Orange Belgium has introduced Cyber Protection, a new security service for small businesses.
The offer targets companies with up to 30 employees. It combines AI-based threat detection with monitoring from Orange Cyberdefense specialists.
The launch reflects a growing problem for smaller firms. Cyber-extortion cases rose 44.5% worldwide in 2025, according to the company. Small and medium-sized businesses represented two-thirds of affected organisations.
In Belgium, around 100 ransomware incidents are reported each year. Recovery can take time, even after attackers leave. Orange Belgium said IT systems remain offline for 21 days on average.
For small businesses, that downtime can stop daily work. It can also block customer service, billing, and supplier communications. Many firms also run with limited IT staff.
The new service aims to close that gap. It monitors devices continuously and flags suspicious activity. It also gives business owners access to expert support during incidents.
This model could appeal to companies without cyber teams. It simplifies security and reduces pressure on internal staff. It may also improve response times when every hour matters.
However, outsourced protection does not remove every risk. Businesses still need strong passwords, backups, and staff awareness. They should also understand what the service covers.
Orange Belgium also links the service to compliance needs. It says Cyber Protection can support GDPR obligations. Faster breach detection can help companies respond and document incidents.
The service may also help firms address NIS2 Directive requirements. That matters as more sectors face stricter cyber rules. Smaller suppliers now sit inside wider digital supply chains.
Werner De Laet, Chief Enterprise Officer at Orange Belgium, said: “Small businesses often depend on a limited number of devices, but that does not make the consequences of an attack any smaller. One compromised computer can interrupt daily operations, expose sensitive information or cut a company off from the tools it needs to serve its customers.
“At the same time, many entrepreneurs do not have a cybersecurity specialist on staff. They need protection that works continuously, keeps them informed and brings in expert support when it matters most. With Cyber Protection and the support from Orange Cyberdefense, we want to make that level of security more accessible, so business owners can focus on their work without having to become cybersecurity experts themselves.”
For telecom operators, this move shows a clear market shift. Connectivity providers increasingly add security services for business customers. As threats rise, managed protection becomes part of the service bundle.
