Cyber Security Services For Financial Planners

If you’re a financial planner, you’re sitting on some of the most sensitive data a cyber criminal could hope to steal, tax file numbers, bank details, portfolio information, personal IDs, the lot. And it only takes one mistake, one dodgy email, or one weak password for that data to walk out the door.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the core cyber security services financial planners actually need, how they tie into compliance obligations, and how we at AGR Technology help firms protect client data without drowning in technical jargon or inflated tool stacks.

Need help safeguarding your firm? Contact AGR Technology to see how our integrated end-to-end solutions can help

Why Cyber Security Is Different For Financial Planners

Unique Cyber Risks In Financial Planning Practices

Financial planning firms are a prime target because:

• You hold high-value, permanent data – identity data that doesn’t expire, not just card numbers.
• You’re often linked to multiple institutions – banks, brokers, insurers, fund platforms.
• You rely on email and shared documents – common entry points for phishing and malware.

We regularly see risks like:

• Compromised email accounts used to send fake transfer instructions.
• Malware on an adviser’s laptop capturing logins to planning software and banking portals.
• Poorly secured file-sharing tools exposing statements, SoAs, and ID documents.

The mix of sensitive data, multiple systems, and busy advisers makes financial planning very different from a typical small business from a cyber risk perspective.

Regulatory And Compliance Pressures You Must Consider

Financial planners don’t just answer to clients: you answer to regulators and professional bodies. Depending on your structure and location, you may be subject to:

• Privacy regulations that govern how you collect, store, and share personal information.
• Contractual security requirements from dealer groups, licensees, custodians, and product issuers.

Regulators increasingly expect:

• Documented cyber security policies and procedures.
• Evidence of ongoing risk assessment and security controls.
• Incident response and breach notification processes.

We design cyber security services so they support, rather than complicate, your compliance program. That means clear documentation, audit-ready logs, and controls your compliance team can actually understand.

How A Single Breach Can Damage Trust And Revenue

When a financial planner suffers a breach, the impact goes well beyond IT:

• Client trust – clients expect you to protect the money and the data. A breach shakes that confidence.
• Operational disruption – systems taken offline, staff dealing with remediation instead of client work.
• Regulatory scrutiny – investigations, questions about suitability of controls, potential sanctions.
• Reputation and referrals – negative media, licensee pressure, and lost word-of-mouth.

Core Cyber Security Services Every Financial Planner Needs

Security Risk Assessment And Gap Analysis

We start with a practical security risk assessment focused on how financial planners actually work:

• What systems you use (CRMs, planning software, trading platforms, file storage).
• Where client data lives (local PCs, cloud drives, email, mobile devices).
• Who has access (advisers, paraplanners, admin staff, outsourced providers).

From there, we map gaps against best practice and relevant regulations, then give you a clear, prioritised plan, not a 70-page report that sits in a drawer.

Network And Endpoint Protection

Your network and devices are still the front line. We help you secure:

• Endpoints – managed antivirus/EDR on laptops and desktops, hardened configurations.
• Firewalls and routers – secure remote access, proper segmentation, and safe Wi‑Fi.
• Secure web filtering – reduce risk from malicious and fake websites.

We design this to be as hands-off as possible for advisers so you can stay focused on client work.

Data Encryption And Secure Storage

If a laptop is lost, a phone is stolen, or a cloud account is compromised, encryption may be the difference between a near miss and a reportable breach.

We carry out:

• Full-disk encryption on laptops and mobile devices.
• Encrypted storage for files, backups, and archives.
• Secure sharing options that keep client documents protected in transit and at rest.

Where you’re already using platforms like OneDrive, SharePoint, or secure document vaults, we harden their configuration instead of forcing a new tool.

Identity, Access, And Password Management

Most breaches we investigate trace back to stolen or weak credentials. We help you tighten identity and access with:

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) on email, CRMs, and planning tools.
• Password managers for advisers and staff.
• Role-based access control so people only see what they need.
• Regular reviews of inactive or orphaned accounts.

That means fewer shared logins, less password re-use, and a much smaller attack surface.

Backup, Disaster Recovery, And Business Continuity

If ransomware locks you out or a cloud provider fails, you still need to:

• Access client files and SoAs.
• Run reviews and appointments.
• Meet your compliance obligations.

