Cybersecurity is currently one of the most important and urgent topics in the digital environment. With technological advancement, the need to invest in security has been growing over time, since we have an increase in concern about the protection of data and sensitive information. When we talk about the business market, it is very common to think of large companies that deal with a high volume of data every day, but smaller companies often take more risks by not protecting themselves correctly, leaving investments in cybersecurity in the background.
Small and Medium Enterprises, or SMEs, are an important driving force in the Brazilian economy. According to the Ministry of Economy, SMEs account for 99% of the almost 20 million companies we have in Brazil. Together, they are responsible for 27% of Brazil’s GDP and account for 62% of formal jobs, according to Sebrae. They are facing the dilemma of digitalization, even more so after the pandemic, and are under enormous pressure to have more connectivity to further strengthen ties with their customers.
It is common for SMEs not to consider themselves potential targets for attacks, but the scenario shows a very different reality, with at least one in four companies victims of attempted digital intrusions. Cybersecurity is essential for all sizes and segments of organizations, as they all use technology as the foundation of their operations. All collect and store sensitive data, such as customer information, personal and business records. Without proper measures for cyber protection, this information can be breached, resulting in identity theft, financial fraud, and damage to business reputation.
Incredible as it may seem, what few SMBs still don’t know is that the most modern protection technologies are also available to smaller companies, bringing security previously accessible to large companies to their universe. Therefore, not using protection solutions is a huge business mistake. Data breaches can lead to the loss of trust of customers and partners, in addition to exposing them to legal risks due to the obligation that we all have in the face of the LGPD (General Law for the Protection of Personal Data). In other words, in addition to the image crisis, not complying with the law can result in significant fines and expose you to irreversible damage.
Protection solutions provide uninterrupted, 24-hour monitoring, which is impossible to do manually. They allow access restriction, configuration of responsibilities according to the position of employees, as well as automatic blocking of dangerous emails and links to block threats before they become real risks. They monitor the performance of the network and computers, analyzing any changes in the volume of access and are able to create protective barriers (firewalls) that make it difficult for hackers to break in.
As digital threats evolve, security capabilities need to be increasingly complex and sophisticated. One of the main points is the protection of sensitive data, as personal, financial and business information are frequent targets of cybercriminals, who, when invading systems, can cause incalculable damage. Therefore, digital security must include the protection of computer systems, networks, and electronic devices against virtual threats, such as hackers, malware, phishing, and cyberattacks in general.
To ensure digital security, it is essential to adopt preventive and protective measures that include the use of firewalls, antivirus, and security programs on computers, devices, and networks. In addition, it is necessary to keep systems up to date, as updates often fix flaws that can be used for intrusions. Employee awareness and education also play a crucial role in letting everyone know the risks involved and each other’s responsibility in protecting the company. This includes using strong passwords, recognizing suspicious links, and being careful when sharing information with third parties. It should be mandatory for all types of companies to invest in monitoring measures, implement security policies and apply constant improvement actions.
The world is increasingly connected, and cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. Protecting privacy, data, and infrastructure, including for small and medium-sized businesses, is a low investment in the face of the problems that can be generated by possible intrusions. Cybersecurity requires attention, constancy and monitoring and, without a doubt, technology is our best ally to ensure a smooth and protected workday.
With more than 5,000 clients, Blockbit is one of the leading manufacturers of cybersecurity solutions, empowering businesses to protect themselves against a wide range of threats, vulnerabilities, and cyberattacks, whether internal or external, generic or specific.