Investments in appropriate processing technology and information technology security are also important for risk mitigation. However, licensees should be aware that increased automation could transform high-frequency, low-severity losses into low frequency, high-severity losses. The latter may be associated with loss or extended disruption of services caused by internal factors or by factors beyond the licensee's immediate control (e.g., external events). Such problems may cause serious difficulties for licensees and could jeopardise an institution's ability to conduct key business activities.