It is important to note that cyber threats are becoming more prominent due to the factors of technological advancements and dependencies of modern organizations, such as Deloitte, on hackable and vulnerable instruments of communication. The most severe consequence for the company is its reputation since the majority of revenue comes from cybersecurity consulting. In other words, although the hacking can result in a direct impact and business disruptions as well as recovery of stolen data, in the end, all of these elements are repairable and revertible, where the reputational loss will not only have a short-term effect but will be reflected in future deals.
For example, Deloitte’s security breach might be leaked and spread through mainstream media resulting in irreparable damage to the company’s most critical asset, which is its reputation. Since the company positions itself as corporate management and financial expert, where it aids other corporate entities and enterprises on various managerial, financial, and operational matters, the exposition of its own incompetence can be devastating in the long term. Therefore, reputation loss is the most severe consequence of the cyber-attack since its implications are extensive.