Cyber Security & Data Protection
Cyber attacks, data leaks, blocked infrastructures: The topic of cyber security confronts companies and public administrations with constantly increasing challenges and threats. valantic has been advising companies competently and comprehensively for many years. In addition, we implement the solutions we propose holistically and help companies and organisations to master the situation in the event of a crisis.
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Recovery of Marc O'Polo after a Cyber Attack
Marc O’Polo stands for high-quality, contemporary premium modern casual clothing. In our video success story, the client reports on the consequences of the cyberattack and how, together with valantic, they have systematically recovered all compromised systems and minimised the corresponding security risks in the long term and how they are setting up their IT landscape for the future.
Our Services: From Preventive Measures to Crisis Support
Information Security Management
Cyber attacks usually cause immense costs that are avoidable. An end-to-end security concept, which includes a disaster recovery plan for emergencies and business continuity management (BCM), prevents major damage.
Comprehensive information security can only be achieved through joint action by IT, business and C-level. In addition to technical vulnerabilities, cyber criminals exploit employees’ unawareness of potential security risks and appropriate behaviour to attack companies. The establishment of comprehensive guidelines for the operational implementation of security requirements and their permanent auditing is the basic prerequisite for an appropriate level of security.
valantic supports you in building up your cyber security seamlessly and auditing existing measures conscientiously and continuously in accordance with the latest requirements.
Regulatory Compliance Consulting
GDPR & ePrivacy
The GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and the ePrivacy Regulation lay down strict rules for the protection of personal data and for electronic communication.
While the GDPR specifies how personal data may be collected, stored and processed, the ePrivacy Regulation regulates the protection of data in digital communication, particularly with regard to cookies, tracking and electronic advertising. Compliance with these regulations is legally binding. Our experts advise on the implementation of the requirements so that companies can operate in compliance with data protection regulations.
Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA)
With DORA, the EU is for the first time creating uniform guidelines for dealing with IT risks in the financial sector.
The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) is a comprehensive EU regulation that aims to strengthen the digital resilience of financial institutions and better protect the financial sector against cyber threats. Since its entry into force on January 17, 2023, DORA has defined specific requirements for ICT risk management, incident reporting, resilience testing and the handling of third-party risks. The requirements must be implemented by January 17, 2025.
Network and Information Security Directive (NIS2)
The NIS2 Directive obliges EU member states to impose stricter cybersecurity regulations and enforce them more consistently.
The threat of cybercrime is growing. The EU is responding with a fundamental revision of the existing NIS Directive. This obliges EU member states to impose stricter cyber security regulations and enforce them more consistently. The aim of the legislator is to sensitize management to the risks in cyberspace and to create an understanding of appropriate risk management. In addition, management should be able to assess the suitability of a risk framework for their own company.
ISO Certification
Various ISO certifications in the area of information security ensure that companies adhere to the highest standards when it comes to protecting sensitive data.
ISO 27001 and ISO 22301 certifications in particular play a central role in a modern information security strategy. They not only minimize risks and close potential security gaps, but also create trust among customers and business partners. valantic advises on the implementation of the requirements for ISO 27001, ISO 22301 and other ISO standards and accompanies companies on the way to successful certification.
BSI Basic Protection
As a standard of the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), basic protection supports companies in securing their IT systems against common threats and ensuring a high level of security.
BSI basic protection is based on proven best practices and consists of various modules, each of which contains specific measures for IT components such as networks, servers and workstations. The aim is to secure the IT infrastructure in such a way that typical risks can be averted efficiently and resources can be used sparingly at the same time. Many companies use BSI baseline protection as the basis for ISO 27001 certification, as it provides a solid foundation for an Information Security Management System (ISMS).
Crisis Management & Readiness Check
Acting quickly and confidently helps to mitigate the damage of a cyberattack and restore business operations to pre-crisis levels. This includes immediate measures, stakeholder-oriented communication, compliance with legal requirements and the recovery of business processes prioritised by their critical significance for the company.
