CCNE Pulse Check 2025: Cyber Crises as the Most Pressing Risk for European Companies
Survey of 18 European crisis communications agencies reveals urgent need for improved preparedness.
A recent pan-European survey conducted by the Crisis Communications Network Europe (CCNE) has identified cyber crises as the greatest potential threat facing businesses today. In the “CCNE Pulse Check 2025”, the member crisis communications agencies, from 18 countries across Europe, were asked to outline the type and prevalence of crises facing their clients in 2024 and 2025, as well as the tools they are using in their everyday consulting work. 11 out of 18 agencies ranked cyberattacks as the top crisis risk for their clients – surpassing economic disruptions, political instability, or customs conflicts.
Cyber threats have become the new normal – with existential consequences
“Unfortunately, cyber crises have become part of everyday life. The damage they cause can be significant and might even lead to the insolvency of the company”, warns Frank Schroedter, Managing Director at Engel & Zimmermann, initiator of the study. “Companies must be fully prepared for this worst-case scenario – both technically and communicatively.”
Despite the growing threat landscape, the survey also reveals a sobering reality: nearly 90% of crisis experts from the CCNE rated their clients’ crisis preparedness as moderate or poor.
One simple but important example for a major pitfall: companies often rely on digital crisis manuals, which are often inaccessible during an actual cyberattack. Experts emphasize that genuine crisis resilience requires scenario training, clear responsibilities, and hands-on experience – not just documentation.
The road ahead: rising complexity and resilience-building
CCNE agencies agree that crisis communication will become more complex in the years to come. The most pressing topics on the horizon that they expect in the coming years include:
- Cyberattacks and IT incidents
- Artificial intelligence and disinformation
- Geopolitical shifts and their ripple effects
- Fake news and societal polarization
- Climate-related disasters and environmental risk
These challenges reinforce the need for resilience – organizationally and communicatively. The Pulse Check confirms a growing awareness of this need, yet many companies remain reactive rather than proactive.
Early monitoring tools are becoming more common in crisis preparedness
More than 70% of agencies use various tools to monitor social media and their clients’ reputation, one in three uses AI-based solutions to support their work, and more than half regularly organize media training and crisis communication simulations for their clients.
“Recognizing weak signals and emerging opinions is critically important. At Brunnen, we systematically monitor public debate in the media and on social platforms relating to our clients’ environment. This enables us to respond quickly to emerging situations. We also provide our clients with media training and crisis communication exercises, for which we prepare a realistic simulation of a potential crisis”, says Brunnen’s Managing Director, Taru Nikulainen.
Annual CCNE exchange strengthens international readiness
The findings were presented at the CCNE Annual Meeting 2025, hosted by Polish partner agency 24/7 Communications in Warsaw. For two days, the members shared expertise, crisis forecasts, and best practices.
With a strong presence across Europe, the Crisis Communications Network Europe (CCNE) ensures coordinated, cross-border crisis support for clients, wherever and whenever they need it.
About the CCNE Pulse Check 2025
The survey was conducted in March and April 2025. Decision-makers (owners, CEOs, or senior consultants) from all 18 CCNE member agencies contributed their insights.
About CCNE
The Crisis Communications Network Europe (CCNE) is a network of European, owner-managed agencies with proven expertise in crisis communication, distinguished by their national focus and customer commitment. For their customers, the members want to provide even better support in cross-border crisis situations. Together, they offer local expertise, rapid operational capability, and strategic guidance for crisis preparedness and response.
More information: www.ccn-europe.com | Contact: steerco@ccn-europe.com