Last week, Belgium’s National Crisis Center (NCCN) published the latest Belgian National Risk Assessment (BNRA) for 2023-2026, highlighting the urgent need for businesses to be prepared. With 118 identified risks that could impact Belgium – ranging from cyber threats and sabotage to disinformation and climate-related challenges – this assessment serves as a reminder that when a risk becomes reality and a crisis unfolds, it pays off to be well prepared. This article provides some initial guidance to help organisations start building that preparedness.
Key risks to monitor: cyber threats, sabotage, and disinformation
In today’s interconnected world, Belgium is increasingly vulnerable to man-made risks, with cyber threats and sabotage ranking very high. The recent flurry of cyberattacks disrupting hospitals, energy infrastructure, and even government services has been a powerful reminder that nobody is off limits for cyber criminals. Additionally, targeted disinformation campaigns are emerging as powerful tools to destabilise societies, economies, businesses and brands. Hence the growing need for both crisis awareness and robust preparedness across sectors.
So How should you be better prepared
For organisations, a proactive approach to crisis preparedness is crucial and you should start here:
- Conduct a risk assessment: Identify potential vulnerabilities specific to your business. Assess how likely these risks are and the potential impact on your operations.
- Develop a crisis communication plan: Outline a clear strategy for responding to each identified risk. This should include messaging frameworks, holding statements, and media training for designated spokespersons to ensure they are prepared to communicate effectively under pressure. Establish protocols for both internal and external communication channels to deliver timely, accurate information during a crisis, helping to manage the narrative and maintain trust with stakeholders.
- Invest in cybersecurity: As cyber threats top the risk list, robust cybersecurity measures should be prioritised. Regularly update security protocols, conduct vulnerability assessments, and educate your team on cyber hygiene.
- Monitor social media for misinformation: Given the rise of disinformation, monitoring social media for false narratives or harmful fake news about your brand or sector is essential. Swift responses and corrective statements are key to mitigating reputational damage.
- Test and update your crisis plan regularly: Crisis readiness isn’t a one-time effort. Conduct regular drills, review lessons learned and refine your crisis communication strategy based on evolving risk scenarios. Running crisis simulations is a very good way to stress test your plans, your team and your company – any flaws can be detected and addressed
Get ready for tomorrow’s challenges today
Preparing for a crisis doesn’t just protect your organisation; it builds resilience that can set you apart in times of uncertainty. At SoWhatCommunications, we specialise in helping businesses develop effective crisis communication strategies. Our team understands the complexities of today’s risk landscape and can guide you through creating a resilient communication framework tailored to your needs.
#CrisisCommunication CrisisPreparedness #RiskAnalysis #MediaTraining
Olivier Trop
olivier.trop@sowhatcoms.com