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Cybersecurity Risk

Author

Listed:
  • Chris Florackis
  • Christodoulos Louca
  • Roni Michaely
  • Michael Weber

Abstract

Using textual analysis and comparing cybersecurity-risk disclosures of firms that were hacked to others that were not, we propose a novel firm-level measure of cybersecurity risk for all US-listed firms. We then examine whether cybersecurity risk is priced in the cross-section of stock returns. Portfolios of firms with high exposure to cybersecurity risk outperform other firms, on average, by up to 8.3% per year. At the same time, high-exposure firms perform poorly in periods of high cybersecurity risk. Reassuringly, the measure is higher in information-technology industries, correlates with characteristics linked to firms hit by cyberattacks, and predicts future cyberattacks.

Suggested Citation

  • Chris Florackis & Christodoulos Louca & Roni Michaely & Michael Weber, 2020. "Cybersecurity Risk," NBER Working Papers 28196, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:28196
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G31 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Capital Budgeting; Fixed Investment and Inventory Studies

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