There are still people who believe that cyberattacks are something distant or exclusive to large corporations. But the reality is different: digital crime has become routine. Silent hits, data leaks, frauds, and system intrusions have paralyzed operations, destroyed reputations, and caused damages that go far beyond financial loss.
In 2024 alone, the number of digital crimes in Brazil increased by 95% compared to the previous year, according to Check Point Software. And the trend continues to grow in 2025. Artificial intelligence, used by companies to detect risks, is also being exploited by criminals to create increasingly sophisticated scams. A recent Cisco survey showed that 93% of organizations already use AI for protection, but 77% were attacked with the help of this same technology. With the advancement, criminals are able to create extremely realistic fake communications that deceive even the most attentive and lead to errors.
For Allan Costa, CEO of ISH Tecnologia, the cyber threat is no longer a future possibility, it is a constant reality.Digital security has become everyone's conversation. Everyone says they do. But, in practice, when we analyze the level of maturity of companies, most are still in the early stages. They talk a lot, do little.”
In Allan's view, digital security goes far beyond technology; it involves risk, trust, and reputation, and must be on the board's agenda, not just in the hands of the IT department.Nothing in digital security is 100% safe. There is no silver bullet, alert.
He argues that every company needs to accept that incidents will happen and, therefore, the focus should be on the ability to detect quickly and respond immediately. This means having monitoring structures such as SOCs (Security Operation Centers) and MDRs (Monitoring, Detection, and Response) operating 24 hours a day.The hacker doesn't have business hours. Your defense needs to keep up with this pace., reinforces.
In the CEO's view, an effective strategy combines technology, processes, and people, with continuous investment even when success seems invisible, when "nothing happens." Furthermore, he warns that many attacks begin with human errors, such as clicking on malicious links, using weak passwords, or careless behavior on social media.
For example, he explains that in all proof-of-concept tests conducted by ISH with new clients, there are always data leaks already available on the deep or dark web. This shows that many companies are often unaware that they are already exposed.
Allan still shares personal recommendations: use strong passwords and change them regularly, avoid public Wi-Fi networks, and if possible, separate banking devices from those used for regular browsing.
Marcos Koenigkan, businessman and president of the Mercado & Opinião group, has been hosting meetings with major leaders of the country. The theme of the month was precisely the cyberattack.
“We are experiencing a moment where business continuity directly depends on the ability to protect data, processes, and reputation. It's no longer a question of protecting yourself from an attack, but of how your company will withstand and respond when it happens.”, he says.
For Marcos, the role of leadership has never been more decisive.Digital security must start from the top. It is a strategic choice that impacts brand value, customer relationships, and business sustainability.
He also emphasizes that the current challenge is not just investing in tools, but creating an organizational mindset focused on prevention, preparation, and intelligent response.Security is routine, culture, and leadership decision. And this needs to be present in the company's strategy.I finished.
Paulo Motta, partner of Marcos Koenigkan at Mercado & Opinião, emphasizes: "It is necessary to understand that safety is not achieved with a single action; it is routine, process, and awareness at all levels of the company.
With cyberattacks becoming increasingly prevalent, prevention remains the best defense for businesses, and it begins with engaged leadership, strategic decisions, and a real shift in how companies view digital security: not as a cost, but as a priority to ensure trust, continuity, and growth.
