Kaspersky highlights the severe financial, operational, and reputational impacts of cyberattacks on businesses, using the ransomware attack on Johnson Controls as a case in point. The company offers a range of solutions to enhance cybersecurity, including real-time protection, managed services, and security awareness programs.
26 September 2024 – In an increasingly interconnected world, businesses of all sizes and industries are facing a growing threat from cyberattacks. Kaspersky has emphasized the critical impact these attacks can have, shedding light on the significant financial and operational damage unprotected organizations can suffer. As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, companies must take proactive steps to protect their assets and data.
One notable example is the ransomware attack on Johnson Controls, a major player in the building technology industry. The Dark Angels hacking group infiltrated the company’s systems, stealing 27 terabytes of sensitive data and demanding a $51 million ransom. This breach resulted in extensive disruptions to the company’s billing systems and cost Johnson Controls over $27 million in damages, significantly affecting its global business operations.
Kaspersky outlines several key ways in which cyberattacks can devastate businesses, including financial losses, operational disruptions, reputational damage, legal consequences, and intellectual property theft. Direct financial costs, such as ransom payments, are only part of the problem. Businesses often face long-term costs related to restoring systems, improving cybersecurity infrastructure, and managing legal fallout.
Operational disruptions can halt business activities for days or even weeks, resulting in lost revenue and diminished service quality, while reputational damage from breaches can lead to a loss of customer trust, business relationships, and market position. Moreover, companies face legal and compliance issues, especially with strict data protection regulations like GDPR in Europe and HIPAA in the U.S. Cyberattacks targeting intellectual property, particularly in industries such as technology and pharmaceuticals, can also erase competitive advantages.
Kaspersky recommends a range of solutions to help businesses stay resilient in the face of cyberthreats. These include real-time protection from the Kaspersky Next product line, managed security services like Kaspersky MDR, and regular software updates to prevent vulnerabilities. Offline backups, automated security awareness training, and proactive cybersecurity strategies are also crucial for safeguarding business operations and data.
Oleg Gorobets, Security Evangelist at Kaspersky, stresses the importance of agility and preparedness in today’s cyber landscape: “Only a consistent and comprehensive approach can ensure true business resilience against today’s cyber risks.”
Kaspersky continues to advocate for robust security measures, including multi-layered protection, vulnerability patch management, and cybersecurity awareness programs to help businesses minimize the risk of cyberattacks.
