Final answer:
The 'Consequences of Loss' element refers to the broader impact of the security incident, including operational, reputational, and strategic consequences, not just immediate financial losses.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the security incident affecting the network of computer systems described, the element that refers to why the loss matters is B) Consequences of Loss. This term addresses the broader impact of the incident beyond the immediate financial damages, considering the ripple effects the incident has on operations, reputation, and strategic positioning. For a business, the immediate loss of $10 million, the extended downtime, and widespread disruptions across the company underline the severity of consequences of loss. The incident not only affects the company's current financial status but also jeopardizes its future operations and may lead to what is known as an 'exit' or a shutdown if the losses are sustained in the long run.
For example, the disruptive impact on customers, the loss in productivity, and the potential long-term sales decline due to reputational harm, all quantify the consequences of loss. In assessing and mitigating risks, businesses often need to consider the asymmetric elements of risk, where the cost of prevention may be far less than the cost of the event itself, which could lead to game-changing consequences.