Cyberattacks: Real-World Risk & Disruption A cyberattack can do more than disrupt your organization’s computer systems.The world has become increasingly dependent on the internet; at the same time, cyberattacks have become more sophisticated and damaging.As a result, cyberattacks can cause real-world disruption.

You Could Lose Access to Essential Information Since most of your information is probably stored in online systems, what happens when you lose access to those system? Imagine the following scenarios: These examples show how losing access to key information stored on your computers can disrupt your daily operations.Essential Equipment Might Not Work Modern businesses are often reliant on computer systems and software.A ransomware attack can shut down many systems that are vital to daily business operations – from cash registers and scheduling programs to critical infrastructure and lifesaving equipment.

Here are just a few examples of how cyberattacks have impacted businesses in recent years: This sort of disruption sounds like a major inconvenience, but attacks on infrastructure can cause even more widespread disruption.A ransomware attack shut down the Colonial Pipeline’s operations for five days, leading to surging gas prices on the East Coast, and CNET warns the country’s infrastructure is vulnerable to future attacks of this nature.When attacks target hospitals, lives can be at risk.

Security Affairs says Common Spirit, a large hospital chain in the U.S., had to delay surgeries and patient care due to a ransomware attack.In addition, NBC says a mother is suing Springhill Medical Center in Alabama, alleging that the hospital failed to inform her that computers were down because of a cyberattack and that her infant received diminished care as a result, contributing to the infant’s death.There Could Be Physical Damage Imagine you have sensitive materials you need to keep at a specific temperature.

If a cyberattack interferes with the necessary controls, physical damage could occur.According to Wired, cyberattacks have caused physical damage in at least two separate incidents.The first involved a digital weapon used against a plant in Iran.

The second involved a steel mill in Germany, where a cyberattack prevented a blast furnace from shutting down properly, resulting in massive damage.Physical damage may also lead to more indirect, less dramatic results.For example, if your leak detection system is down because of a cyberattack, you might not notice a leak until it causes severe water damage.

As more of our systems go online, issues like this become a growing risk.Your Business Will Likely Experience Disruption A cyberattack is never just about computers.Making Cybersecurity a Priority Cyberattacks are a serious threat – and business leaders should not underestimate the potential for damage.

Strong cybersecurity measures are a necessity.Organizations should also make sure they have the right cyber insurance to help them respond to an attack.Do you have questions about your cyber risks and coverage? Contact BNC.