One in Ten Belgian Companies Unable to Defend Against Digital Threats

By Netvora Tech News

The Flemish minister of Innovation and Digitalization, Matthias Diependaele, has expressed concern over the findings of the annual report by the Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VLAIO). According to the report, ten percent of Flemish companies are unable to adequately defend themselves against digital threats.

Rising Cyberattack Numbers

The report, which surveyed 2,700 Flemish companies, revealed that 46 percent of respondents had experienced a cyberattack in the past year. This is a significant increase from the 10 percent recorded just a year prior.

"That means one in ten of our companies is unable to defend themselves sufficiently," Diependaele stated in an interview with VRT NWS. "I'm shocked by the high number of affected companies. The digitalization of the business world is moving fast, and we know that there are also risks involved. But the fact that so many companies are affected is alarming and we need to keep a close eye on it."

Government Support for Cybersecurity

To help companies improve their cybersecurity, the Flemish government is offering a range of programs and financial support. According to Patrick Hauspie of the VLAIO, "We have trajectories that cost between €9,000 and €35,000, with a maximum of €60,000. For a small and medium-sized enterprise, the government will cover half of the costs."

This means that a company can invest as little as €5,000 and still make significant progress in improving its cybersecurity. However, the main challenge lies in raising awareness among Flemish entrepreneurs of the real risks involved.

Raising Awareness About Cybersecurity Risks

"The big challenge is to make Flemish entrepreneurs aware that there are indeed risks involved," Hauspie emphasized. "A company can invest €5,000 and do a lot to make itself more resilient to cyberattacks. We need to help entrepreneurs understand the importance of cybersecurity and the consequences of not taking it seriously."

The Flemish government is offering financial support to companies looking to improve their cybersecurity.
The VLAIO has identified a range of cybersecurity trajectories for companies, with costs ranging from €9,000 to €60,000.
Small and medium-sized enterprises can receive up to 50% of the costs covered by the government.