Strengthening Cybersecurity for Private Equity Firms – A Case Study of JNT TEK’s Comprehensive Security Overhaul

Executive Summary

Private equity firms, which manage large assets and sensitive financial data, are prime targets for cyber threats. In this case study, JNT TEK helped a private equity firm with over $4 billion in assets under management and more than 40 employees transition from minimal technology investment to a comprehensive, robust cybersecurity program. The firm's previous infrastructure lacked key security measures, leaving them vulnerable to potential breaches.

Over a two-year period, JNT TEK guided the firm through a full cybersecurity risk assessment and the phased implementation of essential security controls. This comprehensive security overhaul included the deployment of Security Operations Center (SOC) services, revamping network and wireless infrastructure, migrating data to SharePoint, implementing Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools, and transitioning from traditional Active Directory to Microsoft Intune. Key milestones also included the rollout of a Zero Trust architecture, Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions, Single Sign-On (SSO) for all line-of-business (LOB) applications, and enhanced email security measures, such as advanced email filtering and conditional access policies for BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) security.

This whitepaper highlights how JNT TEK's strategic approach enabled the private equity firm to mitigate security risks, safeguard sensitive data, and comply with industry regulations, while improving operational efficiency and employee productivity.

Introduction

As cyber threats continue to evolve, private equity firms with significant assets under management (AUM) must adopt a forward-thinking approach to cybersecurity. Financial institutions, especially those handling billions in assets, face the constant risk of data breaches, intellectual property theft, and compliance violations. For a private equity firm with over $4 billion in assets and 40 employees, securing their digital infrastructure was a critical necessity.

Prior to partnering with JNT TEK, the firm had made little investment in technology and lacked a cohesive cybersecurity strategy. This left them exposed to various threats, including unauthorized access, potential data breaches, and inefficiencies in managing their growing network. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive cybersecurity overhaul, the firm turned to JNT TEK to help build a robust security framework that could scale with their growing business and protect their sensitive data.

The Initial Challenges

Before the engagement with JNT TEK, the private equity firm faced several critical cybersecurity gaps:

• Minimal Security Investment: The firm had not implemented adequate cybersecurity measures, relying on outdated systems and ad-hoc processes that left them vulnerable.

• Lack of Network Security: Network access controls were either non-existent or insufficient, with no centralized visibility into potential threats across their infrastructure.

• Inconsistent Device Management: Devices, particularly those used by employees working remotely or using their own devices (BYOD), lacked security measures, increasing the risk of data breaches.

• Disjointed IT Systems: The firm's various applications and systems were not integrated, and they were still using on-premise servers for data storage, which made remote work difficult and posed security challenges.

• No Centralized Identity Management: The firm struggled with managing user access and authentication across a growing portfolio of line-of-business (LOB) applications, which could lead to inefficiencies and potential unauthorized access.
  
  

Given these challenges, the firm required a comprehensive and strategic approach to cybersecurity, one that could address immediate vulnerabilities and ensure long-term security.

JNT TEK's Approach to Cybersecurity Overhaul

1. Full Cybersecurity Risk Assessment

JNT TEK began by conducting a full cybersecurity risk assessment, which included:

• Asset and Risk Identification: Identifying critical assets, sensitive data, and potential risks across the firm's network and applications.

• Vulnerability Assessment: Analyzing existing infrastructure for vulnerabilities, such as outdated software, weak access controls, and gaps in monitoring and response.

• Compliance Review: Assessing the firm's adherence to relevant compliance standards, such as SOC 2, GDPR, or other applicable regulations.

• Threat Landscape Analysis: Reviewing the potential threats the firm could face, including cyberattacks targeting financial institutions, data breaches, and insider threats.+
  
  

The assessment results allowed JNT TEK to design a comprehensive, multi-phase strategy that addressed both immediate and long-term cybersecurity needs.

2. Phased Implementation of Key Security Controls

Over the next two years, JNT TEK guided the firm through the implementation of essential security measures in a phased approach, aligning with the firm's operational needs and strategic objectives.

Phase 1: Strengthening Network and Access Controls

• Network and Wireless Overhaul: JNT TEK revamped the firm's network and wireless infrastructure, ensuring high performance, redundancy, and secure access across all locations. This included the installation of advanced firewalls, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and enhanced network segmentation to limit access to sensitive data.

• Network Access Controls: JNT TEK implemented network access control (NAC) policies, ensuring that only authorized devices could access the firm's network. This helped prevent unauthorized devices from connecting to critical systems and data.
  
