We rely on information technology networks and systems, including the Internet, cloud-based services and third-party service providers, to process, transmit and store electronic information (including PHI), personally identifiable information, credit card and other financial information, and to manage or support a variety of business processes and activities, including procurement, manufacturing, distribution, invoicing, collection, communication with our employees, customers, dealers and suppliers, business acquisitions and other corporate transactions, compliance with regulatory, legal and tax requirements, and research and development. For example, in the ordinary course of business, our business collects, stores, and transmits certain sensitive data, including PHI, personally identifiable information, and patient data. We face constant and evolving risks that threaten the confidentiality, integrity and availability of our information technology networks and systems and information, which are susceptible to damage, disruptions, shutdowns or other compromises due to failures during the process of upgrading or replacing software, databases or components, power outages, hardware failures, cyberattacks or other security incidents. If these information technology systems suffer severe damage, disruption or shutdown and business continuity plans do not effectively resolve the issues in a timely manner, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity could be materially adversely affected.
Our information technology networks and systems are subject to security threats and sophisticated cyber-based attacks, including, but not limited to, denial-of-service attacks, hacking, "phishing" attacks, computer viruses, ransomware, malware, software-based misconfigurations, "bugs" and other security vulnerabilities, employee or insider error, malfeasance, social engineering, or physical breaches, that can cause deliberate or unintentional damage, destruction or misuse, manipulation, denial of access to or disclosure of confidential or important information by our employees, suppliers or third-party service providers. Additionally, advanced persistent attempts to gain unauthorized access or deny access to, or otherwise disrupt, our systems and those of third-party service providers and business partners we rely on are increasing in sophistication and frequency. We have experienced, and expect to continue to confront, efforts by hackers and other third parties to gain unauthorized access or deny access to, or otherwise disrupt, our information technology systems and networks. Any such future attacks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. We can provide no assurance that our cybersecurity risk management program and processes will be fully implemented, complied with or effective to protect or mitigate risks to our systems, networks and data or in effectively resolving such risks when they materialize. Cyberattacks are expected to accelerate on a global basis in frequency and magnitude as threat actors are becoming increasingly sophisticated in using techniques and tools, including artificial intelligence, that circumvent security controls, evade detection and remove forensic evidence. As a result, we may be unable to detect, investigate, remediate or recover from future attacks or incidents. A failure of or breach in information technology security of our own systems, or those of our third-party vendors or partners, could expose us and our employees, customers, dealers and suppliers to risks of misuse of information or systems, the compromise of confidential information, manipulation and destruction of data, defective products, production downtimes and operations disruptions. Any of these events in turn could adversely affect our reputation, competitive position, including loss of customers and revenue, business, results of operations and liquidity. In addition, such breaches in security could result in litigation, regulatory action and potential liability, including liability under federal or state laws that protect the privacy of personal information, such as HIPAA, as well as the costs and operational consequences of implementing further data protection measures.
Additionally, to conduct our operations, we regularly move data across national borders, and consequently we are subject to a variety of continuously evolving and developing laws and regulations in the United States and abroad regarding privacy, data protection and data security. The scope of the laws that may be applicable to us is often uncertain and may be conflicting, particularly with respect to foreign laws. For example, some of the data we handle and aspects of our operations are subject to the European Union's GDPR, which greatly increases the jurisdictional reach of European Union law and adds a broad array of requirements for handling personal data, including the public disclosure of significant data breaches and provides for significant potential penalties and remedies for violations. Other countries have enacted or are enacting data localization laws that require data to stay within their borders. All of these evolving compliance and operational requirements impose significant costs that are likely to increase over time.