A cyber attack is an individual or group of individuals attempting to exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, or other digital devices to steal or damage sensitive data, disrupt services, or otherwise cause harm. Cyber attacks can be phishing scams, malware, denial-of-service attacks, and ransomware attacks, amongst other things. Anyone can be targeted — people, companies, and governments. The attackers are typically motivated by financial gain, political activism, or espionage — some groups are purportedly state-sanctioned. The consequences of a cyber attack can be severe: data loss, financial loss, reputational damage, and even physical harm in some cases. Cyber attacks are a constant and evolving threat in today's world, which is why strong network security controls and a robust insurance program are vital.
