Cybersecurity in business: Protect Your Future with DATASHIELD Risk Consulting

An article from Hans Mourette - CEO of DATASHIELD Risk Consulting.
Updated on October 25, 2023 - reading time: 6 min

Cybersecurity is more crucial than ever for all businesses. In 2022, a study revealed alarming figures concerning the digital security of French companies, highlighting the urgency of taking proactive measures to safeguard against cyber threats. According to studies by Symantec and IFOP, 14% of victimized companies report having to spend more than 50,000 euros to get back on track after an attack, and up to 100,000 euros more for 6% of them. Consequently, 71% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have been the target of a cyberattack do not recover and file for bankruptcy within three years.
These figures demonstrate the seriousness of the situation and the extent of the threat looming over businesses. Among economic actors, SMEs are particularly vulnerable to IT attacks. Due to their smaller size, they often have limited resources to implement robust protection mechanisms. However, it is essential to emphasize that, even with limited means, these businesses are not devoid of solutions to strengthen their digital security.
| The State of Cybersecurity in France
| The Impact of Cyberattacks on All Sectors, Including the Public Sector
Cyberattacks do not discriminate between the public and private sectors, and recent examples of security breaches in the public sector attest to the extent of the problem. Critical institutions such as the city halls of Lille, Angers, as well as hospitals in Brest, Bourg-en-Bresse, and Corbeil-Essonnes have been targets of devastating cyberattacks, highlighting their vulnerability.
The consequences of these attacks for businesses range from the loss of sensitive data to the loss of credibility and trust from stakeholders. These incidents have a major financial and operational impact, underscoring the urgency of cybersecurity for all organizations.
| The CPME Study in 2020 and the Alarming Statistics
According to a comprehensive study conducted by the Confederation of Small and Medium Enterprises (CPME) in 2020, the state of cybersecurity in France is alarming. This study revealed that 43% of French SMEs had been the victim of at least one IT attack in 2019, highlighting the prevalence of these incidents.
Among the most common types of attacks are phishing, ransomware, and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. Phishing is one of the favorite techniques of cybercriminals to target individuals, while businesses are more often victims of ransomware, attacks that demand a ransom payment to unlock encrypted data. DDoS attacks aim to make services unavailable by overwhelming computer infrastructures with malicious traffic.
The average cost of an IT attack for an SME is estimated at about 75,000 euros, according to a study by Hiscox in 2019. These figures reveal the significant financial impact that attacks can have, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, emphasizing the need to strengthen security measures.
| DATASHIELD Risk Consulting Solutions
| Prevention
In the complex landscape of cybersecurity, prevention is the crucial first line of defense for businesses. DATASHIELD Risk Consulting, as an expert, assists you in this critical phase of the cybersecurity cycle.
| 1. Employee Awareness
The first step towards enhanced cybersecurity is to educate employees about good computer security practices. DATASHIELD Risk Consulting offers training and awareness programs specifically designed to help staff members recognize the warning signs of potential attacks. Employees are trained to identify phishing emails, malicious links, and suspicious behavior, thus reducing the risks associated with social engineering.
| 2. Security Audits
DATASHIELD Risk Consulting offers comprehensive security audits to identify vulnerabilities in your company's systems and networks. These audits are conducted by cybersecurity experts, who assess existing infrastructures to detect potential flaws. Based on these evaluations, recommendations are made to strengthen the overall security of the company.
DATASHIELD Risk Consulting's approach to prevention is rooted in a deep understanding of current threats and best security practices. By collaborating with DATASHIELD Risk Consulting, companies can implement robust preventive measures, significantly reducing their exposure to cyber risks. The solutions offered by the company are tailored to the size and specific needs of each client, ensuring effective protection against current and emerging threats.
| Protection
When it comes to the security of systems and data, protection is a key pillar of cybersecurity strategy. DATASHIELD Risk Consulting offers a comprehensive range of security solutions designed to strengthen the robustness of its clients' IT infrastructures, prevent threats, and ensure the preservation of sensitive data.
| 1. Advanced Firewalls
Firewalls play a central role in defending against external attacks. DATASHIELD Risk Consulting implements advanced firewalls to filter incoming and outgoing network traffic, thus blocking potential threats before they reach internal systems. These firewalls are custom-configured to meet the specific needs of each company.
| 2. Cutting-Edge Antivirus
Antivirus software is an essential bulwark against malware and viruses. DATASHIELD Risk Consulting offers cutting-edge antivirus solutions that use advanced detection technologies to identify and eliminate threats while ensuring real-time protection.

