In recent months, Brazilian companies have intensified their search for specialized services in business continuity management (BCM). This significant increase is a direct reflection of the exponential growth of cyberattacks in the country, especially ransomware, and the increasingly strict oversight promoted by the National Data Protection Authority (ANPD).
Only in 2024, Brazil recorded over 700 million cyberattacks, indicating approximately 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 highlighted one of the greatest risks currently faced by companies. In this criminal modality, corporate systems are breached, and their data encrypted, leading to total or partial operational disruption until ransom is paid. Beyond direct financial damage, there are significant indirect and intangible losses, such as the erosion of trust among clients and business partners. It is estimated that such incidents have caused billion-dollar losses to the Brazilian market just last year, prompting business decision-makers to reassess their stance on operational risk.
Simultaneously, the ANPD has intensified its oversight actions throughout 2024 and early 2025, primarily related to compliance with the General Data Protection Law (LGPD). Companies have faced severe sanctions for lacking adequate security and operational continuity mechanisms, especially when vulnerabilities exposing personal data are identified. This stricter stance, previously more flexible, now demands Brazilian organizations adopt a structured and coherent approach to incident and crisis management, elevating the strategic importance of BCM.
BCM as a preventive tool
In this context, the importance of business continuity management grows, not just as a reactive measure but primarily as an essential preventive tool. A well-implemented BCM enables companies to recover quickly from incidents, minimizing financial damage and preserving their market reputation. It is an integrated corporate practice that identifies, assesses, and prepares organizations to respond effectively to any critical operational disruption, ensuring the shortest possible downtime.
Implementing an effective BCM strategy begins with a thorough risk analysis, clearly identifying the organization’s critical processes and the potential impact in case of disruption. This first step determines which operations need prioritization in a crisis situation. Subsequently, the continuity plan is developed, detailing clear and specific procedures to be adopted during disruptive events, enabling 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 flaws but because teams lack familiarity with the prescribed procedures. Therefore, it is crucial that all involved are continuously prepared to act as planned, ensuring protocols are executed smoothly and effectively when truly needed.
Another aspect reinforcing BCM’s relevance is the specific regulations increasingly demanded by the market and regulatory bodies, such as ISO 22301, an international standard establishing detailed requirements for business continuity management systems. Companies aligned with these standards not only mitigate internal risks but also gain greater trust among commercial partners, investors, and clients, strengthening their market position.
Specialized consultancies play a central role in the successful implementation of BCM, bringing technical expertise and strategic vision to the planning and execution of these initiatives. These firms support organizations from the initial risk assessment to the development of customized plans and specific training, ensuring adopted solutions align with international best practices and local regulatory requirements.
The conclusion is clear: the rising demand for business continuity management services is an unequivocal indicator that Brazilian companies are maturing in their perception of operational and cyber risks. This scenario demands a strategic, integrated, and continuous response from organizations, which must be prepared not only to respond swiftly to incidents but also to ensure operational sustainability in the long term. Investing in a solid business continuity strategy is about protecting the present and securing the future of organizations against the inevitable uncertainties and threats posed by the contemporary corporate environment.
By Sylvio Sobreira Vieira, CEO & Head Consulting at SVX Consulting
