Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus-based fintech and iGaming companies expanding internationally may underestimate cybersecurity risks, according to Andrey Leskin, CTO at Qrator Labs.
He said businesses entering high-growth regions could face targeted digital attacks from competitors and ideologically motivated groups.
Cybersecurity priorities
Leskin said cybersecurity is often not a primary consideration during international expansion, as companies focus on recruitment, compliance and marketing.
He noted that security measures beyond basic data protection are rarely mandatory, leading some executives to view them as less urgent.
“Expanding into a new market already involves a lot of moving pieces, and cybersecurity often gets pushed down the list,” Leskin said.
Changing threat profiles
European companies, including those based in Cyprus, are accustomed to relatively fair competition and may not anticipate more aggressive tactics in other markets, Leskin said.
“In some emerging markets, competitors may resort to unethical tactics, including cyberattacks, to discourage new entrants,” he said.
Leskin said a company’s threat profile is determined not only by its headquarters but also by its operational markets and customer base.
Risks in new regions
He said expansion into Latin America or Southeast Asia can expose companies to new threat actors, including cybercriminals, local competitors and ideologically motivated groups.
“In certain regions, organisations that oppose industries such as betting or interest-based lending may be willing to use cyberattacks against businesses they oppose,” Leskin said.
