In an increasingly digital world, cyberattacks are becoming a growing threat to businesses of all sizes. To give an idea, according to information from Check Point Research (CPR), the number of cyberattacks in Brazil grew by 95% in the third quarter of last year. Among the most frequent types of attacks are ransomware, phishing, and DDoS, targeting both large corporations and small to medium-sized businesses.
Given this scenario, digital security has become a strategic priority for organizations, requiring continuous investments in technology, training, and threat monitoring.
According to Evandro Ribeiro, Head of Information Security at Avivatec, an ecosystem of digital solutions and end-to-end technology for businesses, ‘most cyberattacks exploit basic vulnerabilities, such as configuration flaws and weak passwords. This means that prevention is often within reach for all companies, despite a lack of awareness and good security practices in businesses,’ he comments.
Strategies to prevent cyberattacks include implementing robust layers of protection, ranging from firewalls and antivirus software to advanced threat detection solutions based on artificial intelligence. Additionally, employee training is essential to mitigate risks. Phishing attacks, for example, occur when cybercriminals impersonate trusted sources to deceive users into revealing sensitive data or downloading malicious files, exploiting human vulnerability very effectively. Without proper training, a single click on a malicious link can open the door to a systemic breach.
Between 2013 and 2015, Google and Facebook fell victim to a fraudulent scheme that resulted in a loss of $100 million. The scammer posed as the supplier Quantum and issued fake invoices, which both companies paid without suspecting fraud. The crime was later discovered, leading to the arrest of the perpetrator, who was eventually extradited from Lithuania. After legal action, the companies managed to recover $49.7 million, less than 50% of the diverted amount.
Another critical point is rapid incident response. Many companies lack a structured containment and recovery plan, which can amplify the damage of an attack. ‘Having a well-defined response plan is crucial to minimizing impacts and safely resuming operations. This includes updated backups, clear procedures for threat isolation, and efficient communication protocols,’ comments the expert.
With the advancement of data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Law (LGPD), which establishes guidelines for the collection, storage, and use of personal information, companies need to strengthen their efforts to ensure compliance and security. Negligence in this aspect can result not only in financial losses but also in reputational damage and loss of customer trust.
‘Today, cybersecurity is no longer an option but a necessity. Companies that do not prioritize this issue run a significant risk of suffering attacks that can compromise their operations and credibility in the market,’ concludes Evandro.
