Deloitte Private Report Highlights Rising Cybersecurity Risks For Family Firms

Key Takeaways

• 74% of family firms faced a cyberattack in past two years
• Only 43% have a robust cybersecurity strategy
• Over half of attacked firms report financial, operational, reputational damage
• 57% rely mainly on basic defenses like updates and MFA
• Deloitte urges treating cyber resilience as strategic investment

Pulse Analysis

Family-owned enterprises are increasingly becoming prime targets for cybercriminals, a trend underscored by Deloitte Private’s latest 2025 report. The study, which surveyed 1,587 firms across 35 countries, reveals that three‑quarters of these businesses have endured at least one breach in the past two years, with 33 % suffering repeated attacks. Malware, phishing and social engineering dominate the threat landscape, and regional exposure varies—Asia‑Pacific reports a 90 % attack rate, while North America follows at 76 %. These numbers highlight that size and legacy do not shield family firms from sophisticated digital threats.

Despite the high incidence, only 43 % of surveyed companies claim a robust cybersecurity strategy, and a majority still depend on foundational safeguards such as software updates (59 %) and multifactor authentication (57 %). Gaps persist: 49 % acknowledge weaknesses in their current approach, and 8 % lack any formal strategy. The report points to a maturity deficit, where advanced measures—cyber maturity assessments, incident‑response playbooks, and supply‑chain resilience—remain under‑adopted. This shortfall not only elevates risk but also hampers compliance with evolving regulations across jurisdictions.

Deloitte’s recommendations frame cyber resilience as a strategic investment rather than a cost center. By positioning security as a business imperative, conducting continuous maturity reviews, and fostering workforce awareness, family firms can protect both their financial performance and the intangible value of legacy and trust. Leveraging expert networks and robust vendor management further fortifies defenses. As digital transformation accelerates, family enterprises that embed comprehensive cyber strategies will be better positioned to sustain growth, preserve reputation, and ensure the continuity of multigenerational wealth.