In recent months, Brazilian companies have intensified their demand for specialized services in business continuity management (GCN). This significant increase is a direct reflection of the exponential growth of cyber attacks in the country, especially ransomware, and the increasing rigor of the inspection promoted by the National Data Protection Authority (ANPD).
In 2024 alone, Brazil recorded more than 700 million cyber attacks, 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 greatest risks faced by companies today. In this criminal modality, corporate systems are invaded and their data encrypted, leading to total or partial interruption of operations until the payment of ransom. In addition to direct financial damage, there are significant indirect and intangible losses, such as the deterioration of the trust of customers and business partners. It is estimated that incidents of this type have caused billionaire losses to the Brazilian market only in the last year, driving business decision-makers to reevaluate their positions in the face of operational risk.
In parallel, the ANPD intensified its enforcement actions throughout 2024 and early 2025, mainly related to compliance with the General Data Protection Law (LGPD). Companies have faced severe sanctions for not having adequate security mechanisms and operational continuity, especially in the face of the finding of vulnerabilities that expose personal data. This rigorous posture, before more flexible, now demands from Brazilian organizations a structured and coherent approach in the management of incidents and crises, raising the strategic importance of the GCN.
GCN as a preventive tool
In this context, the importance of business continuity management grows, not only as a reactive measure, but mainly as an essential preventive tool. A well-implemented NCM allows companies to recover quickly from incidents, minimizing financial damage and preserving their reputation with the market. This is an integrated corporate practice that identifies, evaluates and prepares organizations to respond effectively to any critical interruption in operations, ensuring the shortest possible time of unavailability.
Implementing an effective NCG strategy begins with a thorough risk analysis, in which the critical processes of the organization and the potential impact in case of interruption are clearly identified. This first step determines which operations need to be prioritized in a crisis situation. Subsequently, the continuity plan is elaborated, which details clear and specific procedures to be adopted during disruptive events, allowing 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 because of technical failures, but because of the lack of familiarity of teams with the procedures provided. Therefore, it is essential that all involved are continuously prepared to act as planned, ensuring that protocols are executed fluidly and effectively when really necessary.
Another aspect that reinforces the relevance of GCN are 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 can not only mitigate internal risks, but also gain greater confidence with business partners, investors and customers, strengthening their position in the market.
Specialized consulting firms play a central role in the successful implementation of GCN, bringing technical expertise and strategic vision to the planning and execution of these initiatives.These firms support organizations from initial risk assessment to the development of customized plans and specific training, ensuring that the solutions adopted 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 relation to the perception of operational and cyber risks. This scenario demands a strategic, integrated and continuous response from organizations, which need to be prepared not only to respond quickly to incidents, but to ensure the sustainability of operations in the long term. Investing in a solid business continuity strategy is to protect the present and ensure 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 Consulting of SVX Consultoria