Threats to Individuals & Businesses (DP IB Geography)

Revision Note

Technology Threats

Hacking

  • Cyberattacks or hacking are a major threat to all internet users

  • They can range from small-scale disruptions to large-scale disasters

  • They can have a significant impact on individuals, businesses, and governments

    • A data breach of French health insurance companies in January 2024 affected 33 million French citizens, or nearly half the country’s population

    • The attack compromised sensitive dates of birth, social security, and marital status information, but not medical history

    • In 2023, Russian hackers attacked 65 Australian government departments and agencies and stole 2.5 million documents in Australia’s largest government cyberattack

  • Cybercrime is on the rise, with over 2.3 million cyber attacks being reported in the UK in 2023 alone, with the average attack costing businesses £3,230 each

  • According to IT Governance, in December 2023 alone, 2 241 916 765 records were breached, with more than one in four incidents being ransomware attacks

  • The 3 most breached sectors are:

    • Finance

    • Manufacturing

    • Healthcare

Identity theft

  • One of the most rapidly expanding crimes is identity theft

  • Cybercrime is different from other crimes as the victim is usually located away from the offender

  • Identity theft incidents have increased with the rise of computers, many of which have inadequate security

  • Also, some criminals find identity theft more attractive due to the low prosecution rates and lenient sentencing

  • A study of identity theft in the USA found that certain populations were at greater risk than others and included:

    • University students

    • Military personnel

    • The elderly

    • Medical patients

    • Identity theft of the deceased

  • Stolen identity can be used for unauthorised purchases, loan applications, or even tax fraud, leading to financial consequence for the victim

  • People can be wrongfully accused of crimes committed under their stolen identity

  • Businesses face financial losses and it is time consuming to sort claims and rectify identity theft issues

Personal freedoms

  • In 2013, the UN published a report that linked state surveillance and freedom of expression

  • It was concerned over the threat to the right to privacy

  • Modern surveillance technologies allow states to intrude into personal and private lives

  • Unwarranted surveillance infringes on individual rights to lead a private life and is considered an invasion of privacy

  • Being constantly watched restricts freedom of speech and deters individuals from expressing their views, opinions, or concerns openly

  • Data collected through state surveillance can be misused for political gains, or even sold to third parties

  • Excessive workplace surveillance creates an atmosphere of distrust, leading to reduced employee morale and productivity

  • Businesses face legal and regulatory challenges by violating privacy laws

Threats to Global Supply Chains

  • Supply chains stretch across continents, making them susceptible to a variety of risks

  • These risks can be

    • Political

    • Economic

    • Physical

The Risk and Impact to Supply Chains

Risk

Impact

Political

Abrupt policy shifts, embargoes, or sanctions can create trade disruptions,

Geopolitical tensions, wars, or uprisings in a region severely disrupt supply chains, affecting both sourcing and distribution

Economic

Economic uncertainties or market crashes alter the demand-supply dynamics

Fluctuations in exchange rates increase import costs and export profits

Physical

Poor infrastructure causes delays and increases transport costs

Natural disasters can stop production or transportation for long periods of time

Global health emergencies, like the COVID-19 pandemic, disrupt supply chains by reducing the workforce, production, and logistics

Last updated:

You've read 0 of your 10 free revision notes

Unlock more, it's free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

Did this page help you?

Jacque Cartwright

Author: Jacque Cartwright

Expertise: Geography Content Creator

Jacque graduated from the Open University with a BSc in Environmental Science and Geography before doing her PGCE with the University of St David’s, Swansea. Teaching is her passion and has taught across a wide range of specifications – GCSE/IGCSE and IB but particularly loves teaching the A-level Geography. For the past 5 years Jacque has been teaching online for international schools, and she knows what is needed to get the top scores on those pesky geography exams.

Bridgette Barrett

Author: Bridgette Barrett

Expertise: Geography Lead

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.