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When a 158-Year Legacy Falls: What the KNP Ransomware Attack Teaches Us About MSME Cybersecurity

 Pranam In an age where cybercrime is becoming more sophisticated and frequent, no business—regardless of size or legacy—is immune. A recent, devastating example of this is The Knights of Old (KNP) , a 158-year-old UK-based logistics and transport company that became the latest casualty in a growing wave of cyberattacks. The Fall of a Logistics Giant Earlier this year, KNP suffered a severe cyber incident that forced the company to cease trading and shut down operations permanently. The attack was traced back to the Akira ransomware gang , who managed to infiltrate the system by guessing a weak employee password . Once inside, they encrypted critical data and locked down company systems. Despite KNP paying the ransom, the data was not recovered. The result? Nearly 700 employees lost their jobs , and a once-thriving century-old enterprise was reduced to a cautionary tale. KNP’s fate isn't a rare anomaly. Cyberattacks are now a daily threat , growing not only in volume but in c...
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The Architect and The Sailing Master: Navigating Your Family Business with Discerning Wisdom (Vivek Buddhi)

Pranam In the heart of every Indian family business lies a unique soul—a vibrant confluence of legacy, values, ambition, and, often, complex interpersonal dynamics. It’s not just an enterprise; it’s a   parivaar   (family), a   viraasat   (legacy), and a   dharma   (duty) all rolled into one. When storms hit—be they market downturns, succession dilemmas, or internal discord—seeking external guidance is not a sign of weakness, but of profound wisdom. But a critical question arises: What kind of guide do you need? The modern world offers two distinct labels: the  Consultant  and the  Mentor . Many business owners find themselves trapped in this binary choice, often hiring one when they need the other, or worse, needing both but not knowing it. At  VCS , we believe this is a false dichotomy. The most effective guidance, especially for the nuanced world of family businesses, is not about choosing one over the other. It is about embracing a h...

10 Unignorable Signs Your Family Business Needs a Professional CFO (Before It's Too Late)

  प्रणाम , Running a family business or SME in India is a matter of pride. It’s not just about profit—it’s about legacy, relationships, and responsibility. But many family enterprises, despite their hard work and growth, hit a ceiling. The reason? Finance is often treated as bookkeeping, not strategy. As a Karta or leader of an Indian family business, you wear many hats. You’re the chief visionary, the operations head, the client relationship manager, and often, the de facto finance manager. You’ve gotten this far on grit, intuition, and the trusted circle of family. But here’s a hard truth: the complexity of modern business can no longer be run on Excel sheets and gut feeling alone. The transition from a successful family-owned shop to a scalable, legacy-building enterprise requires one critical role: a strategic Chief Financial Officer. The question is, how do you know when you need one? If you see these signs, the time to act is now. 1. You’re Flying Blind Without a Fina...

Why Entity Structuring is the Cornerstone of a Successful Indian Family Business ?

Pranam  When it comes to Indian family businesses, most of the focus tends to be on growth, succession, and stability. Yet one fundamental aspect often overlooked is Entity Structuring —how your business is set up legally, financially, and operationally. At Veer Consultancy Services (VCS) , we help family businesses not just plan , but execute optimal entity structures that stand the test of time.   Why Does Entity Structuring Matter So Much? ü    An intelligently designed structure can: ü    Minimize tax liability ü   Ensure smooth succession and estate planning   ü   Separate risks   ü   Improve fundraising ability ü   Maintain control in the hands of promoters ü   Protect and grow family wealth   ü   Facilitate governance and reduce internal conflicts   A Proven Approach: HoldCo – AssetCo – OpCo Structure At VCS, we often advise family businesses to adopt a three-tier...

Failure: Understanding, Coping, and Rising Again

  यदृच्छालाभसंतुष्टो द्वन्द्वातीतो विमत्सरः। समः सिद्धावसिद्धौ च कृत्वापि न निबध्यते He who is satisfied with gain which comes of its own accord, who is free from duality and does not envy, who is indifferent in both success & Failure, is never entangled ( bandan of karma), although performing actions Failure is a word that can invoke fear and disappointment, but it is also a powerful teacher and a catalyst for growth. Throughout history, failure has shaped many of the world’s greatest achievements. In India, stories of failure and subsequent success are woven into the fabric of our culture, from the world of business and sports to the battlefield and historical events. This blog will explore what failure means, why it happens, how to detect it early, its mental and emotional effects, and ways to bounce back—drawing from Indian history, business, sports, and military examples.   What is Failure? Failure is the inability to meet a desired goal or standard, whether personal ...