Clark Sandlin: Backups Aren’t Sexy—Until They Save Your Family Office

Most family offices spend millions on investment analysis and wealth preservation strategies. Yet many overlook a fundamental threat that could wipe out years of meticulous planning in seconds. Data security expert Clark Sandlin warns that inadequate backup systems pose an existential threat to family offices managing substantial assets. His message is clear: your backup strategy isn’t just IT maintenance—it’s wealth preservation in its most basic form.

The Invisible Threat to Your Family Legacy

The threats are everywhere, and they don’t take days off. “Let’s face it: Cybercriminals don’t sleep, and neither should your disaster recovery strategy,” Clark warns. When you’re managing millions or billions in family assets, the stakes get pretty high pretty fast. One ransomware attack, one server failure, one disgruntled employee – that’s all it takes. The problem isn’t just outside threats. Sometimes it’s the small stuff that gets you. Clark points to a common scenario most offices never think about: “Your trusted vendor may hold the keys to your critical data. But what happens if they’re no longer around? Does the information die with them?” It’s the kind of question that keeps him up at night – and should worry you too.

More Than Just Clicking “Save”

Having some backups isn’t the same as having the right backups. “It’s not just about having backups—it’s about having the right backups, stored securely and with reliable access to your credentials,” Clark explains. Too many family offices check the box and move on, never testing if their backup strategy actually works. That’s a mistake you pay for later. “Family offices need to ensure they’re not just prepared for disaster—they need to be prepared for the unexpected,” says Clark. His advice gets straight to the point: “Secure your data now, and you’re securing your future. Don’t wait for the worst-case scenario to make backup plans—act now before it’s too late.”

Essential Backup Strategies for Family Offices

Clark doesn’t just point out problems – he offers solutions. His approach boils down to a few core strategies that every family office should implement yesterday:

The 3-2-1 Rule

The foundation is simple but non-negotiable. “Keep three copies of your data on two different storage types, with one stored offsite,” Clark insists. It’s called the 3-2-1 rule, and it’s saved countless organizations from digital disaster. He adds, “This redundancy ensures that even if one copy is compromised, you’ve got another safe and ready to go.” Not complicated, just essential.

Testing, Testing, Testing

Too many backup systems fail when they’re needed most. The solution? “A backup isn’t a backup until it’s been tested,” Clark states bluntly. Yearly tests won’t cut it either. “Quarterly simulations with full recovery tests ensure your backups don’t fail you when you need them most.” If you haven’t tried to recover your data recently, you’re basically crossing your fingers and hoping.

Backups that Fight Back

As hackers get smarter, your backups need to get tougher. “Cloud-based backups with immutable storage—data that can’t be altered or deleted—are your best defense against ransomware,” Clark recommends. This approach creates a safety net even the best hackers can’t touch. “Immutable backups mean that even if your systems are breached, your backup data remains untouched, providing a lifeline during an attack.”

Strategic Partnerships

Some tasks are too important to handle in-house. “Don’t DIY your backups,” Clark advises. He recommends working with specialists who understand the unique challenges family offices face. Professional partners like Zyrka bring experience you can’t match internally and stay current on emerging threats. When everything’s at stake, expertise matters more than saving a few dollars.

The reality of modern wealth management isn’t just about smart investments. “In the age of relentless cyberattacks, your family office’s resilience depends on more than just spreadsheets and asset management,” Clark argues. Without solid backups, the rest of your planning might not matter. His final point hits hardest: “Backups aren’t just a checkbox—they’re your lifeline. Because when disaster strikes, the question isn’t if you’ll recover—it’s how fast.” For family offices, that speed often makes the difference between a scary story and a tragic ending.

Follow Clark Sandlin on LinkedIn for expert advice on digital protection and data resilience.