ExtraHop, a leading provider of cloud-native network detection and response (NDR) solutions, has published a groundbreaking report shedding light on the severe financial repercussions faced by public companies after experiencing data breaches. The findings indicate an average net income decline of a staggering 73 percent approximately one year after the public disclosure of a data breach.
Traditionally, industry research has focused on quantifying the number of records stolen or individuals affected, often overlooking the long-term consequences, insurance premiums, and earnings implications. In a bid to provide business leaders with comprehensive insights into the true impact of data breaches, ExtraHop’s analysis delves into the costs incurred by six organizations. The study calculates the cumulative expenses associated with regulatory fines, legal settlements, cyber insurance, as well as the lasting effects on corporate earnings and stock prices.
The report highlights that almost all the organizations examined experienced a decline in quarterly earnings and stock prices in the aftermath of a data breach. For instance, in one case, a company’s stock price plummeted nearly 21 percent the day after the breach was disclosed, and its net income witnessed a 27 percent year-over-year drop in the quarter of the breach announcement. These financial losses are in addition to the reported costs exceeding $1 billion, encompassing regulatory fines, legal fees, and multiple settlements with consumers, businesses, and states.
Patrick Dennis, CEO of ExtraHop, emphasized the far-reaching impact of data breaches, stating that they extend beyond upfront costs and the number of affected individuals. Both investors and customers lose confidence in the affected business, leading to long-lasting consequences for the organization. He stressed the urgency for corporate leaders to reevaluate their budgets and invest in robust cybersecurity measures to effectively manage risk.
Andrew Heighington, CISO and Head of IT & Privacy at Visit.org, underlined the relentless efforts of cybercriminals to compromise organizations of all sizes, leaving them vulnerable to potential ramifications of a data breach. He emphasized that these threats go beyond monetary disruptions and result in erosion of trust, tarnished reputations, and disrupted operations, ultimately jeopardizing the core of a business. Heighington believes that this research serves as concrete evidence that the cyber attack landscape is growing increasingly complex, compelling enterprises to understand material cyber risks and take immediate action.
In today’s security landscape, organizations must strive for full network visibility to track potential intruders and identify security threats before they escalate into significant business problems. With comprehensive network transparency, businesses can gain deeper insights into attacker behaviors, allowing them to respond with greater speed, precision, and frequency, thereby thwarting cyber threats effectively. As data breaches continue to pose a significant risk, proactive cybersecurity investments are paramount to safeguarding businesses and preserving stakeholder trust.
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