There is no doubt that the attack on Sony sent alarm bells off in all areas of business.
Not only did it have devastating effects on the company itself, but it sent shockwaves throughout the world because it could have led to the demise of one of the world’s largest corporations.
What is at stake?
No longer are company websites at risk, but all its private customer data too. This means that sensitive information, such as credit card details and staff identities, could be stolen and hacked.
However, in Sony’s case things were much worse. Email systems were hacked into and pre-release films were uploaded to public web domains. Terror attacks on movie theaters prevented films from being shown too.
Who is ultimately responsible?
Recently, these types of attacks were the worry of the IT department. Now, however, they sit solely on the shoulders of the board. The CEO and board members are now legally responsible for any cybersecurity risk. This will definitely impact the way they deal with and consider their company’s position online.
It has also sent insurance companies scrambling to re-advise and reassess how they value a company’s cybersecurity.
If big businesses are not safe, who is?
The Sony attack opens up all companies to levels of risk unheard of in the past. It’s the sort of thing nightmares are made of and to make matters worse, there are few precedents detailing how to respond.
This attack not only hurt Sony financially, but it shook the confidence of the company to its core.
And, many companies have now been forced to sit up and take notice, and consider how private their privacy really is.