The AAA Strategy for Privacy and Digital Security
The dog days of August 2020 start fittingly enough with a hurricane named Isais, which in Spanish means "God Is My Salvation." In turn, salvation...
14 min read
Total Digital Security
:
May 20, 2024
Brad Deflin tells the Total Digital Security story in this Q&A from May 16th, 2024.
My professional career has always centered around managing risk for private clients and family offices. While working for a Wall Street firm in 2012, I noticed emerging patterns that highlighted a significant market opportunity that could extend well into the future.
In 2012, we identified two critical factors that led to the creation of Total Digital Security.
Total Digital Security was conceived to bridge the gap between these innovative cybersecurity solutions and the new demographic of cyber risk bearers—individuals, private clients, families, family offices, and professional practices. Our goal is to provide enterprise-level security solutions to personal technology environments. We don’t create these solutions; we strategically source them from the best providers suited to our clients' needs.
In summary, the combination of rapidly expanding markets and the push for innovation inspired us to establish Total Digital Security. Our business stands at the intersection of these enduring trends, ready to address the evolving cybersecurity needs of our diverse clientele.
At Total Digital Security, we recognize that we are as much a people business as we are a technology business. Cybersecurity technology is advancing exponentially, and the solutions are evolving to counter even AI-optimized cyber-attacks. However, the human side of cybersecurity cannot keep pace with these rapid advancements. Technological change occurs at double or triple rates annually, whereas human adaptation progresses at a maximum of 3-4% per year. This creates a significant gap—the delta between digital advancements and human adaptability continues to widen exponentially.
Our approach focuses on bridging this gap by ensuring that our clients, who range from high-net-worth individuals to ultra-high-net-worth offices, as well as affluent families, are equipped to handle these changes. Unlike typical cybersecurity firms that offer bundled solutions, we provide à la carte options. This allows us to deliver enterprise-grade privacy and security solutions tailored to the specific needs and concerns of nearly any individual or family that seeks protection.
In terms of supporting causes, we are committed to enhancing cybersecurity education and awareness. We actively participate in and sponsor events and workshops, including pro bono, that educate the public on the importance of cybersecurity, promoting safer digital best-practices among communities that are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats.
At Total Digital Security, our brand promise is relationship-centric. We prioritize personal interactions and tailored support, distinguishing ourselves from the typical, institutionally based cybersecurity providers. We operate without call centers, are US-based, and communicate in plain English. We see every service and support call not just as an issue to be resolved, but as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship with our client. This approach allows us to address both technological and human risks effectively.
In our client engagements, we incorporate best practices and critical thinking skills. We are confident in the effectiveness of our cybersecurity solutions to minimize digital footprints and reduce risks to privacy and personal security. To ensure our clients are fully equipped, we offer personalized coaching on key digital tools, including password managers, browser optimization, workflow enhancements, and email management.
Our commitment to providing personal service and support in an engaging and enlightening manner sets us apart from many competitors. While they may rely on ticket systems and impersonal call centers, we focus on creating a supportive and responsive environment that fosters long-term client relationships and trust.
#4 - In a rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, how do you ensure that TDS stays ahead of emerging threats and technologies?
The cybersecurity landscape is indeed dynamic, with risks evolving and morphing at breakneck speeds. Exploits are increasingly sophisticated, often utilizing AI-enabled feedback loops that draw on vast amounts of personal information available on the dark web.
At Total Digital Security, we address these emerging threats by using advanced monitoring tools that operate 24/7. These tools leverage extensive cyber risk intelligence gathered not only from our proprietary sources but also from third-party providers and collaborative partners. Together with innovative AI tools, this intelligence is analyzed to detect patterns and identify malicious actors effectively.
Our infrastructure also plays a crucial role in our proactive defense strategy. Our services are built on modern data centers that eliminate the need for clients to manage complex hardware and systems. This setup allows for rapid integration of new technologies and innovations directly at the data center level, ensuring that enhancements are seamless and immediately beneficial to our clients.
This strategic approach ensures that TDS clients benefit from the latest investments and advancements in IT security without any inconvenience or lapse in protection, keeping them one step ahead in a constantly evolving cyber landscape.
For many, the digital realm and associated cyber risks are abstract and challenging to grasp. Private clients and families often lack the comprehensive IT support that larger organizations have at their disposal.
