Exploring her company as an example, Valerie Kuzmenko, Chief Marketing Officer of FS Group, explains how to adapt your marketing strategies to different regions, such as Sweden and Poland. In the first part of the article, she emphasizes the importance of considering local legislation, threats, and customer expectations in these markets.

Cybersecurity is a critical business priority. Let’s assume you’re not considering specific risks in your operating region. Ignoring regional risks, regulations, and business expectations exposes companies to attacks that can damage reputations, cause financial losses, and even lead to business failure.

Cybersecurity solutions, tailored to industry needs and political landscape, are vital in markets such as Sweden and Poland, where regulatory challenges and political dynamics play a major role. This is where the focus should be – addressing these pressing issues with the right cybersecurity measures.

Understanding regional threats and regulations

It’s crucial to understand the specific threats and regulatory requirements of Sweden and Poland in order to address them effectively. Without this knowledge, any cybersecurity strategy risks falling short of protecting against risks in their local environments.

Sweden

Sweden stands as a prime example of a mature cybersecurity market that’s underpinned by strict regulations and government-led initiatives. The NIS 2 Directive and GDPR compliance are non-negotiable for any cybersecurity provider looking to operate in this space. Swedish businesses and government organizations expect nothing less than full compliance with these regulations, which is entirely reasonable: with critical infrastructure, including energy grids, public transportation, and healthcare systems, increasingly digitized, the stakes are higher than ever.

According to Proofpoint’s research, the cybersecurity problem is highly acute in Sweden, with 59% of the local organizations suffering at least one cyberattack, with brand and reputation damage being the most cited consequence. Government agencies and private organizations are shifting toward proactive measures, looking for trusted partners who can not only detect and respond to threats but anticipate and prevent them. 

Poland

As one of the most cyber-attacked countries in Europe, Poland is facing a wave of targeted attacks on its government agencies, financial institutions, and critical infrastructure. The US International Trade Administration ranked Poland the most cyber-attacked country globally, with over 1,000 attacks per week targeting various organizations. The lack of fully mature cybersecurity defenses makes them vulnerable to cyber threats. 

Cyberattacks, often orchestrated by russia and Belarus, are aimed at destabilizing the country, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Digital Affairs Krzysztof Gawkowski. FS Group has been handling russia-sponsored cyberattacks in Ukraine, and this expertise is extremely relevant as it presents a deep understanding of nation-state tactics and Advanced Persistent Threats (APT), allowing Polish organizations to benefit from the comprehensive protection against similar attacks.

Poland’s regulatory landscape is also tightening. Compliance with both national and EU-wide regulations, such as GDPR, is critical, but the rapid digitalization of industries means that many companies are still trying to catch up when it comes to cybersecurity. That’s why the Polish market demands agile, innovative solutions that can scale with its fast-moving tech environment.

In-depth analysis and understanding of the local characteristics of customers in different markets allow companies to better understand potential challenges and user demands and successfully adapt development and growth strategies in new markets.