We set up and test:

• Automated backups of critical systems and data.
• Offsite and immutable backups to protect against ransomware.
• Clear recovery time and recovery point objectives appropriate for your firm.

Our team at AGR Technology can also run regular restore tests so you’re not discovering backup issues during a crisis.

Advanced Protections For High-Risk Financial Practices

Email Security, Phishing Protection, And Threat Monitoring

Email is still the number one entry point for attackers. For practices handling complex transactions or high-net-worth clients, we recommend:

• Advanced email filtering to block phishing, malware, and spoofed domains.
• Impersonation protection to detect fake emails pretending to be partners or clients.
• Continuous threat monitoring for suspicious logins or bulk forwarding rules.

We can also simulate phishing campaigns and other threats via penetration testing solutions as well follow up with targeted training so staff learn to spot realistic attacks.

Secure Client Portals And Document-Sharing Solutions

Sending statements, IDs, and SoAs over plain email is risky. We help you move towards:

• Secure client portals integrated with your CRM or planning software.
• Encrypted document exchange for sensitive files.
• Configurations that balance security, ease of use, and branding.

If you already use a portal from your licensee, we can review its settings, access controls, and logging to make sure it’s configured securely.

Mobile Device And Remote Work Security

Advisers often work on the road, from home, or across multiple offices. That creates extra risk if phones, tablets, and laptops aren’t locked down.

We help you:

• Enforce screen locks, encryption, and remote wipe on mobile devices.
• Secure remote access with VPNs or zero-trust solutions.
• Separate work and personal data on BYOD (bring-your-own-device) setups.

Our mobile security services are designed to be lightweight and not get in the way of client meetings or travel.

Cloud Security For Financial Planning Software And CRMs

Most financial planners now rely heavily on cloud-based platforms, CRMs, planning engines, e‑signature tools, and storage. The provider secures the platform, but you’re responsible for how it’s configured.

We:

• Harden user roles and permissions.
• Turn on logging and alerts.
• Review API connections and integrations with other tools.
• Map where data flows between platforms so nothing important is left unprotected.

With AGR Technology managing cloud security, you get the benefits of SaaS without blindly trusting default settings.

Compliance-Focused Cyber Security Services For Financial Planners

Written Information Security Programs (WISP) And Policies

Many regulators and licensees now expect a Written Information Security Program (WISP) or equivalent documented policies.

We help you:

• Draft or refine your WISP in plain language.
• Document roles and responsibilities for cyber security.
• Define acceptable use, remote work, and data handling rules.
• Map controls to specific regulatory requirements.

You end up with documentation that advisers will actually read and follow, not just something that exists for audits.

Audit Trails, Logging, And Reporting For Examinations

When regulators, licensees, or auditors come calling, they want evidence, not promises.

We set up:

• Centralised logging for key systems (email, CRM, file storage, portals).
• Audit trails for access to client data and changes to key settings.
• Simple reporting packs you can provide during examinations.

AGR Technology can also support you during reviews, helping you respond to security-related questions with clear, accurate information.

Building A Human Firewall: Training And Procedures

Security Awareness Training For Advisors And Staff

Most successful attacks start with a human error, not a clever exploit. We run security awareness programs tailored to financial planners, focusing on:

• Recognising phishing and business email compromise.
• Handling ID documents, statements, and tax records securely.
• Using password managers and MFA correctly.
• Safe behaviour when working remotely or on personal devices.

We keep sessions practical and short, with examples drawn from real incidents we’ve seen in professional services firms.

Incident Response Plans And Breach-Handling Playbooks

If something does go wrong, the first hours matter. We help you build a clear, step-by-step incident response plan that covers:

• Who to notify internally when you suspect a breach.
• How to contain and assess the incident.
• When and how to escalate to regulators, clients, and partners.
• How to document decisions for later review.

For many firms, we also provide an incident response retainer, so you have AGR Technology on call when you need expert help most.

Vendor Management And Third-Party Risk

Your security is only as strong as the weakest provider with access to your data.

We assist with:

• Assessing the security posture of CRMs, planning tools, IT providers, and outsourced paraplanners.
• Building security clauses into contracts and service agreements.
• Reviewing data-sharing practices and integrations.