The increase in successful attacks – mostly ransomware attacks – that partially or completely paralyse companies has changed the focus on IT. All of a sudden, it becomes clear that nothing works without IT and that business processes need to be put back into operation as quickly as possible. In order to organise this restart effectively, many years of experience are required not only in the operation of IT infrastructures, but also in the entrepreneurial assessment of how to proceed in such crises.
Cybersecurity-Assessment & Vulnerability Analysis
Data theft, espionage or encrypted computers – around a third of all German companies have been affected by cyber attacks in recent years. Cyber security gaps and phishing emails are frequent gateways. Close the gaps before it’s too late.
Many companies do not have a structured overview of the risk and liability situation. Regular assessments support risk minimisation and the continuous improvement of defences against cyber attacks. A focussed security assessment helps to identify potential vulnerabilities and provide recommendations for action. Supported by regular vulnerability analyses, your IT is better prepared for cyber attacks in the long term.
Darknet Monitoring Service
valantic LIGHT UP
Damage caused by blackmail and system failures has increased by 358% since 2019. Compromised access data is often sold via the darknet weeks and months before the actual attack is carried out. Darknet monitoring helps to use this time to prevent major damage.
Cyber attacks jeopardise the existence of companies. Compromised access data is usually offered for sale on the darknet before it is used by the buyer. In many cases, knowledge of the existence of one’s own data on the darknet allows a timely response to prevent the worst from happening. However, the architecture of the darknet does not allow any automated searches, which is why only the combination of state-of-the-art technology and experienced experts enables efficient, comprehensive and permanent monitoring.
Business Continuity Management & Emergency Response Excercises
Reduced risks for your business processes, emergency concepts and realistic emergency training help companies and employees to successfully master crisis situations and minimise damage. An efficient business continuity management (BCM) system is essential for maintaining operations in the best possible way in the event of a crisis.
The findings from BCM form the basis for an efficient approach in crisis situations. Focussing on the recovery of your business capabilities, and not individual IT systems, is essential for the appropriate operation of your IT. The design of business continuity plans and regular training on how to proceed in a crisis enable an efficient and effective response in an emergency. This enables you to recognise and reduce the risk of existential threats to your company at an early stage.
Data Protection
The importance of data protection manifests itself not only as a business and legal necessity, but also as a moral obligation towards customers. In an era where data is considered a company’s most valuable asset, be it in the form of information on products, operational processes, customer or employee data, protecting this “data treasure” from loss and unlawful acts is becoming a key challenge in modern management. After all, data protection breaches not only have direct legal consequences, but can also have a significant impact on a company’s reputation and influence the decisions of potential customers. A company that takes sustainable care of the protection of personal data radiates seriousness and quality awareness.
Our experts are familiar with the complexity of data protection management and provide companies with comprehensive support in defining and implementing effective data protection measures.
Daniel Kluge
Managing Consultant at valantic
”With over 20 years of experience, we successfully support companies with a pragmatic approach that is suitable for SMEs. It is particularly important to us to make data processing manageable for our clients. As an IT management consultancy, it is in our DNA not to prevent data processing, but to make it GDPR-compliant.“
Implementation of a Data Protection Management System (DSMS)
A data protection management system (DSMS) enables companies to manage data protection systematically, efficiently and sustainably.
valantic supports companies in the successful introduction and maintenance of a DSMS. We create a customized data protection concept that takes into account not only the legal requirements (including GDPR) but also the individuality of existing company structures. The fulfillment of documentation obligations and regular data protection audits are just as much a part of our tasks as consulting in the area of technical data protection.
Appointment as Data Protection Officer (DPO)
The appointment of a Data Protection Officer (DPO) is a legal requirement for many companies.
The DPO reviews data protection processes, trains employees and advises the company on all data protection-related issues. In addition to the necessary up-to-date specialist knowledge, an external DPO has an objective perspective that helps to identify and minimize data protection risks. Our data protection experts support you in managing data protection requirements and develop a data protection strategy tailored to the company’s needs. This ensures that legal requirements are met and the client’s business objectives are not compromised.
Audits with practical recommendations and templates
In a constantly changing legal landscape, regular audits ensure that companies comply with all legal requirements in order to minimize risks and avoid data protection violations.
