Cyber threats are increasing – here's how to protect your IT environment

How do you know that the IT environment you use is truly secure? And what is needed to create a safer digital landscape in an increasingly uncertain world? Inrego met Diego Lopez, Head of Cybersecurity at IT-Total, for a conversation about the threat landscape we face and what companies can do to reduce their vulnerability.

Cyberattacks are increasing sharply. In 2024, the number of attacks in Sweden increased by 165 percent. Hardware suppliers are particularly vulnerable. During the third of the year In the fourth quarter, attacks against them increased by a whopping 191 percent compared to the same period the previous year.

“Cyber attacks have become a weapon. NATO has today defined cyberspace as a fifth war zone, alongside land, sea, air and space. That says a lot about how serious the situation is. That is why we need to build resilience, both as individuals, companies and authorities,” says Diego Lopez, Head of Cybersecurity at IT-Total.

Together for safer circularity

IT Total protects its customers' IT infrastructures by identifying and preventing risks in complex IT environments. Part of the work involves securing whole the life cycle of IT equipment. Here, the collaboration with Inrego plays a central role.

“Reuse is more important than ever, both from a security and sustainability perspective. Together with Inrego, we ensure that hardware is handled responsibly and securely. Correctly erasing information is crucial, and this is confirmed by certified data erasure,” explains Diego.

Being connected means risks

Almost everything we use in our daily lives today is connected. Refrigerators, speakers, locks and cameras are just a few examples. But many devices are rarely or not updated at all, despite containing software. The older they get, the greater the risks, explains Diego. “An old freezer with an outdated operating system can, in the worst case, act as an open door into the network.”

In the home, all devices often share the same network, making it more difficult to isolate threats. Companies have better opportunities to segment their infrastructure, but even there, unprotected, connected devices that pose a risk often occur.

Cybercriminals take advantage of lack of source criticism

Disinformation is also a growing problem. Campaigns are aimed at companies, politicians, authorities and private individuals. Through purchased search results and AI-generated content, it is easy to be fooled.

“Source criticism is more important than ever. Many people blindly trust the first search result without checking what is behind it. This makes us vulnerable,” continues Diego.

At the same time, the amount of phishing is increasing. The fact that we are less vigilant on mobile makes it easier for attackers to steal passwords and personal information. Pages that look half-baked are still clicked on, because we expect poorer design on a small screen.

A crash landing in digital everyday life

Developments have been rapid. Few have received training in digital self-defense. Many do not know how to update their router, change their password or activate two-factor authentication. At the same time, computers with outdated operating systems are used even though they no longer receive security updates. In the past, it could take months for a security hole to be exploited. Today, it can take just a few hours. This makes old, unprotected devices to particularly attractive targets, says Diego.

A current example is that Windows 10 will expire in October this year. Here Inrego can help and take against the unsupported products for Windows 11.

Build resilience before anything happens

Security work requires understanding, training and the right tools. At IT-Total, we help companies and organizations create secure IT environments, with everything from advanced client protection and firewalls as a service to segmented networks and secured cloud services.

Together with Inrego, it is also ensured that the hardware is handled safely from start to finish, and that recycling takes place in a way that minimizes both climate impact and risk.

“It's about building resilience and staying one step ahead. Cyber threats are not a future scenario. They are here and now,” Diego concludes.

Would you like to know more about how you can secure your IT environment? Do not hesitate to contact us. IT Total to reduce your vulnerabilities, and when it comes to secure lifecycles for your IT hardware – contact Inrego then we will help you!