[David Brinza]

Lightning suppression can do only so much. We're talking about mega-voltage and amps of current moving around really sensitive electronics.

Today's digital electronics operate with very low-voltage/low-power, primarily to preserve battery life and reduce thermal issues. There are devices in the cRIO operating on 1.2V power supplies whose can fail with transient voltage spikes less than fractions of a volt for less than milliseconds. Radiation coming through the Earth's atmosphere and magnetic field can upset circuits and wreck havoc with programs if not corrected. Small voltage spikes can literally cook IC circuits causing permanent damage.

When circuit boards are being assembled and handled with such parts, serious precautions are taken to avoid ESD damage: controlled humidity, conductive bags, containers, benches, floors and garments, wrist straps, air ionizers, etc.

Having proper grounding and adequate transient protection on power inputs (or better, UPS systems) is essential for protecting against lightning. But you can kill your electronics pretty easily with a static spark in the winter too.