Our audit services go beyond a comprehensive analysis of internal data protection processes: upon completion of the audit process, practical recommendations and sample templates are provided that can be implemented immediately. The aim is to help companies identify potential for improvement and provide them with practical tools to not only effectively implement changes to existing processes, but also to create a positive attitude towards data protection.
Transfer of data protection know-how
The transfer of data protection know-how ensures that all employees, including managers, understand and can implement the legal requirements and best practices in data protection.
Through tailored training on topics such as dealing with data subject requests, data security and the implementation of data protection guidelines, we ensure that employees stay up to date and avoid potential data protection violations. This targeted sensitization lays the foundation for conscious and compliant handling of personal data in everyday working life. The aim is to impart theoretical knowledge and provide practical insights and specific instructions to ensure that employees comply with data protection regulations and protect the integrity and security of sensitive information.
Support with Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA)
A Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) is required if planned processing operations are likely to pose a high risk to the rights and freedoms of data subjects.
Topics such as the use of video surveillance systems or artificial intelligence, the transfer of data to unsafe third countries or other risky processes require a data protection impact assessment. Through a thorough analysis, our experts help companies to answer individual questions on a case-by-case basis by identifying potential risks and developing customized and pragmatic recommendations for action. This ensures that data processing complies with data protection regulations at all times.
Advice on data processing systems
The choice and configuration of a data processing system determines the efficiency and security of internal data processes.
To ensure that data processing systems meet the requirements of the GDPR and other data protection laws, aspects such as data security, access control and transparency must be taken into account. valantic offers a comprehensive preliminary review of data processing systems and provides companies with professional advice on data protection-related aspects to ensure smooth and compliant handling of personal data. In this way, we lay the foundation for secure and data protection-compliant data processing.
Immediate assistance in dealing with data protection incidents
In the event of a data protection incident, quick and targeted action is crucial to limit damage and avoid legal consequences.
Whether data protection breaches, complaints or inquiries from authorities and affected parties – we offer you professional immediate assistance to clarify controversial data protection incidents comprehensibly and completely and to take the right measures to restore data integrity. Our experts will support you in clarifying the incident, develop practical solutions to limit the damage and ensure that all necessary steps for reporting to the data protection authorities in accordance with the GDPR are taken. We also support you in implementing preventive measures to avoid similar risks in the future.
Compliance audits of websites (GDPR, TDDDG)
Compliance with the GDPR and the TDDDG (Act on Data Protection and Privacy in Telecommunications and Digital Services) is crucial for websites to avoid fines and legal problems.
valantic offers compliance audits to ensure that companies’ websites comply with data protection regulations – especially with regard to cookies, tracking and the processing of personal data. Our experts check your website for compliance with current data protection laws, identify potential weaknesses and provide practical recommendations for legally compliant optimization. In this way, you not only protect your legal position, but also strengthen the trust of your users.
Success Stories
Rescuing Marc O'Polo after a Cyber Attack
Marc O’Polo stands for high-quality, contemporary premium modern casual clothing. In our video success story, our customer reports on the consequences of the cyber attack and describes the process of rebuilding all compromised systems, minimized corresponding security risks in the long term. Furthermore together with valantic they are setting up their IT landscape for the future.
Rescue of a Company after a Cyber Attack
Disaster cyber attack: valantic provides support thanks to years of experience in Cyber Security, particularly in the areas of breach coaching and crisis management. From the analysis of the incident, the joint creation of a high-performance emergency plan and the commissioning of all IT systems to the creation of a new basis for the future infrastructure.
Insights
How dark patterns on websites influence us and what this has to do with data protection
Misleading “cookie” consent banners or well-hidden privacy settings – such practices can be summarized under the term “dark patterns”. But what does all this have to do with data protection?
Post
What does a “breach coach” actually do?
Thomas Lang is a managing partner at valantic. As a so-called “breach coach”, he advises companies on what to do following a hacker or ransomware attack and advises on which mistakes to avoid.
Downloads
White paper: Disaster – Cyber Attack
In this white paper, we present a real cyberattack and give you the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others.
