Family office heads regularly ask us how exposed their office really is to phishing, ransomware and data leaks, and what a small team can do about it. The Deloitte research cited here found 43% of family offices had experienced a cyberattack in the prior 12 to 24 months. We wrote this guide to explain why offices are targeted and to set out practical steps, from penetration testing and staff training to an incident response plan, so your office can audit its own defenses.
We used AI tools to help gather research and speed up the first draft. That left more of our time for checking each figure against its original report and adding what we see in client conversations. A Masttro editor reviewed every claim, and members of our team read the article before it was published.
Key Takeaways
Family offices are sitting on billions in assets and as they continuously move into the limelight, cyber-criminals are noticing.
Whether you're mostly managing alternative assets like private equity and real estate, or a diverse portfolio of equities, your family office is a lucrative target for bad actors seeking financial gain. From phishing attacks to ransomware, the cyber threat landscape has never been more risky. According to Deloitte's Family Office Cybersecurity Report, 43% of family offices have experienced a cyberattack in the last 12–24 months, and many remain underprepared.
As a family office head, the stakes are high: one cybersecurity breach can result in financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory fines. But with a proactive approach to cybersecurity, these risks are manageable. That’s where Masttro comes in.
Why Family Offices Are Prime Targets for Cyber Attacks
Unlike banks and financial institutions, single-family offices often lack a dedicated cybersecurity team. Yet, they manage substantial wealth, making them attractive targets for cyber-enabled physical threats, business email compromise, and other common attack methods.
Many operate with basic security infrastructure: complex passwords stored in Excel files, unauthorized users with lingering access, or cloud service providers with inadequate protocols. And attackers know how to exploit these common vulnerabilities.
While family offices were previously an unknown entity, greater transparency within the industry and increased general awareness of how much wealth they control means cyber-criminals can easily track down targets.
Masttro: Security Is Not a Feature, It’s Our Foundation
Masttro was built for security from the ground up - we take a proactive approach to protecting assets under management, from investment portfolios to private company holdings.
Industry-leading cybersecurity infrastructure ensures the safety and confidentiality of all client information:
- Military-grade encryption protocols with data encrypted at rest and in transit.
- Direct custodian integrations that eliminate third-party data intermediaries.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and password vaults for all users, adding an extra layer of protection.
- Private cloud architecture with dedicated servers in Tier 4 data center in Switzerland.
- No data stored on any device, and communication via secure portal rather than unsecured emails (one of the most common methods hackers use to intercept sensitive data).
- Digital Document Vaults, with internal controls and permissioning.
- An Incident response plan and disaster recovery plan that are embedded in every deployment.
- Regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities before attackers do.
- Built-in access management tools and audit user approvals, so you always know who can see what.
Unlike legacy tools or patched-together spreadsheet workflows, Masttro’s platform meets the security requirements of today’s threat environment. And the intuitive platform means there is no compromise on usability for wealthy families, investment managers, or cybersecurity partners.
Secure Visibility for Modern Family Offices
Responding to Cyber Risk: What Family Offices Should Do Now
Cybersecurity isn’t a one-and-done project. It requires active management, regular training sessions, and alignment with a broad cybersecurity program.
Here’s what cybersecurity experts and platforms like Masttro recommend:
- Implement strong passwords and multifactor authentication across all systems.
- Conduct regular penetration testing and threat modeling exercises.
- Train staff to spot phishing emails, business email compromise attempts, and malware attacks.
- Work with competent providers who understand the types of technology and cyber vulnerabilities unique to family offices.
- Invest in cybersecurity insurance to mitigate the financial impact of a breach.
- Ensure your cloud provider follows a baseline cloud security framework with advanced encryption technologies.
- Build a clear, documented cyber incident response plan and business continuity strategy.
Final Thoughts: Cyber-Resilience Is a Strategic Advantage
Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue – it’s a component of risk management, tied directly to the sustainability of your wealth. And with the average cost of a breach climbing, investing in a robust cybersecurity posture is both a defensive move and a competitive advantage.
With Masttro, you’re not just getting an investment management platform. You’re getting robust protection, advanced technologies, and a team committed to securing your family’s legacy.
Speak to us - and protect your legacy.
“The Secure Communication Portal is very useful. It helps me during our monthly client meetings by providing a comprehensive view of each client’s consolidated portfolio. What used to take me days of work can now be done simply by verifying that the information matches the bank statements.”
“Masttro has helped us significantly improve the mapping and visibility of our corporate structure.”
“I think Masttro has been a guide for how we can do better, of how we should organize ourselves. It has helped us understand where we’re standing today so we can look to the future.”
