What kind of damage can a cyber-attack do?

What kind of damage can a cyber-attack do?

A cyber-attack can inflict both direct and indirect damages. Directly it can break and disturb computer systems. Websites or services can be blocked by DDoS attacks. If they manage to successfully DDoS popular sites like Yahoo or Ebay the economical damage can be high for those companies. DDoS can also be used to cut communication, for example in a war news sites could be forced offline this way.

Hackers can infiltrate computer systems and steal valuable information. In warfare information about the enemy is extremely valuable. This knowledge can be used for their own advantage.

The internet can also be used to spread propaganda to anyone. By putting misleading information online people can be influenced to take sides. Also the financial markets are extremely sensitive to any kind of new information so if a fake rumor gets spread this could result to changes in the stock markets.

Critical infrastructures van be attacked like power grids or water supplies. If a power plant gets shut down this will result in giant economical losses and indirect in injuries and deaths.