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 increasing rigor of enforcement promoted by the National Data Protection Authority (ANPD).
Only in 2024, Brazil recorded over 700 million cyberattacks, 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 rise in ransomware attacks, in particular, has brought to light one of the biggest risks faced by companies today. In this criminal activity, corporate systems are hacked and their data encrypted, leading to total or partial operational shutdowns until ransom is paid. In addition to direct financial damage, there are significant indirect and intangible losses, such as the deterioration of trust from clients and business partners. It is estimated that incidents of this type have caused billion-dollar losses to the Brazilian market in the past year alone, prompting business decision-makers to reevaluate their stances regarding operational risk.
Meanwhile, the ANPD intensified its enforcement actions throughout 2024 and early 2025, mainly related to the 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 requires Brazilian organizations to adopt a structured and coherent approach to incident and crisis management, elevating the strategic importance of GCN.
GCN as a preventive tool
In this context, the importance of business continuity management increases, not only as a reactive measure but mainly as an essential preventive tool. A well-implemented GCN 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 operational disruption, ensuring the shortest possible downtime.
Implementing an effective GCN strategy begins with a thorough risk analysis, in which the organization's critical processes are clearly identified and the potential impact in case of interruption. 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, 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 failures, but because of the teams' lack of familiarity with the prescribed procedures. Therefore, it is essential that all involved are continuously prepared to act according to the plan, ensuring that protocols are executed smoothly and effectively when truly necessary.
Another aspect that reinforces the relevance of GCN 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 clients, strengthening their position in the market.
Specialized consulting plays 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 initial risk assessment to the development of customized plans and specific training, ensuring that the adopted solutions are aligned with international best practices and local regulatory requirements.
The conclusion is clear: the increase in 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 requires a strategic, integrated, and continuous response from organizations, which must 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 protecting the present and ensuring 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 of Consulting at SVX Consulting
