In today's digital-first economy, cyber threats are no longer just an IT concern — they're a boardroom-level financial risk. At Forge, we’ve seen firsthand how even a single cyber attack can upend a company’s financial health, reputation, and long-term viability. If you're still thinking of cybersecurity as a back-office function, it's time to reconsider the numbers.

💸 The Average Cost of a Breach is Rising — Fast

According to the IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024, the average cost of a data breach now sits at $4.45 million, a 15% increase over the past three years. But what makes up this staggering number?

• Downtime: Operational disruption leads to lost revenue and productivity.

• Data Loss: Sensitive customer or intellectual property data can be costly to recover — or impossible to replace.

• Reputational Damage: Lost customer trust can take years to rebuild, if ever.

• Regulatory Fines: Non-compliance with data protection laws like GDPR or HIPAA can lead to six- or seven-figure penalties.

• Ransom Payments: Paying off ransomware attackers may seem like a quick fix, but it rarely ends the nightmare.

🧾 Real-World Consequences

Let’s break this down. For a mid-sized financial firm:

• Downtime for one week could mean $500,000+ in lost revenue.

• Legal and PR costs can top $250,000.

• Customer churn post-breach might cost millions in lifetime value.

Now imagine this scenario unfolding during your busiest quarter. Could your business weather the storm?

🔍 Cybersecurity as a Financial Strategy

Investing in cybersecurity isn’t just a defensive play — it’s a financial strategy. A proactive approach dramatically reduces the risk and potential severity of breaches.

Forge helps organizations of all sizes implement cost-effective, scalable, and future-proof security strategies that don't just defend — they deliver ROI:

• Preventative measures (vulnerability assessments, pen testing)

• Threat detection and incident response

• Compliance support to avoid regulatory fines

• Cyber insurance advisory to mitigate residual risk

📊 Secure Today, Save Tomorrow

Ask yourself: What’s your risk threshold? And more importantly, what’s your recovery plan?

If your organization hasn’t quantified the financial implications of a cyber incident, now is the time. Contact Forge for a consultation to build a cyber defense plan for your business that protects the bottom line.