GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Cybersecurity In The Ad Tech Industry Statistics

Given the increasing threat of cyber attacks, 84% of ad tech professionals anticipate that cybersecurity will become a top priority for their industry in the next few years.

Highlights: Cybersecurity In The Ad Tech Industry Statistics

  • By 2021, the damage costs due to cyber crimes are expected to reach $6 trillion annually.
  • In 2018, there were 6,515 reported breaches globally, with the ad tech industry heavily targeted.
  • In 2017, ad fraud resulted in an estimated loss of more than $7.2 billion globally.
  • The adtech industry is the third most common target for ad fraud.
  • In 2018, financial and ad fraud made up 71% of organized crime online.
  • Global costs of ad fraud are predicted to reach $100 billion by 2023.
  • 52% of global web traffic comes from bots, making ad fraud a serious cybersecurity concern.
  • About 30% of the fraud is committed within the networks of advertising brokers.
  • Approximately half of all ad impressions were fraudulent in 2016.
  • Account takeovers resulted in $5.1 billion in losses in 2018, a 120% increase from 2017.
  • Up to 82% of cyber professionals anticipate increased AdTech attacks in the coming years.
  • 66% of Information Technology experts see programmatic advertising as a high cybersecurity risk.
  • Fraud by malware programs are estimated to cause losses of $1.13 billion to the ad tech industry in 2020.
  • Malicious ads are a top method of attack with 1 in 13 web requests lead to malware.
  • In 2019, 88% of the US businesses expect to increase their digital ad spending due to concerns over cybersecurity.
  • Ad fraud is predicted to outweigh credit card fraud by 2021.
  • In 2018, fraud in mobile ads was 150% higher than in desktop ads.

Our Newsletter

The Business Week In Data

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!

Table of Contents

In today’s digital landscape, the ad tech industry plays a critical role in targeting ads to the right audience. However, with this increased reliance on technology comes the growing concern of cyber threats and security vulnerabilities. Understanding the latest statistics on cybersecurity in the ad tech industry is essential for businesses to protect their data and maintain consumer trust.

The Latest Cybersecurity In The Ad Tech Industry Statistics Explained

By 2021, the damage costs due to cyber crimes are expected to reach $6 trillion annually.

In 2021, it is projected that the collective costs of cyber crimes will amount to $6 trillion on a yearly basis. This statistic signifies the substantial financial impact that cyber crimes have on individuals, businesses, and governments worldwide. Cyber crimes encompass a range of malicious activities, including hacking, data breaches, ransomware attacks, and identity theft, all of which result in financial losses and damages to various entities. The increasing digitization of businesses and the proliferation of online transactions have further heightened the vulnerability to cyber attacks, underscoring the need for robust cybersecurity measures and vigilance in safeguarding sensitive information. The $6 trillion estimate serves as a stark reminder of the significant economic consequences of cyber crimes and the imperative for ongoing efforts to combat and mitigate such threats.

In 2018, there were 6,515 reported breaches globally, with the ad tech industry heavily targeted.

In 2018, there were 6,515 reported breaches globally, indicating a significant rise in cybersecurity threats and incidents across various industries. The statistic highlights the vulnerability of organizations to cyberattacks and the increasing sophistication of hackers in exploiting weaknesses in information systems. The fact that the ad tech industry was heavily targeted suggests that sectors dealing with consumer data, digital advertising, and online marketing may be particularly attractive targets for cyber criminals. This statistic underscores the importance of enhancing cybersecurity measures, implementing robust data protection policies, and investing in cybersecurity strategies to safeguard sensitive information and prevent data breaches in today’s digital landscape.

In 2017, ad fraud resulted in an estimated loss of more than $7.2 billion globally.

The statistic indicates that in the year 2017, the practice of ad fraud led to a significant financial impact on the global advertising industry, with estimated losses exceeding $7.2 billion. Ad fraud refers to deceptive and fraudulent activities undertaken by individuals or organizations to falsely inflate ad engagement metrics or mislead advertisers into paying for non-existent or ineffective ad placements. These activities can include click fraud, impression fraud, and fake websites designed to mimic legitimate ones. The substantial monetary losses attributed to ad fraud highlight the pervasive nature of this issue and the importance of implementing effective measures to combat such fraudulent practices in the digital advertising ecosystem.

The adtech industry is the third most common target for ad fraud.

