Holistic Cybersecurity: The Path to Protecting Companies in an Uncertain Scenario

Cybersecurity has become an increasingly strategic area for Brazilian organizations. Today, the country ranks second globally in cyberattacks, according to the Threat Panorama for Latin America 2024This scenario, combined with increasing digitalization and the spread of new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud computing, has driven ever-increasing investment in this area. In 2025, companies are expected to allocate US$1.5 trillion to cybersecurity, an increase of US$1.5 trillion compared to the US$1.8 trillion projected for 2024, according to Gartner data.

With increased investment, the implementation of security measures must be conducted appropriately, adopting the concept of holistic cybersecurity. This implies an integrated and systemic approach to information security that goes beyond technical aspects, encompassing organizational, legal, market, human, social, cultural, and psychological dimensions, in addition to considering the organization's stage of development. To facilitate the implementation process in companies, NAVA Technology for Business, a company specializing in technology services and solutions, shares key points so managers can apply this concept effectively.

1. Application of multidisciplinarity: Many organizations still face cultural barriers that hinder collaboration between departments such as IT, legal, compliance, and software development. The lack of integration between these departments, which often operate in silos, makes cybersecurity implementation even more complex. Senior leadership needs to promote an organizational transformation that aligns departments, enabling an integrated vision and strengthening security as a whole.

"In short, when thinking about holistic cybersecurity, we must consider a systemic and multidisciplinary vision, which generates learning in resilience, exercising adaptability, interconnectedness of threats, and constant evaluation of processes," says Edison Fontes, Chief Information Security Officer at NAVA.

2. Attention to new technological paradigms: The use of AI and cloud computing increases the efficiency of organizations, but it also expands the attack surface, as criminals employ AI to create more sophisticated threats. In this scenario, concepts like Zero Trust become allies, as they establish that no entity, internal or external, should be automatically trusted, which is necessary in an environment of dispersed information accessible by multiple devices. Furthermore, Shadow IA, which is the use of artificial intelligence without organizational control, represents a risk that must be mitigated within a holistic security strategy.
3. Implementation in other areas of technology: An example of the application of holistic cybersecurity is DevSecOps, which goes beyond being an automation and integration practice. As a cultural shift, DevSecOps improves efficiency and quality in software development, enabling fast, secure, and scalable deliveries. It promotes greater security through test automation and compliance, generating reliable products. Development managers must, therefore, consider agility and holistic security, ensuring product reliability by integrating a multidisciplinary approach aligned with corporate objectives.

"Holistic cybersecurity should be adopted by organizations seeking more comprehensive and sustainable protection," comments Fontes. "The rise in cybercrime places companies in an increasingly vulnerable environment, making it necessary to improve security practices to ensure data preservation and the trust of other market players. It is in this context that holistic cybersecurity becomes a fundamental ally in protection," adds Fabiano Oliveira, Chief Technology Officer at NAVA.