Technological (man-made) hazards

Computer systems failure

Computer systems network failure is primarily caused by power failure, but can also be caused by viruses, systems bugs e.g. Y2K, electromagnetic pulses, operating systems error, or by hackers.

Much of Aucklands infrastructure and most businesses are reliant on effective operation of computer networks, and this dependency is increasing through time. Systems failure occurs on a small scale quite frequently.

The likelihood of large scale systems failure that could significantly affect the region, like that that could have been caused by the Y2K bug is unknown. Heavily relied upon systems have complex back-up systems, but backup systems can fail.

Examples of the types of consequences of large scale computer systems failure are described below:

• major network overload and disruption to communication services
• significant economic losses to the business sector due to downtime, interruption of industry processes and repair and recovery work
• disruption of the banking industry with implications for international trade
• disruption to air travel and shipping
• failure of networks reliant on computer systems for operation, causing secondary hazards such as fire, interference with water treatment and supply, interference with wastewater treatment, dam operation and power supply with further consequences such as risk to human health from disruption of the medical sector and potential sanitation problems, high risk of traffic confusion and accidents.