What can be a consequence of ignoring security protocols?

Ignoring security protocols can lead to data breaches and significant reputational damage. When organizations do not adhere to established security measures, they expose sensitive information to unauthorized access, theft, or misuse. This can result in financial losses, regulatory penalties, and a loss of customer trust. The consequences can extend beyond immediate financial impacts, as a damaged reputation often leads to long-term challenges in retaining customers and attracting new business.

In comparison, the other choices suggest positive outcomes associated with neglecting security, which are misleading. For example, ignoring security protocols is unlikely to lead to increased employee morale or enhancements in software performance; instead, such negligence can create an environment of distrust and potential chaos within the organization. Similarly, while improved network speed might seem beneficial, the trade-off of reduced security would ultimately jeopardize the organization's integrity and resilience against cyber threats.