That way, you can answer client and regulator questions about third-party risk with confidence.

How To Choose The Right Cyber Security Partner For Your Firm

Key Questions To Ask Potential Providers

When you’re comparing cyber security services, it helps to ask:

• Do you work with financial planning and advisory firms specifically?
• How do your services support regulatory and audit requirements?
• Can you explain your recommendations in plain language?
• What will you measure and report back to us regularly?

At AGR Technology, we encourage prospective clients to ask these questions. A good fit is about understanding your business model and risk profile, not just selling tools.

Service Models: Managed Security Vs. One-Time Projects

We offer both:

• Managed security services – ongoing monitoring, updates, and support. Ideal if you want a long-term partner handling day-to-day security.
• Project-based engagements – risk assessments, WISP development, incident response readiness, or specific hardening projects.

Many financial planners start with an assessment project, then move into a managed service once we’ve addressed the most urgent gaps.

Budgeting For Cyber Security Without Overbuying Tools

We’re conscious that most planning firms don’t have unlimited budgets. Our approach is to:

• Focus first on high-impact, low-friction controls (MFA, backups, training, patching).
• Rationalise overlapping subscriptions and unused tools.
• Build a phased roadmap so you can spread costs.

You get a clear view of what’s essential now, what can wait, and where you can safely avoid over-spending.

If you’d like a realistic quote tailored to your firm, we can walk through your current setup and priorities in a short consultation.

Conclusion

Prioritizing Cyber Security To Protect Clients, Compliance, And Your Reputation

For financial planners, cyber security isn’t just an IT issue, it’s a core part of protecting clients, meeting your obligations, and preserving the reputation you’ve built.

By putting the right foundations in place, risk assessment, endpoint protection, encryption, access control, backups, and then layering on training, incident response, and compliance-focused controls, you can significantly reduce the likelihood and impact of a breach.

At AGR Technology, we specialise in helping financial planning and advisory firms get there without complexity or unnecessary spend.

If you’re ready to:

• Understand your real cyber risk.
• Put practical, regulator-ready controls in place.
• Give clients confidence that their data is in safe hands.

…we’d be happy to help. Reach out to AGR Technology today to arrange a no-obligation discussion about cyber security services for your financial planning practice and what a tailored program could look like for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cyber security services do financial planners need most?

Core cyber security services for financial planners include risk assessments, network and endpoint protection, data encryption, identity and access management, secure backups and disaster recovery, email and phishing protection, cloud security hardening, staff training, and incident response planning. Together these reduce breach likelihood and help you meet regulatory and client expectations.

Why are cyber security services for financial planners different from other small businesses?

Financial planners hold permanent, high‑value identity data and connect to banks, brokers, insurers, and platforms. They rely heavily on email and document sharing, which are prime targets for phishing and malware. This mix of sensitive data, multiple systems, and busy advisers creates higher cyber risk than a typical small business.

How often should a financial planning firm conduct a cyber security risk assessment?

Most financial planning firms should conduct a comprehensive cyber security risk assessment at least annually, with interim reviews after major technology changes, new vendors, or significant incidents. High-risk or fast-growing practices may benefit from more frequent, lighter-touch assessments to ensure controls, configurations, and procedures remain effective and compliant.

What is the best way for financial planners to secure client data when working remotely?

Financial planners should use encrypted devices with screen locks, secure remote access via VPN or zero-trust tools, separate work and personal data on BYOD devices, and ensure cloud and email accounts use MFA and strong passwords. Avoid public Wi‑Fi without protection and keep documents in approved, secure storage platforms.

Should financial planners outsource cyber security or keep it in-house?

Smaller and mid-sized planning firms often benefit from outsourcing to a specialized provider, gaining expertise, 24/7 monitoring, and compliance-focused reporting without hiring a full internal team. Larger firms may use a hybrid model, with internal governance supported by managed security services for tooling, monitoring, and incident response.

Related content:

Cyber Security Services For Law Firms

Cybersecurity Readiness For Business Leaders

SOC Compliance

Managed IT Services Melbourne

Managed IT Services Sydney

Managed IT Services Canberra

Fintech Lead Generation