How asset management companies are vulnerable to ransomware and phishing attacks on January 21, 2021, 6:18 AM PST Like large banks, these firms hold valuable financial data but often have smaller security budgets and fewer staff, says Digital Shadows. Dmitrii_Guzhanin, Getty Images/iStockphoto Asset and wealth management (AWM) companies play an important role in handling finances and investments for different clients throughout the world. For that reason, these firms can be tempting targets for cybercriminals who smell an opportunity to compromise accounts and steal financial data. A report released Thursday by digital risk company Digital Shadows examines why and how AWM companies are vulnerable to cyberattack and how they can defend themselves.