  
  

Phase 2: Identity and Access Management

• Single Sign-On (SSO) for LOB Applications: JNT TEK implemented SSO for all line-of-business applications, enabling employees to securely access their work applications with a single set of credentials. This reduced the risk of credential theft and simplified user management.

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA was rolled out across the firm's systems to provide an additional layer of protection for all user accounts, ensuring that even if credentials were compromised, unauthorized access could be prevented.
  
  
  

Phase 3: Securing Data and Implementing Cloud Solutions

• Data Migration to SharePoint: JNT TEK helped the firm migrate their on-premise data to SharePoint for better collaboration, data security, and version control. SharePoint's cloud-based storage provided better access management and scalability.

• Data Loss Prevention (DLP): DLP policies were implemented to prevent the accidental or intentional leakage of sensitive data. This allowed the firm to set rules to block, monitor, or encrypt sensitive information before it could be shared outside the network.
  
  
  

Phase 4: Endpoint and Device Management

• Transition to Microsoft Intune: JNT TEK migrated the firm from traditional Active Directory (AD) to Microsoft Intune, enabling mobile device management (MDM) and security management for all endpoints, including smartphones, laptops, and tablets. This solution ensured that all devices were compliant with firm-wide security policies, regardless of where employees worked.
  
  
  

Phase 5: Advanced Security Measures

• Privileged Access Management (PAM): JNT TEK implemented a PAM solution to protect highly sensitive accounts and credentials, including administrator and root-level access, which are often targeted in cyberattacks. PAM allowed for better control over privileged accounts, limiting access to critical systems and providing audit trails.

• Zero Trust Architecture: JNT TEK introduced a Zero Trust security model, which ensures that no device or user is trusted by default. Every access request was authenticated and verified before being granted, ensuring that only legitimate users and devices could access the firm's systems and data.

• Advanced Email Filtering: To protect against phishing and other email-based attacks, JNT TEK deployed advanced email filtering solutions that automatically detect and block malicious emails, providing an additional layer of defense against social engineering attacks.
  
  
  

Phase 6: Conditional Access Policies and BYOD Security

• Conditional Access Policies: JNT TEK implemented conditional access policies that required employees to meet certain criteria (e.g., device health, network location) before accessing firm resources. This ensured that only trusted devices and users could access sensitive data and applications.

• BYOD Security: With many employees using personal devices, JNT TEK implemented strict BYOD policies, enforcing encryption, password protection, and compliance with the firm's security protocols.
  
  
  

Results and Outcomes

1. Improved Security Posture

By implementing the layered security measures outlined above, the private equity firm significantly improved its overall security posture. This included enhanced data protection, more secure access to sensitive applications, and better management of privileged accounts.

2. Reduced Risk of Data Breaches

With the implementation of Zero Trust, MFA, PAM, and advanced email filtering, the firm dramatically reduced its vulnerability to data breaches and cyberattacks. The DLP solution and SharePoint migration also ensured that sensitive financial data remained secure and compliant with industry standards.

3. Enhanced Operational Efficiency

The migration to SharePoint, implementation of SSO, and adoption of Microsoft Intune streamlined the firm's operations, improved collaboration, and enhanced employee productivity. With fewer security barriers and better integration of applications, employees were able to focus on their core work without facing constant IT disruptions.

4. Compliance with Regulatory Requirements

The cybersecurity controls put in place, including DLP, MFA, and PAM, ensured that the firm remained compliant with relevant financial industry regulations. This compliance is crucial for protecting the firm's reputation and avoiding regulatory penalties.

5. Business Continuity and Future-Proofing

With the adoption of cloud technologies, including SharePoint and Microsoft Intune, the firm is now better equipped to support future growth. The new cybersecurity framework ensures that the firm can scale its operations without compromising security.

Conclusion

JNT TEK's comprehensive cybersecurity overhaul allowed the private equity firm to transition from minimal technology investment to a robust security posture that safeguards sensitive financial data and ensures compliance with industry standards. Through a phased implementation of security controls, the firm is now better equipped to handle cyber threats, protect its assets, and improve operational efficiency.

This case study demonstrates how managed services providers like JNT TEK can help financial institutions and private equity firms navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity, ensuring they remain secure, compliant, and operationally efficient in an increasingly digital world.

About JNT TEK

JNT TEK is a leading provider of managed IT services, cybersecurity solutions, and business continuity planning. Specializing in financial institutions and private equity firms, JNT TEK helps organizations safeguard their data, mitigate cyber risks, and optimize technology infrastructure for growth and success. With a focus on security, compliance, and scalability, JNT TEK empowers businesses to thrive in the digital age.