As we rely increasingly on digital technologies for our work, communication, entertainment, and education, we also expose ourselves to more and more cyber risks. Cyberattacks can devastate individuals, businesses, and even nations, affecting our privacy, security, and economy.
But how much do we know about the cyber threats we face daily? How prepared are we to deal with them? And what can we do to protect ourselves and our data from cybercriminals?
Here are some cybersecurity facts and statistics that will shock you and make you think twice about your online habits:
- A cyberattack occurs every 39 seconds, according to a study by the University of Maryland.
- 1 in 3 Americans are affected by cyberattacks every year. Furthermore, the number of attacks is increasing, NOT decreasing.
- The global average data breach cost is $4.24 million across SMEs, the highest in the past 17 years.
- Human error accounts for 95% of all data breaches. This means that most cyberattacks could be prevented by following simple cybersecurity best practices, such as using strong passwords, updating software, and avoiding phishing emails.
- Phishing emails are more common than you know. According to PurpleSec, 98% of cybercrime relies on social engineering to accomplish it.
- Ransomware attacks grew by 41% in 2022, and identification and remediation for a breach took 49 days longer than the average breach. Ransomware is malware that encrypts the victim's data and demands a ransom for its decryption.
- Cryptocurrency and the Metaverse pose new cybersecurity threats. As these technologies become more popular and mainstream, they also attract more hackers who seek to exploit their vulnerabilities and steal their users' digital assets.
- Cybercrime is a highly profitable business. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, cybercrime will cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. That's more than the combined GDP of Japan, Germany, and the U.K.
- Cyberattacks are not only a threat to individuals and businesses but also to national security. According to Microsoft, nearly 80% of nation-state attackers targeted government agencies, think tanks, and other non-government organizations. Microsoft also reports that 58% of cyberattacks from nation-states originated in Russia.
- Cybersecurity is not only a challenge but also an opportunity. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 209,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs in the United States. Internationally, the numbers are even more staggering. According to the Global Information Security Workforce Study, the shortage of trained and qualified cybersecurity professionals worldwide is projected to reach 1.8 million by 2022.
These facts and stats show that cybersecurity is not something we can ignore or take lightly. We need to be aware of, educated about, and proactive regarding it. We all have a role in protecting our data, devices, and online identities from cyber threats.
If you want to learn more about cybersecurity and how to stay safe online, I recommend checking out these resources from LinkedIn Learning:
For further resources, visit the website of the National Cybersecurity Alliance at https://staysafeonline.org.
I hope you find this post helpful and informative. Please feel free to share your thoughts and feedback in the comments below. And if you know anyone who might benefit from this information, please share this post with them.
