Data protection has become an issue of extreme importance in today’s context, where digitalization and interconnectivity are part of the daily lives of more than 5.5 billion people, as noted 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 will exceed $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 $4.86 million, with small and medium-sized businesses being the most vulnerable.
The need for swift action, therefore, requires service providers to take an active and collaborative role in formulating effective strategies to protect sensitive data, ensure citizen privacy, and preserve consumer trust in an increasingly complex and challenging environment.
Gilberto Reis, COO of Runtalent, a leading Digital Solutions company, emphasizes organizations’ responsibility to ensure the security of their clients’ and partners’ information. ‘Data protection has never been as essential as it is now. Technology has advanced rapidly, and with it, digital threats have multiplied. Companies must be prepared not only to protect their clients’ sensitive information but also to ensure business continuity. For this reason, investing in data security is no longer a matter of choice,’ says the executive.
‘With the rise of threats such as ransomware and data breaches, companies need to adopt a proactive and integrated approach. Beyond 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 effectively protect data integrity, avoiding irreparable damage to reputation and business,’ adds Caio Abade, Cybersecurity Executive at Betta Global Partner, an integrated IT and cybersecurity solutions provider.
Data Protection and Legislation
‘The General Data Protection Law (LGPD) requires companies to adopt strict practices to prevent leaks and abuses, ensuring public trust. This means more than simply complying with the law—it means respecting the right to privacy and protecting consumer data ethically and transparently,’ emphasizes Karina Gutierrez, a lawyer at Bosquê Advocacia.
The lawyer highlights that cyber risks affect not only large corporations but also small businesses, which are often unprepared to handle the complexity of data protection regulations like the LGPD. ‘The legislation imposes strict obligations on companies regarding the processing of personal data, including the need to obtain explicit consent and ensure secure storage. In case of a leak, companies can be fined up to 2% of their annual revenue, capped at R$50 million, in addition to facing reputational damage and lawsuits,’ she explains.
How to Protect Yourself
To prevent data leaks, experts provide some key tips that should be followed by companies or individual users.
1. Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication
For individuals and businesses, 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 must ensure all employees use MFA, especially on critical systems such as corporate emails and financial platforms.
2. Keep devices and software up to date
Regular updates of operating systems and applications are extremely important for fixing security vulnerabilities, both for individuals and businesses. Many cyberattacks exploit flaws in outdated software, so never delay updates. For businesses, it’s important to configure devices and systems for automatic updates and apply security patches immediately, ensuring all employees are protected against the latest threats.
3. Beware of suspicious emails and links
Phishing is one of the most common tactics used for data theft. Both individuals and organizations should be cautious with emails or messages from unknown sources. Never click on suspicious links or download attachments. In the corporate environment, it’s 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 protecting confidential data, whether personal or corporate. 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, data cannot be read without the proper key.
5. Review privacy permissions for apps and social media
It’s important to regularly review privacy settings, both on personal devices and corporate systems. For individuals, this means controlling who has access to personal information on apps and social media, limiting the sharing of sensitive data. For businesses, it’s essential to establish clear policies on app usage and access to internal data, ensuring employees don’t share corporate information with unauthorized tools. Additionally, companies should constantly monitor app permissions used within the organization to prevent excessive access to sensitive data.
