Cybersecurity could impact business value

The impact of cyber breaches is still misunderstood by many businesses in Australia, says broker

Cybersecurity could impact business value

Insurance News

By Mina Martin

Many organisations in Australia still misunderstand the impact of poor cybersecurity practices on their business, despite growing cyber risks and a record-breaking number of data breaches in the country, according to a major broker.

“Cyber risk and security is about so much more than keeping personal data secure,” said Robyn Adcock, cyber technology practice leader at Gallagher. “A cyber breach has a whole host of different consequences that could come into play that many businesses don’t realise. The reputation of a business can be irreparably damaged, operations may have to stop for a prolonged period of time, or the company and its directors could face legal action.”

The statement comes after EY said in a City A.M. report that poor cybersecurity practices may drag down the value of a business in a potential merger or acquisition.

“There are a number of areas where cybersecurity really plays a significant part, both in terms of the ongoing value of an organisation and at any point where there is M&A activity,” said Faizul Ali, EY’s lead partner for cybersecurity for transaction advisory services in the UK and Ireland.

In 2016, internet giant Yahoo saw its own value tumble in a deal will Verizon following a major cyber attack, which saw some 200 million Yahoo account names and passwords offered for sale on the dark web. From the original US$4.82 billion deal, the offer for Verizon to take control of Yahoo went down by US$350m to US$4.48bn after the breach. 

Adcock said cyber insurance is designed to help organisations meet a variety of challenges that emerge as a result of a data breach.

“Cyber insurance can cover you a variety of threats linked to a data breach,” Adcock said. “Many cyber insurance policies also include a suite of expert first responders who can help reduce the damage from a data, reputation and legal perspective.”

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