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Protect your company’s data from cyber attacks

Protecting your company’s data should be a key element of your general policy. But in order to make the right decisions, you must know what the main risks of a cyberattack are and who to contact to best protect your company’s data.

Veerle Geeraerts

More than half of Belgian SMEs have already been victims of piracy. Your company’s data is a gold mine, and many of you are rightly concerned about the risks that these attacks can entail, especially in the current period.

Accelerated digitisation of activities, compulsory homeworking, a workforce who’s not always trained to recognise risks online… The Belgian press often echoes that the coronavirus epidemic is the perfect environment for cybercriminals. So it’s high time to recognise the risks, to follow the appropriate training to protect your data, to take action and, if damage is done, to react correctly in case of an attack.

How can my business suffer from a cyberattack?

Regardless of the size of your company or your industry, cyberattacks can have very serious consequences. The financial impact of a data breach can be significant and your business continuity can quickly be compromised. Here are a few examples:

Essential business information may be destroyed and/or stolen. Your contact list, your database full of prospects whose added value has been built up over several years? They could disappear in a matter of seconds.
Your site is suddenly unavailable, or a business software is compromised by targeted operations. An e-commerce site that doesn’t let in any orders that can not handle orders is worth nothing.

Sanctions can be taken in case of a leak of personal data. The GDPR ensures the protection of citizens’ data within the EU. This regulation has required considerable adaptation by many SMEs to bring their internal functioning in line with EU regulations. But the consequences of a data leak can be even more complicated – and expensive – to deal with.

Finally, your image and credibility could be tarnished. A B2C company that has to announce that it has lost control of its customers’ private data, or a B2B company that has to inform its partners that they are running a financial risk, finds itself in a very difficult situation.

I want to protect my company’s data, who can help me?

Our network has many partners who can help you to improve the quality of your data protection and to react well in case of attacks.

Belgian Chambers of Commerce

Within the framework of the Flemish Action Plan for Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity, the Flemish Chambers of Commerce (Voka -KvK) are jointly responsible for developing a comprehensive action plan for cybersecurity. The plan pays particular attention to awareness-raising and training for businesses. Together with Deloitte Private and with VLAIO funding, Voka-KvK has developed a wide range of initiatives that will help you to prepare yourself as well as possible.

For example, you can participate in events and training courses, such as the DIGI-lab “Cybersecurity voor professionals”.. This technical training, which is offered in several regions, allows you to discover, during 3 interactive sessions, the processes and techniques that can be used to strengthen your digital security.

Would you like to begin with finding out how prepared your company is? That’s the perfect first step! The Digital Quick scan helps entrepreneurs to refine your digital strategy with concrete advice based on your individual results. You can also compare your own score with other players in your industry and other SMEs. And if you need personal advice, don’t worry! You can schedule a free follow-up meeting with a digital consultant from Voka and Deloitte Private.

More information

In Wallonia and Brussels, the Chambers of Commerce regularly organise training and information sessions on the subject of cybersecurity and data protection. Keep an eye on our “events” page, or contact the Chamber in your region directly for information on upcoming events.

ICC

ICC, the International Chambers of Commerce, has published a Cyber Security Guide. It contains a self-assessment questionnaire and a set of five principles aimed at reducing the risks associated with data theft. These principles are set out in a list of six essential steps for optimal data protection.

GlobalSign

GlobalSign, Belgian Chambers’ partner for issuing digital certificates, also offers SSL Certificates. These secure websites and networks, protect intellectual property and brand reputation and control access to company resources.

FPS Economy

The FPS Economy also advises companies on cybersecurity, for example by means of a handbook entitled ‘Cybersecurity – is your company ready?‘ And on the website of the Centre for Cyber Security Belgium, webinars explain how companies can prepare and protect themselves against the main existing dangers.

Cyber Security Coalition

This platform brings together the academic world, the private sector and the Belgian authorities in a trusted environment. It enables them to exchange information and to fight together for cyber security. Companies can become members and several tools are available to SMEs, including the SME Security Scan.

What can I do if my company’s data are stolen?

Being well protected against hackers requires specific knowledge and preparation, but the rules to follow in the event of data theft are at least as important.

If, unfortunately, your company is the victim of an attack, you can visit this site to choose the scenario that applies to your situation. You will then receive information on which public services to contact and advice on how best to defend your interests.

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