Guard registration process now.

Protecting brokerages
Cyber Guard also provides a product specifically geared to small- or medium-sized brokerages that includes:

• monitoring
• employee training
• customizable Information Technology policies
• webinars to help brokerages protect themselves against cyber attacks.

Brokerages that want to sign-up and take advantage of the protection can learn more about the many resources available through E&O Cyber Guard pages or they can start the registration process here.

E&O’s Cyber Guard does not provide cyber insurance. It does not cover the damages that may result from cyber attacks but rather provides a set of loss prevention tools to help you avoid a cyber attack in the first place. Brokerages should discuss cyber insurance coverage with their insurance brokers.