Acronis Sees Rapid Growth in the Balkans, Focuses on Cybersecurity and Industry 4.0
Introduction
Acronis, a Swiss-Singaporean software company, has experienced above-average growth in the Balkans region. The company’s R&D center in Sofia, Bulgaria, which is its largest, currently employs 550 people and is expected to expand further. According to Philipp Roesler, the growth is driven by the critical work done in the Sofia office, where software protection is developed for various sectors. Roesler also emphasizes Bulgaria’s favorable conditions, such as skilled workers and future opportunities, which contribute to the office’s significance in the company’s operations.
Expanding Presence in Southeast Europe
Over the past five years, Acronis has been active in Bulgaria, providing B2B cybersecurity services through distributors and resellers in Southeast Europe (SEE). The company has established offices in Romania, Turkey, and, most recently, Serbia. In other parts of the region, Acronis collaborates with local partners. Roesler highlights the company’s commitment to seeking new growth opportunities and expanding its presence when necessary.
Building Awareness for Cybersecurity Protection
Acronis places significant focus on cybersecurity services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in SEE. The company recognizes the importance of educating and assisting governments and businesses in the region to better prepare for emerging cybersecurity threats, especially in the era of generative AI systems like ChatGPT. Insufficient awareness and outdated software make phishing attacks and other forms of cybercrime more effective in the SEE region compared to others. Acronis aims to establish best practices early on in the digitalization process of the economies in SEE.
Keywords: cybersecurity protection, emerging cybersecurity threats, generative AI systems, phishing attacks, outdated software, best practices
The Growing Threats: Cybersecurity Challenges in SEE
According to Acronis’ Mid-Year Cyberthreats Report, email attacks have witnessed a 464% annual surge globally, with phishing attacks accounting for 73% of all attacks. Ransomware remains a major threat to large and medium-sized businesses, including government, healthcare, and critical organizations. Roesler emphasizes that countries in the SEE region are at risk due to similar cultural approaches and economic challenges. However, he also sees opportunities to establish best practices for cybersecurity as the region embraces digitalization. He urges businesses to modernize their economies while prioritizing self-protection.
The Dual Nature of AI Technology
Cybercriminals have been taking advantage of AI technology, particularly large language models (LLMs), to conduct more sophisticated attacks. The report reveals that there were 809 publicly mentioned ransomware cases in the first quarter of 2023, with a 62% increase in March alone. Cybercriminals leverage AI and existing ransomware code to infiltrate systems and extract sensitive information. However, Roesler highlights that AI technologies can also be beneficial for cyberprotection. Acronis has been developing robust tools, especially for detecting ransomware, by harnessing AI capabilities.
Keywords: cybercriminals, AI-based attacks, ransomware cases, AI cyberprotection tools
Cyberprotection in the Era of Industry 4.0
In the age of digital transformation, “Industry 4.0” brings immense opportunities for efficiency, productivity, and connectivity across various sectors. However, these advancements also come with increased vulnerability to cyber threats. Roesler explains that as everything becomes digitized within Industry 4.0, careful attention must be given to protecting both IT and OT (operational technology) environments. While IT systems deal with software, networks, and data management, OT encompasses hardware devices, sensors, and real-time processes used in industrial operations. Failure to secure OT systems can lead to severe physical damage, operational disruptions, and safety hazards.
Keywords: Industry 4.0, cyber threats, IT security, OT security, interconnected industrial ecosystems
Editor Notes: Acronis Leading the Way in Cybersecurity
Acronis has demonstrated its strong presence and commitment to cybersecurity, particularly in the SEE region. With its growing team in Sofia, Bulgaria, the company is able to develop innovative solutions and establish best practices for cyberprotection. As the digitalization of economies continues to accelerate, businesses and governments must prioritize cybersecurity to safeguard critical infrastructure and sensitive data. Acronis’ expertise and advanced tools help mitigate the evolving cyber threats faced by organizations in Southeast Europe.
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