When Cyber-Attacks Lead to Disasters, Does the Stafford Act Apply?

As cyber-attacks remain front page news, the nation’s cyber posture must evolve to meet expanding threats. High-impact cyber incidents in 2021 alone should make any risk advisor concerned:

• A meat processing company halted international operations to recover from a cyber-attack
• A private pipeline operator paid a $4.4M ransom to regain control of its gas pipeline from cyber hackers
• Hackers attempted to raise levels of dangerous chemicals in a Florida public water supply. 

Increasing cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure pose a serious threat to our nation, far beyond the consequences seen in recent large-scale data breaches. As malicious actors become bolder, the next major breach of critical infrastructure may be so severe it feels like a natural disaster to those affected.