Shared Responsibilities

CASE STUDY #214

A well-known family extends cyber hygiene across two generations

FAMILY’S CHALLENGE

The same day a national news agency broke the story about a devasting new ransomware attack, a well-known Miami-based couple stopped by their family office to speak to its Executive Director. “We’re worried about how vulnerable our family is to these kinds of attacks, and we want to be sure that our information as well as that of our children is secure and protected,” they said. “It’s really important too that our children are actively engaged in the cybersecurity plan because arguably, their activities are probably exposing us to the lion’s share of the risk – and, ultimately, as adults soon, they need to be just as savvy as us about proper cyber health and hygiene.”

PALADIN’S SOLUTION

First, PALADIN assessed risks, threats and vulnerabilities confronting the family office, primary residences and secondary homes and identified the physical, technical and cybersecurity measures necessary to mitigate these. Next, we designed a network architecture to help ensure secure access for family and family office staff alike while also defending against a wide range of network-based threats. After identifying a managed service provider and having them set up network, computer and smart device service and support, we designed and implemented automated patch management, antivirus and malware protection, and provided information security awareness training for all family members on a quarterly basis. Finally, we improved physical security by enhancing the protection of the digital and printed assets of the family and family office. This wholistic approach is what sets us apart from most other organizations who offer silo or single-focused programs and services.

VALUE TO THE FAMILY

Today, the family’s properties are protected by an integrated enterprise-class physical, technical, and cybersecurity control system in a fully automated environment that can be securely accessed from any location in the world. Every family member and staff member has a new awareness about their individual role in defending the family's privacy and protecting its digital assets.

The Project Manager’s Thoughts on this Engagement

“This family realized the risk faced with the onslaught of cybercriminals focusing on families of wealth and the importance of involving all generational levels in the development and implementation of a family centric cyber protection program.

Furthermore, the family understood the importance of physical and technical security as vital for integrated cyber protection.”