Data protection has become a matter of extreme importance in the current context, where digitization and interconnectivity are part of the daily life of over 5.5 billion people, as pointed out by Statista in 2024. The increase in cyberattacks and the expansion of regulations, such as the General Data Protection Law (LGPD), highlight the urgent need for effective measures to ensure information security.
In 2024, the Cybersecurity Ventures report projected that global damages caused by cybercrime are expected to exceed US$ 10.9 trillion annually by the end of 2025, a 22% increase from the previous year. Additionally, a study by the Ponemon Institute indicated that the average cost of a data breach in 2024 is US$ 4.86 million, with small and medium-sized enterprises being the most vulnerable.
The need to be swift, therefore, requires service providers to play an active and collaborative role in formulating effective strategies to protect sensitive data, ensure citizens’ privacy, and preserve consumers’ trust in an increasingly complex and challenging environment.
Gilberto Reis, COO of Runtalent, a leading company in Digital Solutions, emphasizes the responsibility of organizations to ensure the security of information from their clients and partners. “Data protection has never been as essential as it is now. Technology has advanced rapidly, and with it, digital threats have also multiplied. Companies must be prepared not only to protect their clients’ sensitive information but also to ensure the continuity of their businesses. Therefore, investing in data security is no longer a matter of choice,” says the executive.
“With the increase in threats, such as ransomware and data leaks, companies need to adopt a proactive and integrated approach. In addition to investing in advanced prevention technologies, such as encryption and real-time monitoring, it is essential for organizations to promote a culture of awareness and continuous training among their employees. Only then will it be possible to mitigate risks and protect data integrity effectively, avoiding irreparable damage to reputation and business,” complements Caio Abade, Cybersecurity Executive at Betta Global Partner, an integrator in IT and cybersecurity solutions.
Data Protection and Legislation
“The General Data Protection Law (LGPD) requires companies to adopt rigorous practices to prevent leaks and abuses, ensuring public trust. This means more than just complying with the law – it means respecting the right to privacy and protecting consumer data ethically and transparently,” highlights Karina Gutierrez, a lawyer at Bosquê Advocacia.
The lawyer points out that cyber risks affect not only large corporations but also small businesses, which often are not prepared to deal with the complexity of data protection regulations, such as the LGPD. “The legislation establishes strict obligations for companies regarding the treatment of personal data, including the need to obtain explicit consent and ensure storage security. In case of a breach, companies can be fined up to 2% of annual revenue, with a cap of R$50 million, as well as facing reputational damage and legal actions,” she explains.
How to Protect Yourself
To prevent data leaks, experts provide some key tips that should be followed by companies or regular users.
1. Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication
For individuals and companies, security starts with robust passwords. Avoid simple passwords and use long, complex combinations. Additionally, implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all accounts, both personal and corporate. This adds an extra layer of protection, making unauthorized access more difficult even if the password is discovered. Organizations should ensure all employees use MFA, especially in critical systems like corporate emails and financial platforms.
2. Keep devices and software updated
Regular updates to operating systems and applications are crucial to fix security vulnerabilities, for both individuals and companies. Many cyber attacks exploit loopholes in outdated software, so never postpone updates. For companies, it is important to configure devices and systems for automatic updates and immediately apply security patches, ensuring all employees are protected against the latest threats.
3. Be cautious with suspicious emails and links
Phishing is one of the most common tactics used for data theft. Both individuals and organizations should be wary of emails or messages from unknown sources. Never click on suspicious links or download attachments. In the corporate environment, it is essential to conduct regular cybersecurity awareness training for employees, helping them identify fraudulent emails and verify the authenticity of sensitive requests.
4. Encrypt sensitive information
Encryption is essential to protect confidential data, whether personal or business-related. For individuals, encrypting important documents before sharing or storing them online is crucial. Companies should adopt encryption at all levels, including data in transit, at rest, and in backups, to ensure that even in case of unauthorized access, the data cannot be read without the proper key.
5. Review app and social network privacy permissions
It is important to regularly review privacy settings, both on personal devices and corporate systems. For individuals, this means controlling who has access to their personal information on apps and social networks, limiting the sharing of sensitive data. For businesses, it is essential to establish clear policies regarding app usage and access to internal data, ensuring that employees do not share corporate information with unauthorized tools. Additionally, constant monitoring of app permissions used within the organization should be done to prevent excessive access to sensitive data.