| 3. Data Encryption
Data security is a major concern, especially for companies handling sensitive information. DATASHIELD Risk Consulting offers robust encryption software to protect stored and in-transit data. Encryption ensures that even in the event of a breach, the data remains inaccessible to cybercriminals.
| 4. Regular Backups
Data loss can lead to devastating consequences. DATASHIELD Risk Consulting recommends and implements regular backup strategies to ensure the availability of critical data. These backups are configured to minimize data loss in the event of an incident.
| 5. Updates and Patches
DATASHIELD Risk Consulting ensures that its clients' software and systems are always up-to-date with the latest security patches. Known vulnerabilities are thus minimized, reducing the risks of exploitation by cybercriminals.
DATASHIELD Risk Consulting's approach to protection is based on a deep understanding of current threats and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to counter these threats. Collaborating with the company, clients can ensure their systems and data are continuously monitored and protected, providing peace of mind regarding their digital security.
| Restoration
The restoration phase is a crucial step in managing cybersecurity incidents. In the event of an attack or breach, DATASHIELD Risk Consulting is prepared to act quickly and effectively to minimize damage, restore system and data integrity, and implement measures to prevent future intrusions.
| 1. Emergency Plan
DATASHIELD Risk Consulting has developed comprehensive emergency plans to manage cybersecurity incidents. These plans are specific to each client and define roles and responsibilities in the event of an attack. They also include detailed procedures for responding quickly and effectively to the incident.
| 2. System and Data Restoration
After an attack, recovering systems and data is essential. DATASHIELD Risk Consulting deploys teams of experts who work closely with clients to restore affected systems. Data is recovered from secure backups to minimize data loss.
| 3. Preventing Future Intrusions
DATASHIELD Risk Consulting not only reacts to the incident but also implements proactive measures to prevent the attack from recurring. This includes identifying security flaws that allowed the incident to occur and implementing fixes to strengthen security. Preventive measures are also taken to protect against future threats.
In case of a security breach, quick response is crucial to minimize consequences. DATASHIELD Risk Consulting is equipped to act swiftly, restore normality, and implement measures to prevent recurrence. This proactive approach is essential for maintaining long-term security and ensuring business resilience against cybersecurity threats.
| Preparing to Respond
Preparing to respond in case of a cyberattack is an essential component of the overall cybersecurity strategy. DATASHIELD Risk Consulting focuses on proactive preparation to help businesses effectively and thoughtfully handle potential security breaches.
| Emergency Plan and Employee Training
DATASHIELD Risk Consulting recommends implementing a detailed emergency plan in case of a cyberattack. This plan identifies steps to follow, staff responsibilities, and specific procedures in case of a security breach. The company works with its clients to customize these plans according to their unique needs.
Beyond implementing the plan, employee training is crucial. DATASHIELD Risk Consulting offers specific cybersecurity training programs to make employees aware of potential threats and educate them on how to respond in case of a security breach. A well-informed workforce is an additional line of defense against attacks.
| To Conclude
Cybersecurity is an omnipresent challenge in today's digital landscape, and alarming statistics highlight the serious financial and operational consequences businesses can face in case of a cyberattack. The numbers do not lie, and it is clear that the imperative to protect against cyber threats has never been more crucial.
DATASHIELD Risk Consulting stands by your side to help you meet this challenge. Whether you are a large enterprise or an SME, we offer tailored solutions to strengthen your digital security, from prevention to response in the event of an incident. We understand the current stakes of cybersecurity and implement cutting-edge strategies to protect your systems, sensitive data, and reputation.
Proactive preparation, employee awareness are integral parts of our approach. We work with you to create emergency plans specific to your business, train your staff to recognize potential threats, and offer you peace of mind.
Collaborating with DATASHIELD Risk Consulting, you invest in your business's resilience against constantly evolving digital threats. Do not leave cybersecurity to chance. Protect your future today with DATASHIELD Risk Consulting.
Do not hesitate to contact us to learn more about our services or to discuss your specific cybersecurity needs. Your safety is our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way.