More than 65 percent of Polish companies have experienced a cybersecurity breach in the past year, according to the latest “Cybersecurity Barometer” report by KPMG. A statistic that would have been shocking a few years ago is now the new norm in the Polish business landscape. The question is no longer if a company will fall victim to a cyberattack, but when, and how prepared it will be to respond.
The New Realities of Digital Risk
The report makes it clear: Polish businesses—both large corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. Why? Large organizations store vast amounts of valuable data and operate complex IT infrastructures, requiring advanced cybersecurity solutions to protect them. On the other hand, SMEs are often seen as easier targets due to limited cybersecurity budgets and resources.
Paradoxically, over 60 percent of companies in Poland still lack a coherent cybersecurity strategy. Many business owners falsely assume that cybersecurity threats concern only major corporations. Meanwhile, cyberattacks are indiscriminate—small companies often serve as an entry point for hackers targeting larger organizations within the supply chain.
New Regulations Are Changing the Rules of the Game
In response to growing threats, regulators have introduced new legislation in 2024. These laws expand the scope of companies required to implement risk management systems, threat monitoring, and incident reporting. Failure to comply may result in fines of up to €10 million or 2 percent of global turnover.
According to Łukasz Strzelecki, Business Development Manager at Softprom Poland, cybersecurity should not be seen merely as a cost or regulatory burden. “Companies that embrace modern solutions and proactive protection will gain not only security but also a competitive edge,” he emphasized in an interview with Wprost.
Why Traditional Antivirus Solutions Are No Longer Enough
Relying solely on outdated, traditional antivirus programs is no longer sufficient. Today’s threats are far more sophisticated. Phishing, ransomware, and supply chain attacks are just the tip of the iceberg.
Modern businesses, regardless of size, should seriously consider deploying XDR (Extended Detection and Response) systems. These offer advanced monitoring, behavioral analytics, and automated incident response. Importantly, XDR solutions are now available in cloud, on-premises, and SaaS models, making them adaptable to various business needs and financial capabilities.
Practical Steps for Businesses: From Strategy to Security Culture
- Develop a Comprehensive Cybersecurity Strategy
This isn’t just about purchasing technology. It requires a holistic approach that includes risk analysis, internal policies, and a well-defined incident response plan. - Invest in People, Not Just Technology
Technology alone cannot protect a company if employees cannot recognize a phishing attempt. Regular training programs and social engineering simulations are critical. - Monitor Supply Chains
Hackers increasingly target vendors and subcontractors as a way into larger organizations. Conducting security audits and setting minimum cybersecurity requirements for partners is essential. - Test Your Defenses
Regular penetration testing and red teaming exercises help identify vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them.
Cybersecurity: An Investment That Pays Off
For many Polish businesses, cybersecurity remains a challenging topic—there’s a shortage of qualified specialists, and financial pressures are high. But adopting a “we’re too small to be targeted” mindset is a dangerous and short-sighted strategy.
KPMG’s report shows that the average cost of a successful cyberattack is hundreds of thousands of zlotys, not to mention the reputational damage and loss of customer trust. In today’s globalized, digitized economy, companies that treat cybersecurity as an integral part of their strategy are not just safer—they are stronger competitors.
– The Polish economy is maturing into a new digital reality, where protecting data and IT systems is key to long-term stability and growth, concludes Strzelecki. – The future belongs to those organizations that view cybersecurity not as an obligation, but as a competitive advantage.
0 Comments