Is Christies International Real Estate required to use encryption for their data?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must ensure that any technology you use in connection with the Business, includes and maintains appropriate data security controls, and complies with our data security policies, which may be designated in our Operations Manual or otherwise by us from time to time, which include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) authentication mechanisms designed so that they cannot be bypassed to gain unauthorized access to systems, (ii) encryption; and (iii) undertaking password protection measures, such as protecting the form in which they are stored and complexity of character classes and password length.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 26–33)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Christies International Real Estate FDD, franchisees are required to ensure that any technology used in connection with their business includes and maintains appropriate data security controls, complying with the franchisor's data security policies. These policies may be outlined in the Operations Manual or communicated separately by Christies International Real Estate.
One of the specific data security controls that Christies International Real Estate mandates is encryption. Franchisees must implement authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized system access and undertake password protection measures, including secure storage and complexity requirements for passwords.
This requirement ensures that sensitive data handled by Christies International Real Estate franchisees, such as client information and transaction details, is protected from unauthorized access and potential breaches. Franchisees need to budget for and implement the necessary technology and protocols to meet these data security standards, staying updated with any changes to the franchisor's policies to maintain compliance.