In recent months, Brazilian companies have intensified their search for specialized business continuity management (BCM) services. This significant increase is a direct reflection of the exponential growth of cyberattacks in the country, especially ransomware, and the increasingly stringent oversight by the National Data Protection Authority (ANPD).
In 2024 alone, Brazil recorded over 700 million cyberattacks, indicating approximately 1,400 incidents per minute. This alarming scenario puts pressure on 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 biggest risks currently faced by companies. In this type of crime, corporate systems are invaded and their data encrypted, leading to the total or partial interruption of operations until a ransom is paid. Beyond the direct financial damage, there are significant indirect and intangible losses, such as the erosion of trust from customers and business partners. It is estimated that incidents of this type have caused billions of dollars in losses to the Brazilian market in the last year alone, prompting business decision-makers to reassess their stance on operational risk.
In parallel, the ANPD intensified its oversight actions throughout 2024 and early 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 light of the discovery of vulnerabilities that expose personal data. This rigorous stance, previously more flexible, now demands a structured and coherent approach to incident and crisis management from Brazilian organizations, increasing the strategic importance of GCN (Global Business Continuity).
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. A well-implemented BCM allows companies to recover quickly from incidents, minimizing financial damage 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 disruption in operations, ensuring the shortest possible downtime.
Implementing an effective business continuity strategy begins with a thorough risk analysis, clearly identifying the organization's critical processes and the potential impact of any disruption. This first step determines which operations need to be prioritized in a crisis situation. Subsequently, a continuity plan is developed, detailing clear and specific procedures to be adopted during disruptive events, allowing for rapid and coordinated responses.
The next step, and perhaps one of the most underestimated by companies, is frequent training and practical simulations. Many business continuity plans fail not due to technical flaws, but because of the teams' lack of familiarity with the planned procedures. Therefore, it is essential that everyone involved is continuously prepared to act as planned, ensuring that protocols are executed smoothly and effectively when truly necessary.
Another aspect that reinforces the relevance of BCM is the specific regulations that are increasingly being 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 are able not only to mitigate internal risks, but also to gain greater trust from business partners, investors, and customers, strengthening their market position.
Specialized consulting firms play a central role in the successful implementation of GCN, bringing technical expertise and strategic vision to the planning and execution of these initiatives. These companies support organizations from the initial risk assessment to the development of customized plans and specific training, ensuring that the solutions adopted are aligned with international best practices and local regulatory requirements.
The conclusion is clear: the increased demand for business continuity management services is an unequivocal indicator that Brazilian companies are maturing in their understanding 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 also to ensure the long-term sustainability of operations. Investing in a solid business continuity strategy is to protect the present and secure the future of organizations in the face of the inevitable uncertainties and threats presented by the contemporary corporate environment.
By Sylvio Sobreira Vieira, CEO & Head of Consulting at SVX Consultoria
