Cyber attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and efficient. With the use of artificial intelligence, hackers are managing to reach a larger number of victims and achieving better results. The information is from the annual report The Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025, World Economic Forum, one of the most important in the sector, which also shows as an example the increase in attacks using artificial intelligence for mass email sending, with links, that lead to data theft
Furthermore, data from the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (Fiesp) reveals that three in ten industries have already suffered some type of cyber attack. According to the Fiesp survey, in Brazil, 52,4% of manufacturing companies do not treat cybersecurity as a priority, 44,2% of them have a dedicated security structure, and 64% invest only 1% of their revenue in the area
For computer scientist Michele Nogueira, Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Sorbonne, professor at UFMG, that works on research about the use of Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity, the low investment of companies in data security is due to, many times, due to a lack of knowledge about the area. Many business owners believe that installing a simple antivirus is enough for protection against hacker attacks. "Using antivirus is a basic recommendation for any company". Just like having a firewall, make backups and have a security policy.It is also possible for small businesses to have a security strategy. But, each case is a case. It is necessary to know the characteristics of the company, your assets, your digital infrastructure, through an initial inventory, so that the appropriate strategy can be created by a security professional. Even with limited resources, it is possible to implement an effective defense and minimize the risks associated with these threats, analyze her
Others refrain from implementing data security projects because they believe the investment is high cost. Michele Nogueira explains that the service can start with the basics and evolve with the implementation and installation of cybersecurity infrastructure. "There is also the possibility of hiring outsourced security services". Small businesses can benefit from security solutions provided as a service, that offer tools and support at an affordable cost without the need for large initial investments. Besideschire specialized consultancies to conduct security assessments, identify vulnerabilities and suggest improvements, exemplifies the computer scientist
Automated companies must take extra care
The research "OTRS Spotlight: IT Service Management 2023" showed that 78% of Brazilian companies have already invested in automation, with 52% of them having already acquired tools and having experience in using them and another 26% investing in systems, but they still do not have the necessary knowledge to carry out the procedure. Companies with automated services are more susceptible to suffering cyberattacks on their production systems. "This is one of the great concerns", mainly considering critical systems, that is, systems that support essential services for society such as energy, health, transportation, water supply. Many of the companies that provide services like these are increasingly digitizing their infrastructure for automation, "however this leads to a larger attack surface and risk", alert Michele Nogueira
To prevent attacks, beyond the adoption of cybersecurity actions and measures by companies, constant updating is essential, since with the use of Artificial Intelligence by hackers, new types of threats are constantly being created. "It is interesting to conduct consultations or periodic assessments of your digital infrastructure regarding cybersecurity". I compare it to regular medical exams that people take to check if everything is in order. The idea is similar and there are tests that can be done periodically and proactively that allow, based on the diagnosis, to help the company address risk points and reduce the possibility of attacks, completes the computer scientist
