In a world where technology and digital transformation are advancing at an unprecedented pace, cyberattacks have become part of everyday reality for businesses and organizations. As systems expand, cloud services multiply, and reliance on data increases, the cost of risk rises.
However, some companies still wonder: Is investing in cybersecurity a necessity or a cost that can be postponed?
The truth is that this question no longer makes sense in an era where cyberattacks cause trillions of dollars in losses globally each year. In Saudi Arabia specifically, with the development of national policies and data protection, choosing to “ignore security” has become a costly decision that could threaten the entire continuity of business.
In this article, we will examine in detail the difference between the cost of investing in cybersecurity and the cost of ignoring it, and how organizations can make informed decisions that support their digital future.
First: What does investing in cybersecurity mean?
Investing in cybersecurity does not only mean purchasing expensive software or advanced hardware, but also includes:
- Developing protection policies and procedures
- Operating a Security Operations Center (SOC)
- Continuous monitoring of networks and systems
- Enforcement of compliance controls (NCA – SAMA – PDPL – Cloud Security…)
- Training employees on security awareness
- Implementation of a system for managing events and vulnerabilities
- Existence of an incident response plan
This investment is like purchasing “real insurance” that protects the institution from catastrophic losses.
Second: What is the cost of ignoring cybersecurity?
Ignoring security does not mean not paying. It means Pay multiple timesBut later, when it was too late.
1) Direct penetration cost
The average cost of a breach globally exceeds $4 million, and can reach tens of millions in critical sectors.
The cost includes:
- System failure
- Suspension of operations
- Data theft
- Paying the ransom (Ransomware)
- Loss of contracts
- Investigations and forensic analysis
- Rebuilding systems
In Saudi Arabia, ransomware attacks have increased significantly due to targeting sectors such as energy, finance, and government services.
2) Loss of trust and customers
Today, digital reputation is a company's capital.
A single breach could lead to:
- Loss of a large number of customers
- Decline in sales
- The company was forced to issue a formal apology.
- Loss of strategic partnerships
In some cases, companies do not escape media damage.
3) Fines and penalties
Regulatory authorities in the Kingdom are very clear about compliance:
- National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA)
- Communications and Information Technology Commission
- SAMA
- PDPL
Non-compliance or a breach due to negligence may result in:
- High fines
- Disruption of services
- Shutdown systems
- Requirement to completely rebuild infrastructure
4) Lost time and employee burnout
When a breach occurs:
- Work stops
- Technical teams are busy investigating
- There is tremendous pressure on employees.
- Communication with customers is disrupted.
- Production stops
This type of “indirect loss” can be more costly than direct losses.
5) Cost of restoring systems
Restoring systems after an attack is usually:
- Slowest
- Most difficult
- and more expensive
- Less effective than before the attack
In most cases, companies need to replace most of their technical infrastructure.
Third: Direct comparison — invest now or pay later?
Investing in Security Today
Includes:
- SOC/NOC contracts
- SIEM systems
- Vulnerability Management
- Incident response
- Team training
- Consulting
- Compliance
Cost: Low to moderate, controllable, stable annually.
Ignore security
It results in:
- Breaches
- ransom
- Operational disasters
- Reputational damage
- Fines
- Technical structure collapse
- Operations halted for weeks
Cost: Very high and unpredictable, and potentially fatal to businesses.
In short:
Cybersecurity is always cheaper than an attack.
Fourth: The common myth — “It won’t happen to us.”
This mentality is the primary reason for the collapse of many systems.
Today's attacks are not only targeted, but:
- Random
- Automated
- Uses artificial intelligence
- Targets vulnerability, not the company itself
Which company has:
- Human resources system
- intranet
- Cloud
- website
It is a company that can be targeted.
The real question is not: “Are we going to be attacked?”
Rather:
“Are we ready when it happens?”
Fifth: How does cybersecurity reduce costs in the long term?
1) Prevent attacks before they happen
SIEM + SOC early warning systems prevent 70% incidents before they occur.
2) Reduce response time
A professional team reduces incident response time from days to minutes.
3) Increase compliance and avoid fines
GRC implementation reduces penalties and increases business readiness.
4) Protecting reputation and customer trust
Companies that are most committed to security earn the trust of the market.
5) Reduction in operating costs
The protected architecture operates more efficiently and experiences fewer failures.
Sixth: Real-life examples — companies that ignored security
- Global banks lost billions due to failure to update systems
- Tech companies lost data on millions of customers
- Medical institutions completely shut down after ransomware attack
- E-commerce companies shut down after payment databases were hacked
On the other hand:
Companies that invested in SOC + GRC + vulnerability management maintained their operations and did not suffer significant damage.
Seventh: Why is investing now the smartest choice?
- National regulations have become mandatory
- Attacks are becoming more sophisticated
- Local competencies have become stronger
- Security costs have become reasonable
- The Kingdom's digital strategy relies on secure technological infrastructure.
Investing today protects you from tomorrow's losses.
Conclusion
The question is not:
“Is cybersecurity important?”
Rather:
“How much will it cost to ignore him?”
In most cases, ignoring security costs companies:
- More money
- More time
- Lower reputation
- Worse still: complete stoppage of work**
Investing in cybersecurity today is not a business option, but a strategic necessity to ensure business continuity, protect assets, and grow the company in a complex digital environment.