How much would data theft cost your company?

Do you know how much it would cost your business if all company and customer data were 'kidnapped' and held for ransom? And what if it were simply stolen? Furthermore, what could happen if it were disclosed to competitors? This would generate a huge negative impact, mainly by affecting the confidentiality of the company's strategic information. The world is increasingly technological, digital, and connected; suffering a cyber attack can cause irreparable consequences for any organization, regardless of its size or area of operation. Experts estimate that, in 2018 alone, cybercrimes cost an average of two trillion dollars worldwide, not counting the damage caused to companies' reputations. Whether to support the generation of new business or as assets that require continuous protection, data is essential in the Digital Age. The problem is that they are very fragile; with a simple click on a malicious link, an employee can put everything at risk, jeopardizing the long process of data collection, analysis, and management, exposing confidential information to the entire world network. Such situations occur so easily because the main type of attack in recent years has aimed at stealing information from users and companies. A technique widely used in these actions is called phishing, as criminals use bait to contaminate the machines where the information is stored. The focus of phishing is to steal confidential information, especially from companies of all sizes. According to recent studies, in the last year alone, more than 100 million attacks were carried out in Brazil. Therefore, ensuring that all accesses are secure is essential. And a proven effective backup and restoration process is also important. Furthermore, user awareness is very important in this challenge, and promoting good practices needs to be encouraged within companies, whether through internal initiatives, use of market benchmarks, or from experts hired specifically for this purpose - users must understand the risks they face when not complying with security rules and have the necessary resources to defend themselves in situations where there is a possibility of such attacks. And of course, it never hurts to reinforce: even if users behave securely, the IT team needs to be proactive, stay alert, and have access to good infrastructure and tools to combat possible hacker attacks. Source: Canaltech

Frequently asked questions

What is phishing, and why is this technique the main threat to a company's data?

Phishing is a technique in which criminals use bait, typically malicious links or messages, to infect the machines where a company's data is stored. Its goal is to steal confidential information, especially from companies of all sizes, which is why it has become the main type of cyberattack in recent years.

How much can data theft actually cost a company?

Experts estimate that in 2018 alone, cybercrime cost businesses worldwide an average of two trillion dollars, not counting the damage to companies' reputations. Beyond the direct financial loss, leaking strategic information to competitors can compromise a company's confidentiality in ways that are irreparable, regardless of its size or industry.

How can a company protect itself against data theft and phishing attacks?

Protection starts with ensuring that all access points are secure and maintaining a proven, effective backup and restoration process. User awareness is also essential, whether built through internal initiatives, market benchmarks, or hired specialists, while the IT team stays proactive with the infrastructure and tools needed to fight off potential attacks.