At Total Digital Security, our approach demystifies cyber risk by providing clients with a clear "mind's eye" view of the cybersecurity landscape. We help clients pinpoint and understand the critical inflection points where cyber risks can become significant threats. This approach leads to a key outcome: empowerment.
Our clients not only embrace the solutions we provide but also develop a deeper understanding of the cybersecurity challenges they face. This enhanced awareness is coupled with an elevation in critical thinking skills, enabling them to make informed decisions about their digital security. By equipping our clients with knowledge and tools, we transform their experience from one of uncertainty to one of confidence and control over their digital environments.
Besides feeling unsettled and less at peace than before, I think people would miss our people most. Our team is passionate about what we do in a way that transcends a common business. Every day we hear about the damage and inconvenience caused by cybercrime and fraud. Our mission is to firstly be preemptive and defend before the inevitable takes place. But over half of our new clients come to us after a breach. We find they have great levels of appreciation for our services and the people our clients engaged with.
Overall, TDS’s disappearance would leave a void not easily filled by another provider, primarily due to the combination of expert skills, proactive and reactive services, and the strong relationships forged between our team and our clients.
We have a six prong approach:
By promoting a proactive and empowered approach to cybersecurity, TDS not only enhances the digital safety of its clients but also contributes positively to the professional growth of its team and the broader cybersecurity ecosystem. This comprehensive approach to creating positive change underscores TDS’s role as a leader and advocate in the cybersecurity field.
#CybersecurityForLife signifies a commitment to integrating cybersecurity into every facet of our daily lives, recognizing that the protection of our digital information is as crucial as safeguarding our physical well-being. Here’s how Total Digital Security views this concept:
This phrase encapsulates our mission at Total Digital Security to create a secure, sustainable digital environment that supports our lifestyle today and for future generations.=
To enhance the effectiveness and productivity of clients using Total Digital Security's services, several strategies are employed. These focus not only on improving security measures but also on integrating these measures seamlessly into users’ workflows to ensure they enhance, rather than hinder, business and personal activities. Here’s how we achieve this:
By focusing on these areas, Total Digital Security can help clients become not only more secure but also more efficient and effective in their daily operations. This approach ensures that cybersecurity is a business enabler, not a hindrance.
The "democratization of cyber risk" refers to the concept that in today's digital age, cybersecurity concerns are no longer limited to large corporations or specific sectors but are widespread, affecting individuals, small businesses, and large enterprises alike. This democratization means that everyone, regardless of their technical background, economic status, or business size, faces some level of cyber risk and therefore needs access to cybersecurity tools and knowledge. Here’s a detailed look at what this concept entails:
By embracing the democratization of cyber risk, Total Digital Security aims to equip individuals and organizations of all sizes with the tools, knowledge, and support necessary to navigate the complexities of the cyber landscape. This approach not only enhances individual security but also contributes to a safer digital environment for everyone.
Celebrating the 10-year milestone in March 2023 stands out as a particularly memorable and significant moment for Total Digital Security (TDS). This anniversary not only marked a decade of resilience and growth but also highlighted TDS's unique position in the cybersecurity industry.
Overall, the 10-year anniversary of Total Digital Security is a landmark moment that not only celebrates past achievements but also sets a confident tone for the future. It’s a reminder of where the company started, the journey it has undertaken, and the potential that lies ahead.
Total Digital Security (TDS) is currently focusing on several strategic initiatives designed to enhance its cybersecurity offerings and better serve its clients in an increasingly complex digital landscape. Here's a closer look at what TDS is working on and what's next:
By focusing on these key areas, TDS is not just keeping pace with the industry but aiming to set the standards in cybersecurity. The commitment to exceeding client expectations and continuously adapting to the cyber threat landscape ensures that TDS remains a trusted and innovative leader in the field. What’s next for TDS is about deepening its integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI and expanding its expertise in essential areas like digital identification, all while maintaining a strong client-first approach to service.
The most rewarding part of what we do at Total Digital Security centers around the profound impact we have on our clients' safety, confidence, and understanding of the digital world. Here’s a closer look at what makes our work so gratifying:
Overall, the most rewarding part of our work at TDS is the combination of making a real difference in enhancing digital safety, building meaningful relationships, and constantly pushing the boundaries of technology and service excellence.
Brad Deflin, May 16th, 2024
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