In recent months, Brazilian companies have been intensifying their search for specialized services in business continuity management (BCM). This significant increase is a direct reflection of the exponential growth of cyber attacks in the country, especially ransomware, and the increasingly stringent oversight by the National Data Protection Authority (ANPD).
Just in 2024, Brazil recorded over 700 million cyber attacks, indicating about 1,400 incidents per minute. This alarming scenario pressures organizations to seek more robust strategies to ensure operational continuity in the face of increasingly frequent threats and crises.
The surge in ransomware attacks, in particular, has brought to light one of the greatest risks facing companies today. In this criminal modality, corporate systems are invaded and their data encrypted, leading to total or partial interruption of operations until the ransom is paid. In addition to direct financial damage, there are significant indirect and intangible losses, such as the deterioration of trust from customers and business partners. It is estimated that incidents of this nature have caused billions in losses to the Brazilian market in just the past year, prompting business leaders to reassess their attitudes towards operational risk.
Meanwhile, the ANPD intensified its inspection actions throughout 2024 and the beginning of 2025, mainly related to compliance with the General Data Protection Law (LGPD). Companies have faced severe sanctions for not having adequate security and operational continuity mechanisms, especially in the face of vulnerabilities exposing personal data. This rigorous stance, formerly more flexible, now demands structured and coherent incident and crisis management from Brazilian organizations, raising the strategic importance of GCN.
GCN as a preventive tool
In this context, the importance of business continuity management grows, not only as a reactive measure but mainly as an essential preventive tool. Well-implemented BCN allows companies to recover quickly from incidents, minimizing financial damages and preserving their reputation in the market. It is an integrated corporate practice that identifies, assesses, and prepares organizations to respond effectively to any critical operation interruption, ensuring the shortest possible downtime.
Implementing an effective BCN strategy begins with a thorough risk analysis, clearly identifying the organization’s critical processes and the potential impact in case of interruption. This initial step determines which operations need to be prioritized in a crisis situation. Subsequently, the continuity plan is developed, detailing clear and specific procedures to be adopted during disruptive events, allowing for quick and coordinated responses.
The next step, and perhaps one of the most underestimated by companies, is frequent training and practical simulations. Many continuity plans fail not due to technical failures, but due to the lack of familiarity of the teams with the envisaged procedures. Therefore, it is essential that all those involved are continuously prepared to act as planned, ensuring that protocols are executed smoothly and effectively when truly needed.
Another aspect that reinforces the relevance of BCMS are the specific regulations that are increasingly demanded by the market and regulatory bodies, such as ISO 22301, an international standard that establishes detailed requirements for business continuity management systems. Companies aligned with these standards can not only mitigate internal risks but also gain greater confidence from business partners, investors, and customers, strengthening their position in the market.
Specialized consultancies play a central role in the successful implementation of BCMS, bringing technical expertise and strategic vision to the planning and execution of these initiatives. These companies support organizations from initial risk assessment to the development of personalized plans and specific training, ensuring that the solutions adopted are aligned with international best practices and local regulatory requirements.
The conclusion is clear: the increasing demand for business continuity management services is an unequivocal indicator that Brazilian companies are maturing in relation to the perception of operational and cyber risks. This scenario demands a strategic, integrated, and continuous response from organizations, which need to be prepared not only to respond quickly to incidents but to ensure the sustainability of operations in the long term. Investing in a robust business continuity strategy is to protect the present and secure the future of organizations in the face of the inevitable uncertainties and threats that the contemporary corporate environment presents.
By Sylvio Sobreira Vieira, CEO & Head Consulting at SVX Consultoria
