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Although cybersecurity is becoming a more critical agenda item for large companies every year, data indicates that SMEs do not see cyber attacks such as ransomware, which increased by 13% last year, as a risk. Experts advise businesses to prepare against cyber threats and use centralized systems.

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ISTANBUL (TR) - As emerging technologies change and strengthen existing forms of cyber attacks, cyber security is becoming a more critical agenda item for all companies day by day. Verizon's 2022 Data Breach Investigation Report provides an up-to-date picture of breaches. While the report shows that in 2021, ransomware attacks increased by 13%, the one-year increase in ransomware attacks, which accounts for a quarter of all cybersecurity breaches, is more than the sum of 5 years. While it is noted in the report that three of the five attacks affect supply chains, it is stated that 82% of the attacks involve the human factor.

Sharing his evaluations on the data, Berqnet General Manager Hakan Hintoğlu said, “A severe break in ransomware attacks, which started in 2017, is seen to be increasing after 2019. Ransomware attacks, which have become one of the most threatening forms of attack for businesses at the point we have reached today, target companies of all sizes. Small and medium-sized businesses that do not pay due attention to their cyber security investments for reasons such as costs or lack of workforce are more vulnerable to losses than large companies.”

Only 5% of SMEs see cybersecurity as a risk

CNBC conducted research with small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) found that only 5% of businesses rank cybersecurity as a significant risk. Emphasizing that SMEs are more open to phishing and ransomware attacks because they do not have high-security budgets and advanced expertise, Hakan Hintoğlu said, “There is data showing that small and medium-sized enterprises are 350% more exposed to attacks targeting human errors, which are evaluated under the category of social engineering. Knowing that the systems of these enterprises are more vulnerable to attacks, hackers turn to multiple SMEs, thinking that it is easier and more profitable than targeting an advanced security infrastructure. The company needs to invest in cyber security. The Secure Access Service (SASE) architecture, which combines many solutions a company needs in terms of cyber security and is offered with a service model, is the most suitable solution for SMEs with its scalable structure and easy applicability." 

Cryptocurrencies are used for ransom

Saying that malicious people prefer cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin for ransom demands, Berqnet General Manager Hakan Hintoğlu concluded his evaluation with the following statements: “98% of ransom payments are made with Bitcoin. The volatile nature of cryptocurrencies, which allows attackers to hide their identity and title, also increases companies' costs. While threats and risks increase so much, businesses need to be one step ahead of cyber attackers and use the cyber security approaches of the future. The SASE architecture, which Gartner predicts will have the strategies for adoption by three out of five organizations by 2025, enables centralized management of network and security operations. This simplifies complex network and cyber security processes. Covering solutions such as Zero Trust, Secure Internet Access, Central Management, and Software Defined Wide Area Network, SASE offers the network security, traceability and management they need from SMEs to holdings and businesses of different sizes, from a single platform, with a service model, thanks to its applicability to all digital systems and easy scalability. ”