Are your day-to-day technologies quietly leaving the door open to cyber threats?
It’s not about having the fanciest hardware; it’s about setting up what you have so threats can’t slip through the cracks.
For many family offices, the technology landscape feels like an unplanned patchwork of routers, laptops, and random software. Each addition was meant to solve a pressing need at the time—but rarely with an overarching cybersecurity strategy in mind. This approach can leave you vulnerable in ways you may not even realize, from default password dangers to improper firewall configuration.
Fortify with the Fundamentals
Start by examining basic elements such as firewalls, passwords, and anti-virus software. Firewalls act like the moat around your digital castle, monitoring and filtering traffic coming in and out of your network. When paired with robust anti-virus software that automatically updates itself against emerging threats, you already eliminate a big chunk of risk. However, never underestimate the impact of leaving default passwords unchanged. Hackers have entire lists of factory-set login credentials, making any untouched device a potential entry point.
Stay Current with Security Updates
Family office cybersecurity often hinges on software patches and OS updates, yet these are frequently overlooked. If your systems are a few patches behind, you could be missing critical fixes. The solution is straightforward: enable automatic updates wherever possible. Whether it’s your laptop, phone, or router, keeping your software current ensures known security holes get sealed promptly.
Embrace Encryption and Secure Cloud Storage
Encryption best practices can transform your data into indecipherable code if someone gains unauthorized access. Confidential files, client documents, and other sensitive information are especially prone to theft if they reside on personal devices. Using secure cloud storage with built-in encryption means you’re far less reliant on local hardware that can be lost or stolen.
Regular Vulnerability Checks
Finally, proactively search for weaknesses through periodic vulnerability scanning. Whether you run a tool in-house or hire an external expert, these scans help identify unpatched systems, misconfigured software, and other lurking threats. It’s far cheaper and faster to find and fix issues proactively than to deal with the fallout of a breach later.
Where Altius Can Help
Although no single platform can replace your entire cybersecurity apparatus, Altius can make day-to-day operations safer. By centralizing your investment and portfolio data into one secure interface, you reduce the risk of juggling multiple spreadsheets or emailing sensitive documents. In other words, Altius helps you streamline processes—without neglecting vital cybersecurity best practices.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Cyber threats don’t wait—and neither should you. Strengthening your cybersecurity posture today can mean the difference between proactive protection and reactive damage control.
- Assess your security posture now – Take our Cybersecurity Readiness Questionnaire to identify vulnerabilities.
- Want expert guidance? – Download our Information Security Best Practices Whitepaper for a detailed action plan.
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