Data protection has become an issue of extreme importance in the current context, where digitization and interconnectivity are part of the daily life of more than 5,5 billion people, as pointed out by Statista in 2024. The increase in cyber attacks and the expansion of regulations, how the General Data Protection Law (GDPL), they highlight the urgent need for effective measures to ensure information security.
In 2024, the Cybersecurity Ventures report projected that global damages caused by cybercrime will exceed US$ 10,9 trillion annually by the end of 2025, a 22% increase compared to the previous year. Furthermore, a study by the Ponemon Institute indicated that the average cost of a data breach in 2024 is $4,86 million, with small and medium enterprises being the most vulnerable.
The need to be swift, therefore, it requires service provider companies to take an active and collaborative role in formulating effective strategies to protect sensitive data, ensure the privacy of citizens and preserve consumer trust in an increasingly complex and challenging environment
Gilberto Reis, COO of Runtalent, reference company in Digital Solutions, emphasizes the responsibility of organizations to ensure the security of their clients' and partners' information. "Data protection has never been as essential as it is now". technology has advanced rapidly and, with her, digital threats have also multiplied. Companies must be prepared not only to protect the sensitive information of their clients, but also to ensure the continuity of their business. For that, investing in data security is no longer a matter of choice, affirms the executive
"With the increase in threats, how ransomware and data leaks, companies need to adopt a proactive and integrated approach. In addition to investing in advanced prevention technologies, how encryption and real-time monitoring, it is essential that organizations promote a culture of awareness and continuous training among their employees. Only this way, it will be possible to mitigate risks and protect data integrity effectively, avoiding irreparable damage to reputation and business, complements Caio Abade, Cybersecurity Executive at Betta Global Partner, integrated company in T solutions.And cybersecurity
Data protection and legislation
The General Data Protection Law (LGPD) requires companies to adopt strict practices to prevent leaks and abuses, ensuring public trust. This means more than just complying with the law – means respecting the right to privacy and protecting the data of your consumers in an ethical and transparent manner, highlights Karina Gutierrez , Lawyer at the Bosque Law Firm.
The lawyer emphasizes that cyber risks affect, beyond the large corporations, the small businesses that, many times, are not prepared to deal with the complexity of data protection regulations, how the LGPD.
How to protect yourself
To prevent data leakage, experts provide some key tips that should be followed by companies or ordinary users
1. Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication
For individuals and companies, Security starts with strong passwords.. Avoid simple passwords and use long, complex combinations. Furthermore, implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) in all accounts, both personal and corporate. This adds an extra layer of protection, making it difficult for unauthorised access even if the password is discovered. Organisations should ensure that all employees use MFA, especially in critical systems, like corporate e-mails and financial platforms
2. Keep devices and software up to date
Regular updates of operating systems and applications are of utmost importance to fix security vulnerabilities, both for individuals and for companies. Many cyberattacks exploit flaws in outdated software, So never put off the updates.. For companies, it is important to configure devices and systems for automatic updates and to apply security patches immediately, ensuring that all employees are protected against the latest threats
3. Beware of suspicious e-mails and links
Phishing is one of the most common tactics used to steal data. Both individuals and organizations should be cautious about e-mails or messages from unknown sources. Never click on links or download suspicious attachments. In the corporate environment, it is essential to carry out regular digital security awareness training for employees, helping them identify fraudulent e-mails and verify the authenticity of sensitive requests
4. Encrypts sensitive information
Encryption is key to protecting confidential data, are personal or business. For individuals, Encrypting important documents before sharing or storing them online is essential. Companies must adopt encryption at all levels, including data in transit, at rest and in backups, to ensure that, even in the event of unauthorised access, the data cannot be read without the appropriate key
5. Review the privacy permissions of apps and social networks
It is important to regularly review privacy settings, both on personal devices and on corporate systems. For individuals, This means controlling who has access to your personal information on apps and social networks., limiting the sharing of sensitive data. For companies, it is essential to establish clear policies on the use of applications and access to internal data, ensuring that employees do not share corporate information with unauthorised tools. Furthermore, the permissions of applications used in the organisation must be constantly monitored, to avoid excessive access to sensitive data
