Why cybersecurity is now a matter of survival for businesses and cities

Cybersecurity has become one of the biggest political, economic, and strategic challenges today. Attacks can disrupt entire cities, cripple businesses, and even threaten national security. Bruno Juanes Gárate, CEO of KIO IT Services, recently shared key insights on the growing risks and solutions in this critical field.

A single ransomware attack can cost a company millions in losses. Beyond financial damage, breaches expose sensitive data—like a hospital’s patient records—putting lives and privacy at risk. For many businesses, strong cybersecurity is no longer optional but essential for survival.

Attacks can come from criminal gangs or state-backed groups operating across borders. Cities have faced complete shutdowns due to cyber incidents, showing how vulnerable modern infrastructure can be. Companies also risk long-term harm to their reputation and customer trust if they fail to protect data effectively. Gárate emphasises that cybersecurity is about more than just defence—it’s a matter of operational resilience. Businesses must prepare for attacks, recover quickly, and ensure continuity even under pressure. Without these measures, organisations face severe financial, legal, and reputational consequences.

The cost of cyber threats extends far beyond immediate financial losses. Companies, governments, and public services must treat cybersecurity as a core part of their strategy. Failing to do so leaves them exposed to attacks that could disrupt operations, damage trust, and even endanger lives.