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What is Cybersecurity? Cybersecurity in the age of digitalization and how to protect data from cyberattacks

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Approximately 25,000 cyberattacks are recorded daily in Romania, according to data provided by the National Directorate for Cyber Security. In the case of ransomware incidents—where hackers encrypt company or institutional databases—publicly reported ransom amounts in 2024 reached €157,000 in Romania.

In the following, we will discuss what cybersecurity is, the importance of cybersecurity for organizations of all sizes, the main challenges companies face, and the methods through which they can protect their data from cyberattacks, thus reducing the risk of unplanned disruptions.

Cybersecurity definition and why it is vital for business

Cybersecurity refers to a set of processes, technologies, and procedures designed to combat cyberattacks or reduce their impact. Its role is to protect IT systems (computers, applications, servers, and databases) against cyber threats such as ransomware and other types of malware, phishing, and unauthorized access to system data.
However, for many companies in Romania, cybersecurity measures mainly consist of protecting accounts and system access through passwords and antivirus software. While these solutions provide a basic level of protection, they may become insufficient in the long term.
As cyberattacks become more frequent and sophisticated, adopting advanced and proactive security strategies becomes essential. Global statistics also highlight the critical importance of prioritizing cybersecurity:
  • 900,145,035 data breaches across 9,478 publicly disclosed incidents in 2024 (itgovernance.co.uk)
  • 88% of data breaches are caused by human error (Standford)
  • The global average cost of a data breach in 2024 reached a record $4.88 million—an increase of 10% compared to the previous year (IBM)
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Information security and the main challenges companies face

In cybersecurity, challenges come from both external and internal environments. In the absence of a dedicated specialist, any business should consider risk factors that may create vulnerabilities in data security.

Emerging malware-based threats

Among the most problematic cyber attacks are those based on Malware (malicious script or software). Malware-based attacks represent a major challenge for cybersecurity, as they create various access routes through which a hacker can penetrate a computer system and steal data or negatively affect it.

Common types of malware include:

  • Adware – Malware that displays unwanted advertisements on a user’s devices. It can slow down performance and collect data illegally
  • Spyware – Malware that records and reports sensitive data about a user’s activity, such as passwords or banking information
  • Miners – Malware that uses the resources of infected devices in the process of mining cryptocurrencies
  • Worms –Malware that autonomously multiplies and spreads from one device to another, which can cause significant damage, such as consuming bandwidth, overloading networks and facilitating other cyberattacks
  • Ransomware –Malware that encrypts files or blocks access to a user’s systems, demanding a ransom to unlock the data or system
  • Trojan – Malware that disguises itself as legitimate or harmless software, but which, once installed, allows attackers to access, control and infect a compromised device with other types of malware
Although these threats are well known among cybersecurity specialists, business owners must also stay informed and prioritize data security, as malware evolves rapidly—sometimes faster than antivirus solutions can update.

Cloud security and protection of stored data

More companies are adopting cloud solutions for data storage, enabling access from multiple devices and improving collaboration. However, this increased accessibility also introduces vulnerabilities.


Properly managing access levels and implementing advanced authentication security measures are often neglected, which increases risks. In addition, using cloud solutions can come with risks and challenges, such as:

  • Improper installation or configuration, which can lead to data security vulnerabilitie
  • Lack of transparency regarding data storage location and handling
  • Difficulties in complying with regional regulations, such as GDPR in the European Union, which impose strict data protection standards

IoT-related vulnerabilities

Although IoT (Internet of Things) systems are attractive to technology enthusiasts, they represent a significant threat to a company in terms of cybersecurity, generating major data security issues.

IoT devices are often considered vulnerable entry points into IT networks, as they transmit large volumes of sensitive data without adequate encryption. Manufacturers often prioritize usability over security.

Thus, compromised IoT devices are used to create botnets, which can launch DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks. A notable example is the Mirai botnet, which used IoT devices to carry out massive attacks on important websites.

Lack of awareness and training within organizations

In small and medium-sized companies, in many cases, a security breach occurs because an employee clicks on a suspicious link received by email or installs software from unofficial sources. In addition, in the context where device and account passwords are of low difficulty, are all connected to the same network and are not adequately protected from cyber attacks, the possibility of a cyber incident becomes only a matter of time.
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What should you consider when it comes to data security?

What data should a company protect?

When it comes to data security within an organization, the specifics of the data that needs to be protected depend greatly on the company’s activity. However, in general, there are four categories of data that most organizations find it essential to protect:
  • Financial data
  • Employee data
  • Customer data
  • Intellectual property
Of course, data in the above categories must be collected, stored, used and protected in accordance with applicable regulations. Otherwise, sanctions may arise from the legislative plan for improper data handling or insufficient security measures.

The importance of data encryption

Encryption prevents unauthorized parties from accessing and using sensitive data. Using symmetric or asymmetric encryption ensures that data cannot be used without the appropriate decryption keys.

Data access control policies

In this way, vulnerable entry points into the system are reduced and kept under control, providing better control over the attack routes that a hacker could take. In this way, vulnerable entry points into the system are reduced and kept under control, providing better control over the attack routes that a hacker could take.

Malware, Ransomware, and Phishing attacks in Romania

Romania is among the top countries targeted by cyberattacks, and cyber incidents are constantly occurring in both small and large organizations. This year alone, estimates indicate approximately 25,000 cyberattacks per day. These attacks represent a significant threat to any organization, with the potential to generate considerable financial damage due to business interruption and high remediation costs. In 2023 and 2024, both public institution and private company websites and databases were affected by cyberattacks, which led to the blocking of activity.

Hackers have also repeatedly used phishing tactics, exploiting the image of well-known banks and streaming platforms to obtain sensitive data and access to bank accounts.

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How do you ensure data security for your company?

To ensure business continuity and protect IT infrastructure, vulnerability assessment and data backup planning are essential. Continuous testing and a well-defined security strategy help prevent attacks and reduce risk exposure.

A reliable backup service, with cloud storage for backups, is critical for fast data recovery if servers become inaccessible.

Daily backups ensure continuous protection of essential databases, preventing critical data loss and guaranteeing constant access.

Through customized backup and monitoring measures, companies can avoid significant business interruptions, ensuring that data remains protected and accessible in any situation.

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  • Comply with data protection regulations and industry standards
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What is Cybersecurity? Cybersecurity in the age of digitalization and how to protect data from cyberattacks