Connectivity dependency is an organization’s reliance on internet access to run business processes, communicate, and operate technical systems. It can include cloud applications, remote authentication, software updates, monitoring tools, and coordination between teams.
This dependency matters in cybersecurity because an outage can reduce access to services and weaken defenders’ visibility or response capabilities, even when no system has been compromised. Disruptions may result from infrastructure failure, policy decisions, or natural events. Organizations can prepare by identifying essential services that require connectivity, planning alternative communication and access methods, and testing continuity procedures for periods when internet access is unavailable.