We create, implement, integrate, and maintain information technology ("IT") systems that (a) are often mission critical, (b) regularly involve sensitive information, (c) may be deployed within war zones or other hazardous environments, and/or (d) can include information whose confidentiality is protected by law or contract. Additionally, we maintain internal systems housing sensitive employee and confidential company data. As a result, our systems and IT work products are susceptible to systems or service failures resulting from technical complexity, failures of third-party service providers, natural disasters, power shortages, insider threats (including improper access to the Company's, customers' or third parties' information or resources, employee error, or malfeasance), terrorist attacks, physical or electronic security breaches, cyber attacks, computer viruses, or similar events or disruptions. Our systems and IT work product are the target of constantly evolving cyber attack vectors, including malware, social engineering, denial-of-service attacks, malicious software programs, phishing, smishing, vishing, identity spoofing (including through the use of emerging technologies such as "deep fakes"), account takeovers, and other cyber attacks fueled by emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence. We have observed an increase in the frequency and sophistication of the cyber and security threats these systems face, with attacks that are more advanced and persistent, targeting us because we hold classified, controlled unclassified, and other sensitive information. As a result, we and our vendors face a heightened risk of a security breach or disruption resulting from an attack by computer hackers, persons with access to systems inside our organization, foreign governments, and cyber terrorists.
We have put in place policies, controls, and technologies to help detect and protect against such attacks, but we cannot guarantee that future incidents will not occur. If an incident occurs, we may not be able to successfully mitigate the impact. We have been the target of these types of attacks in the past, and attempted attacks are likely to continue. Due to the ongoing geopolitical conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, and increased tensions in Asia, state-sponsored parties or their supporters may launch retaliatory cyber attacks, and may attempt to conduct other geopolitically motivated retaliatory actions. Those same parties may also attempt to fraudulently induce employees or authorized third parties, including contractors, to disclose sensitive information in order to gain access to our systems or data, or that of our customers, or service providers. If successful, these types of attacks on our network or other systems or service failures could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations, due to, among other things, the loss of customer or proprietary data, interruptions or delays in our customers' businesses, or damage to our reputation. In addition, the failure or disruption of our systems, communications, vendors, or utilities could cause us to interrupt or suspend our operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. If our employees, contractors, suppliers or other authorized third parties do not adhere (whether inadvertently or intentionally) to appropriate information security protocols, our protocols are inadequate, or our or our customers' sensitive information is released and/or compromised, we may experience significant negative impacts to our reputation and expose us or our customers to liability. We are not immune from the possibility of a malicious insider compromising our information systems and infrastructure, including but not limited to insiders exfiltrating the personal data of employees and customers, stealing corporate trade secrets and key financial metrics, illegally diverting funds, or intentionally disclosing our secrets (e.g., application credentials) to others in order to bypass our security policies and control mechanisms. No series of measures can fully safeguard against every insider threat. Refer to "Item 1C. Cybersecurity" for additional information about our cybersecurity risk management program.
If our or our vendors' systems, services, or other applications have significant defects, errors, or vulnerabilities, are successfully attacked by cyber and other security threats, suffer delivery delays, or otherwise fail to meet our customers' expectations, we may:
- lose revenue due to adverse customer reaction;- be required to provide additional services to a customer at no charge;- incur additional costs related to remediation, monitoring, and enhancing our cybersecurity;- lose revenue due to the deployment of employees for remediation efforts instead of customer assignments;- receive negative publicity, which could damage our reputation and credibility of our brand and adversely affect our ability to attract or retain customers or talent;- be unable to successfully market services that are reliant on the creation and maintenance of secure information technology systems to U.S. government, international, and commercial customers;- suffer claims by customers, employees, or impacted third parties for substantial damages, particularly as a result of any successful network or systems breach and exfiltration of customer and/or third-party information;- incur significant costs, including fines from government regulators, related to complying with applicable federal or state laws, including laws pertaining to the security and protection of personal information.
In addition, we may have insufficient recourse against our vendors for costs, losses or claims we incur as a result of or reliance on their systems, services or other applications having significant defects, errors, or vulnerabilities, or which are successfully attacked by cyber and other security threats, resulting in our inability to meet our customers' expectations. Further, in addition to any costs resulting from contract performance or required corrective action, these failures may result in increased costs or loss of revenue if they result in customers postponing subsequently scheduled work or canceling or failing to renew contracts.
The costs related to cyber or other security threats or disruptions may not be fully insured or indemnified by other means. Additionally, some cyber technologies and techniques that we utilize or develop may raise potential liabilities related to legal compliance, intellectual property, and civil liberties, including privacy concerns, which may not be fully insured or indemnified. We may not be able to obtain and maintain insurance coverage on reasonable terms or in sufficient amounts to cover one or more large claims, or the insurer may disclaim coverage as to some types of future claims. The successful assertion of any large claim against us could seriously harm our business. Even if not successful, these claims could result in significant legal and other costs, may be a distraction to our management, may harm our customer relationships, and may adversely affect our ability to attract or retain talent. In certain new business areas, we may not be able to obtain sufficient insurance and may decide not to accept or solicit business in these areas.