In today’s IT world, companies must consider more than just technical challenges. Geopolitical tensions and international sanctions are becoming increasingly important. As cybersecurity experts at VELEVO®, we know how crucial it is not only to rely on the latest technology but also to keep an eye on global political developments. The USA, as a central hub for technology companies, significantly impacts the entire IT landscape.

The Dependency on US Technology

Many companies worldwide depend on technologies from the USA. Software and infrastructure from giants like Microsoft, Google, and Apple are used almost everywhere. This also means that international sanctions or trade disputes between the USA and other countries have immediate effects on businesses. The consequences of such conflicts manifest in sudden trade restrictions, as seen in the case of Huawei. For European companies relying on these technologies, significant uncertainties arise, as there are often no equivalent European alternatives.

Sanctions and Cyberattacks: The Invisible Dangers

What many don’t realize is that sanctions not only affect trade but also open doors to cyberattacks. States and criminal organizations use cyberattacks to undermine the economic stability of other countries. Companies operating in vulnerable regions or relying on sanctioned technologies face an increased risk of becoming targets of such attacks.

VELEVO®: Our Response to Sanctions and Cyberthreats

To address these challenges, we at VELEVO® increasingly rely on well-established manufacturers and open-source solutions like Linux. Open-source technologies provide us with the flexibility to remain independent of sanctioned technologies and offer high adaptability. However, open source also has its limitations. In some cases, proprietary technologies are indispensable, which is why we support our clients in finding the right balance.

Sanctions Lists: An Indispensable Tool

One of our key tasks is to closely monitor the sanctions lists of major economic powers. Whether it’s sanctions from the USA, the EU, China, or Russia, we track these developments daily to help our clients mitigate risks and adapt their cybersecurity strategies accordingly.

Why Looking at the Past Is Important

Many companies fail to learn from past cyberattacks and security incidents. Especially young IT leaders, who lack experience, often don’t recognize the importance of analyzing past incidents to assess future threats properly. The consequences? Misjudgments in purchasing decisions and inadequate preparation for the ever-growing risks in the digital world.

At VELEVO®, our job is to help companies understand these risks and take proactive action. Thanks to our extensive experience in IT forensics and IT consulting, we assist our clients in making their IT infrastructures future-proof and prepared for upcoming challenges.

Sources for Current Sanctions Lists

To stay informed about current sanctions, you can find the official lists here:

• USA: Bureau of Industry and Security Entity List
• European Union: EU Sanctions Map
• China: MOFCOM Sanctions
• Russia: Russian Sanctions List