A recent study has highlighted the varying levels of preparedness among businesses in different regions when it comes to cybersecurity, supply chain disruptions, and activist investor attacks. According to the study, companies in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) lag behind their counterparts in the United States when it comes to readiness for cyberattacks, with only 56 percent of decision-makers in EMEA feeling adequately prepared, compared to 65 percent in the US.
The study also revealed that American companies are more proactive in identifying their risk deficiencies, leading to quicker crisis responses compared to EMEA companies, which often struggle due to inadequate structures. Furthermore, US companies are better equipped to handle activist investor attacks and cyber threats, with 70 percent of US firms having emergency plans in place for investor attacks and 65 percent for cyberattacks. In contrast, only slightly over half of European companies (53 percent and 56 percent, respectively) have preparedness plans in these areas.
While nearly six out of ten companies on both sides of the Atlantic are prepared for supply chain disruptions, there are significant discrepancies when it comes to compliance violations, with the US leading at 70 percent compared to EMEA’s 56 percent. Additionally, two-thirds of US companies feel ready to tackle geopolitical risks, whereas in EMEA, only 54 percent of firms feel adequately prepared.
The study underscores the importance of proactive planning and risk mitigation strategies in today’s complex business landscape, where threats such as cyberattacks, supply chain disruptions, and activist investor interference can have far-reaching consequences. With the increasing digitization of business operations and the interconnected nature of global supply chains, companies need to prioritize cybersecurity measures and resilience against potential disruptions to ensure business continuity and safeguard their financial interests.
As businesses navigate the evolving threat landscape, investing in robust cybersecurity defenses, contingency plans for supply chain interruptions, and strategies to address activist investor attacks will be critical for long-term success and sustainability. By adopting a proactive approach to risk management and staying ahead of emerging threats, companies can enhance their resilience and agility in the face of unforeseen challenges, ultimately positioning themselves for growth and competitiveness in an increasingly volatile business environment.