Today, data leaks represent one of the biggest threats to companies of all sizes and industries. It’s not just about the risk of financial loss: these incidents can lead to million-dollar fines, damage brand reputation, and, most importantly, put customers and employees in a vulnerable position against digital fraud.
In Brazil, the severity of the problem is evident. In the past five years alone, the federal government recorded nearly 58,000 cybersecurity incidents or digital vulnerability alerts, with over 9,000 cases involving data leaks in federal systems.
How Data Leaks Turn Into Scams
Criminals use leaked personal information to carry out increasingly sophisticated frauds. One example is the “wrong Pix scam”: the scammer transfers money to the victim and then calls requesting a refund. When the victim sends the money back to another account, the criminal activates the Special Refund Mechanism (MED), claiming they were deceived, leaving the victim with the loss.
Other common scams include:
- hijacking social media accounts;
- fake product or investment offers;
- using personal information for extortion or phishing.
In addition, Brazil’s LGPD (General Data Protection Law) holds companies accountable for data protection. Experts warn that when a leak occurs, it is considered a failure in service delivery, which can result in fines of up to 2% of annual revenue (capped at R$50 million) and even compensation for moral and material damages to victims.
With this in mind, we’ve prepared some practical tips to help protect your company against data leaks.
5 Practices to Protect Your Company Against Data Leaks
- Implement a Living Information Security Policy
Your Information Security Policy (ISP) must be more than just a document: it should be regularly reviewed to keep up with new threats. It must clearly define responsibilities, response protocols, and guidelines for employees.
- Adopt a Multi-Layered Security Strategy
Effective protection requires a multi-layered approach, including:
- robust firewalls;
- updated antivirus software;
- intrusion detection systems;
- edge security solutions;
- end-to-end encryption for data at rest and in transit.
With Tuvis, for example, companies can secure corporate conversations through apps like WhatsApp and Signal with end-to-end encryption, reducing the risk of interception.
Tuvis also provides its own Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tool, which allows companies to create rules and policies that prevent data leaks or internal policy breaches.
- Control and Limit Access to Sensitive Data
Not all employees need access to all information. Applying the principle of least privilege helps minimize risks. It is also essential to regularly monitor and audit access, detecting suspicious activity before it turns into an incident.
With Tuvis, companies also gain auditing support, as all messages exchanged on messaging apps are stored in the company’s own database, making this process easier and ensuring greater compliance with applicable laws.
- Continuously Train and Raise Awareness Among Your Team
The human element is both the weakest link and the strongest defense in information security. Invest in awareness programs that cover:
- phishing risks;
- importance of strong and unique passwords;
- secure communication practices;
- incident response protocols.
Well-trained employees detect threats faster and reduce the likelihood of costly mistakes.
- Perform Regular Backups and Audits
Regular backups ensure data resilience in case of attacks or leaks. Periodic audits allow you to evaluate the effectiveness of security measures, fix vulnerabilities, and continuously improve processes.
What to Do if a Data Leak Has Already Happened?
If your company suffers an incident, it’s crucial to:
- immediately notify the ANPD (Brazil’s Data Protection Authority) and the data subjects;
- adopt containment and investigation measures;
- strengthen security to prevent recurrence.
For consumers, it is recommended to report to the ANPD portal, Procon, or the Central Bank, monitor financial transactions, and gather evidence of scams.
More Than a Technical Issue, a Strategic Priority
A data leak is not just a technical issue—it’s a strategic, legal, and trust-related risk. Companies that invest in multi-layered security, a culture of protection, and the right technology drastically reduce the chances of incidents and stand out in the market.
More than simply complying with LGPD, it’s about protecting people, businesses, and relationships of trust.
At Tuvis, we believe secure corporate communication is the first step toward a robust protection strategy. Discover our integrated security solutions and bring more peace of mind to your company.
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