The scale of hacker attacks
Almost 30,000 unique security incidents were recorded last year—more than 180% above the 2020 level, according to the CERT Polska report. Phishing accounted for nearly 77% of reported attacks, an increase of almost 200% compared with 2020. Ransomware, which often begins with phishing, is also becoming more common.
The data shows a clear trend: cybercrime is increasing both globally and in Poland. No company can assume that it is safe simply because it is small, new or operating in a familiar industry. Every organization should prepare for the possibility of an attack and its consequences.
The consequences of a successful hacker attack
Companies are often reluctant to admit that they have been attacked. They may lose data or intellectual property, suffer espionage or face serious operational disruption. Depending on the incident, the financial loss may be difficult to predict or absorb.
The consequences can include:
- higher insurance premiums;
- the loss or decline in value of customer relationships;
- additional marketing costs to rebuild trust;
- lost contracts and business opportunities;
- a reduction in brand value;
- bankruptcy.
An attack can also trigger a chain reaction: rushed and expensive IT purchases, management errors, delayed payments, delivery problems, loss of trust among customers and suppliers, legal costs, higher borrowing costs, patent theft and lawsuits.
Prepare before the attack
Cybersecurity is often postponed until an incident occurs, even though rebuilding financial and organizational capacity afterwards is difficult. Employees are on the front line in most attacks, so the human factor must be part of the security strategy.
Build a security culture through continuous, varied education and realistic practice. A free phishing test can show how employees react in controlled conditions and identify where additional support is needed.
If you want to start building a security culture in your company, contact our specialist.
