Final answer:
The uniformity of IT processing can lead to system vulnerabilities and a single point of failure, exacerbate the digital divide, and present risks to business operability and societal safety if technology fails.
Step-by-step explanation:
An important characteristic of IT is uniformity of processing. Therefore, a risk exists that the uniformity can lead to a single point of failure or systemic vulnerability. In high-availability environments, like nuclear power plants or financial systems, any malfunction due to technical failure, a natural disaster, or a targeted attack can have catastrophic consequences. The reliance on technology introduces risks such as the loss of privacy, security breaches, and potential system failures that could lead to widespread operational disruptions or endanger public safety.
Consider also the social implications of a technologically uniform society: the formation of a digital divide. This gap between those with access to digital technologies and those without can exacerbate social inequality. Moreover, businesses that depend heavily on technology have to face the risk of losing customer trust and revenue if devices fail as depicted in the reference to failed phones or computers affecting customers and revenues.