As Halloween approaches, it’s not just ghosts and ghouls that should keep you up at night. The world of cybersecurity is filled with its own set of terrifying facts and figures that can send shivers down your spine. From data breaches to ransomware attacks, here are 20 chilling cybersecurity facts that will make you think twice before clicking that suspicious link or sharing personal information online.
1. A cyberattack occurs every 39 seconds: Yes, you read that right. According to a study by the University of Maryland, a cyberattack takes place every 39 seconds on average. This means that by the time you finish reading this article, several attacks have already occurred.
2. Cybercrime will cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025: As technology advances, so do the tactics of cybercriminals. It is estimated that by 2025, the global cost of cybercrime will reach a staggering $10.5 trillion, making it one of the most profitable criminal activities.
3. Small businesses are targeted in 43% of cyberattacks: Contrary to popular belief, cybercriminals don’t just go after big corporations. Small businesses are often seen as easy targets due to their limited resources and lack of robust cybersecurity measures.
4. Ransomware attacks are on the rise: Ransomware attacks have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. In fact, ransomware attacks increased by 485% in 2020 alone, leaving individuals and organizations scrambling to recover their encrypted data.
5. Phishing emails are responsible for 80% of all cyberattacks: Phishing remains one of the most common and successful methods used by cybercriminals. These deceptive emails trick users into revealing sensitive information or downloading malicious attachments.
6. The average cost of a data breach is $3.86 million: Data breaches can have severe financial consequences for organizations. The average cost of a data breach has risen to $3.86 million, taking into account factors such as investigation, remediation, and legal fees.
7. 95% of cybersecurity breaches are caused by human error: Despite the advancements in technology, human error remains the weakest link in cybersecurity. From weak passwords to falling for phishing scams, individuals unknowingly contribute to the majority of breaches.
8. The dark web is home to over 15 billion stolen credentials: The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where cybercriminals buy and sell stolen data. It is estimated that there are over 15 billion stolen credentials available for purchase, making it easier for hackers to carry out attacks.
9. Cybersecurity job openings are expected to reach 3.5 million by 2021: The demand for cybersecurity professionals is skyrocketing as organizations strive to protect themselves from cyber threats. However, there is a significant shortage of skilled individuals to fill these positions.
10. Only 5% of companies’ folders are properly protected: Despite the increasing number of cyber threats, many organizations fail to adequately protect their sensitive data. Shockingly, only 5% of companies’ folders are properly protected, leaving them vulnerable to potential breaches.
11. Mobile malware attacks increased by 54% in 2020: With the rise of smartphones and mobile devices, cybercriminals have shifted their focus to mobile platforms. Mobile malware attacks increased by a staggering 54% in 2020, targeting unsuspecting users through malicious apps and fake websites.
12. 60% of small businesses go out of business within six months of a cyberattack: The aftermath of a cyberattack can be devastating for small businesses. Due to the financial and reputational damage caused by a breach, 60% of small businesses are forced to shut down within six months.
13. The average time to identify a breach is 207 days: Detecting a breach is no easy task. On average, it takes organizations 207 days to identify a breach, giving cybercriminals ample time to access and exploit sensitive data.
14. 81% of data breaches involve weak or stolen passwords: Passwords are often the first line of defense against cyber threats. However, 81% of data breaches occur due to weak or stolen passwords, highlighting the importance of using strong, unique passwords and implementing multi-factor authentication.
15. Cybersecurity attacks on healthcare organizations increased by 45% in 2020: The healthcare industry has become a prime target for cybercriminals, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Attacks on healthcare organizations increased by a staggering 45% in 2020, putting patient data and critical infrastructure at risk.
16. 94% of malware is delivered via email: Email remains a popular attack vector for cybercriminals. A whopping 94% of malware is delivered through email, making it crucial for individuals and organizations to exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking on links.
17. Cybersecurity spending is expected to exceed $1 trillion from 2017 to 2021: As the threat landscape continues to evolve,
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- Source: Plato Data Intelligence.
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