Failing to meet regulatory or contractual obligations can carry severe consequences, both financially and reputationally. In this episode, we break down the real-world impacts of non-compliance—including fines, sanctions, lawsuits, contract termination, and loss of certifications or business licenses. We examine examples where organizations were penalized for data breaches, late disclosures, weak encryption, or improper record retention, showing how these failures often stemmed from neglect, misunderstanding, or poor implementation of controls. Reputational damage from publicized failures can be even more costly, driving away customers and investors. We also discuss the ripple effects, such as increased insurance premiums, restricted market access, and closer scrutiny in future audits. Non-compliance isn’t just a legal problem—it’s a business risk that must be managed with the same attention as cyber threats.