Almost half of Flemish companies suffered cyber attack last year
Last year, 45.8 per cent of Flemish companies were victims of a cyber attack, according to the annual cyber security report commissioned by the Flemish government. "This underlines the urgent need for robust security in an increasingly digital world," said Flemish minister-president Matthias Diependaele.
More and more companies are using e-commerce, social networks, artificial intelligence and e-invoicing. But this digital development also has a downside, namely an increase in the number of cyber attacks on businesses, according to the latest report on cybersecurity in Flanders.
Last year, almost one in two (45.8 per cent) of Flemish companies were affected by these attacks. One in ten of these attacks were also successful, the report reveals. In some cases, the attackers were able to steal sensitive data or commercial information. In other cases, they demanded a ransom.
Although 71 per cent of organisations believe they are well protected against cyber-attacks, procedures and measures are often inadequate, according to the report.
Cyber resilient Flanders
Despite this, more companies are increasing their cyber security budgets. Half of companies spent the same amount on cybersecurity as last year, and half spent more than in 2023. In addition, more companies are taking advantage of government improvement programmes. More than 200 companies participated in 2024, four times more than the previous year.
"Cybersecurity is no longer an afterthought," says Diependaele. "It is essential for the continuity, image and competitiveness of our Flemish companies." According to the minister-president, a digitally strong Flanders must also be a "cyber resilient Flanders".
#FlandersNewsService | The center for cyber security in Belgium. © BELGA PHOTO HATIM KAGHAT
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