What do cyber attacks aim to disrupt?

Cyber attacks primarily aim to disrupt computer systems, which include the software and hardware that manage and process data. Disrupting these systems can lead to unauthorized access, theft of sensitive information, service outages, and even manipulation of critical infrastructure. By targeting computer systems, attackers often seek to incapacitate or compromise the operational capabilities of individuals, businesses, or governments.

While other aspects such as database integrity and network connectivity can also be affected by cyber attacks, the main objective typically revolves around compromising the functionality of computer systems themselves. This allows attackers to achieve wider-ranging impacts, including data breaches and denial-of-service attacks, which can have significant repercussions on an organization's overall operations and security posture. Physical security, although important, is not the central focus of cyber attacks, which predominantly exploit vulnerabilities within digital environments.