Cyber-Resilient Cash Management: What Companies Should Pay Attention To
Whether in the financial sector, retail, or cash-in-transit services: decision-makers in critical infrastructure (CRITIS) areas should take a close look at IT security in light of increasing cyber threats and the tense geopolitical situation. Especially in the highly sensitive field of digital cash management, empty security promises are not enough. Cyber resilience requires transparency, trust, and a lived culture of security.
Company To-Do: Questioning Security
Cyberattacks continue to rise—while awareness of their potentially severe consequences is also growing. According to a recent Deloitte survey, 58 percent of medium-sized companies now consider "cyber security" significantly more important than they did a few years ago. At the same time, the survey reveals that most companies cannot completely rule out existing vulnerabilities in their systems—insights that can easily be applied to cash logistics.
Today, efficient and transparent cash management is inseparably linked to digital processes. These processes must be optimally protected. To achieve this, companies need to continuously assess their current security status in order to identify potential vulnerabilities and proactively prevent new attack scenarios.
This is why financial institutions, retailers, and cash-in-transit providers must ask the right security questions when selecting suppliers—and ensure they receive clear answers:
- Are there any data transfers to third countries during development, operation, or support—and if so, on what legal basis?
- Does the SaaS provider comply with recognized security standards (e.g., ISO 27001)?
- How quickly does the supplier respond to critical security vulnerabilities—and how transparent is their patch management process?
- Does the provider conduct regular security assessments such as penetration tests?
- Is there a documented emergency and recovery plan as well as a business continuity plan (BCP)?
The Key to Trust
Region and transparency are crucial—especially when it comes to IT security and the protection of corporate data. In an increasingly borderless digital world, a clearly defined legal framework creates a sense of security. Those who know where their data is stored—and who has access to it—can manage risks more effectively.
In Germany and across the EU, data protection regulations are significantly stricter, meaning data is better protected against unauthorized access. In contrast, cloud applications from non-European providers raise concerns—even if their data centers are located within Europe. In such cases, the CLOUD Act may still apply, allowing authorities to access the data at any time.
To protect sensitive data with confidence, companies should prioritize data centers based in Germany—or at the very least, within Europe. Additionally, it’s essential to understand what security measures (such as encryption) are implemented in the data center where company and personal data is processed. Special attention should be given to standards like AES-256 or TLS version 1.2 and above. Infrastructure security is equally important, including measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), or segmented networks.
Made in Germany and France
It’s not just the operation, but also the software development that can raise data protection concerns. That’s why, from the very beginning, we at ALVARA made a clear decision: we operate and develop our software exclusively in Europe—specifically in Germany and France. This ensures that data protection regulations are observed throughout the entire process.
Avoiding offshoring also brings greater transparency, shorter communication paths, and a software environment that reliably meets regulatory requirements—such as the GDPR or industry-specific standards. For operators and users of applications in critical infrastructure (CRITIS) environments, this results in clear security and compliance advantages.
Security Standards Beyond Certifications
Does the provider comply with established security standards? In this context, it's important to review common certifications such as ISO 27001 in relation to data centers. But that alone is not enough.
Thinking beyond these minimum requirements is often just as critical, since security risks evolve faster than regulatory frameworks. A high level of security can only be achieved when providers go the extra mile. In day-to-day operations, they must regularly secure interfaces, monitor IT systems, and move beyond standardized approaches—even outside of scheduled audit periods. Maximum protection is offered by organizations that foster an established culture of security.
Software Updates – Where Modernization Meets Security
Cyber security is not a sprint, but a marathon—and therefore requires a continuous process. That’s why software updates should follow a clear plan: applying them regularly, securely, and in a documented manner provides a solid foundation. When security patches are given top priority and deployed outside of regular cycles when necessary, companies can feel confident in their protection.
At ALVARA, we use a multi-stage release and testing process—including quality assurance, customer communication, and monitoring. This ensures that applications remain up to date and resilient against emerging threats.
Practically Implemented: Penetration Tests
Security promises alone are not enough—those responsible must continuously verify them. That’s why we regularly conduct penetration tests on our applications and specifically inspect them for vulnerabilities.
The results of these penetration tests feed directly into our product development. Potential weaknesses are identified, prioritized, and eliminated—in a transparent and traceable manner. This ensures that our software is resilient against current threat scenarios in the critical infrastructure (CRITIS) environment.
Rapid Assistance in Case of Emergency
In an emergency, every minute counts. That’s why providers must offer support that is quickly accessible. A help desk with a 24/7 hotline, defined escalation paths, and fast response times ensure reliable technical assistance from our team in the event of disruptions.
Secure Processes, Secure Cash Management
Digital solutions in cash management today must guarantee stability and security beyond mere process optimization. For our customers, this means a solution that not only works but actively protects their most sensitive cash processes. This is our responsibility—and at the same time, our promise for your daily operations.