This statistic indicates that the adtech industry ranks third in terms of frequency of being targeted for ad fraud activities. Ad fraud refers to deceptive practices that aim to generate illegitimate impressions or clicks, leading to financial losses for advertisers and undermining the integrity of digital advertising. The adtech industry plays a crucial role in the distribution of online ads and the management of advertising campaigns, making it an attractive target for fraudsters seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in the digital advertising ecosystem. This statistic highlights the significant challenges and risks faced by the adtech sector in combating fraudulent activities and protecting the interests of advertisers and consumers.

In 2018, financial and ad fraud made up 71% of organized crime online.

The statistic indicating that financial and ad fraud accounted for 71% of organized crime online in 2018 represents the significant prevalence and impact of fraudulent activities within the digital realm. This statistic highlights the alarming extent to which criminal organizations are leveraging the internet to engage in illegal activities focused on monetary gains, including deceiving individuals and businesses through financial schemes and misleading advertising practices. The findings underscore the growing challenges posed by cybercrime and the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and law enforcement efforts to combat these sophisticated and pervasive online threats.

Global costs of ad fraud are predicted to reach $100 billion by 2023.

The statistic that global costs of ad fraud are predicted to reach $100 billion by 2023 highlights a significant and concerning trend in the digital advertising industry. Ad fraud refers to the practice of misleadingly generating clicks, impressions, or conversions to defraud advertisers. The estimate of $100 billion in losses underscores the scale of this problem and its potential impact on businesses worldwide. Advertisers need to be vigilant in monitoring their digital advertising campaigns to detect and mitigate ad fraud, as it not only leads to financial losses but also damages brand reputation and erodes trust in digital advertising platforms.

52% of global web traffic comes from bots, making ad fraud a serious cybersecurity concern.

The statistic that 52% of global web traffic comes from bots highlights a significant issue with ad fraud and cybersecurity. Bots are automated programs that can mimic human behavior online, leading to artificially inflated web traffic numbers. This prevalence of bots poses a serious threat to the integrity of online advertising as advertisers may unknowingly pay for ads that are being viewed by bots rather than real human users. This can result in wasted advertising budgets and a lack of genuine engagement with target audiences. Furthermore, the high percentage of bot-driven web traffic underscores the importance of companies implementing robust cybersecurity measures to detect and mitigate ad fraud in order to protect their online investments and maintain trust with their customers.

About 30% of the fraud is committed within the networks of advertising brokers.

The statistic “About 30% of the fraud is committed within the networks of advertising brokers” suggests that a significant portion of fraudulent activity occurs within the advertising industry, specifically within networks of advertising brokers. This statistic highlights the prevalence and magnitude of fraud within this sector, indicating that fraudulent activities such as false advertising, deceptive marketing practices, or other unethical behaviors are common within these networks. It underscores the importance of monitoring and regulating such activities to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of the advertising industry. The statistic also points to the need for increased vigilance and enforcement measures to combat fraud effectively within advertising networks.

Approximately half of all ad impressions were fraudulent in 2016.

The statistic “Approximately half of all ad impressions were fraudulent in 2016” suggests that an alarming proportion of online advertising impressions during that year were deemed to be fraudulent. Ad impressions refer to the number of times an ad is fetched and displayed on a web page. Fraudulent ad impressions can include various forms of invalid traffic such as bot clicks, click fraud, and non-human traffic intentionally or mistakenly generated to inflate ad views. Such fraudulent activities can lead to wasted advertising budgets for businesses and inaccurate performance metrics. Therefore, this statistic highlights the significant challenge and potential threat that ad fraud posed to the digital advertising industry in 2016.

Account takeovers resulted in $5.1 billion in losses in 2018, a 120% increase from 2017.

The statistic reports that incidents of account takeovers led to financial losses totaling $5.1 billion in 2018, representing a significant 120% surge compared to 2017. This steep rise highlights a growing concern in the realm of cybersecurity, indicating an alarming escalation in account takeover activities and their associated financial impact over the one year period. The substantial increase in losses from account takeovers suggests that individuals, businesses, and organizations need to bolster their security measures to protect against such threats and safeguard sensitive information and financial assets from malicious actors.

Up to 82% of cyber professionals anticipate increased AdTech attacks in the coming years.

The statistic states that up to 82% of cyber professionals expect a rise in AdTech attacks in the future. AdTech refers to advertising technology, which is the use of technology in the advertising industry to facilitate targeted and personalized advertisements. The high percentage of cyber professionals anticipating increased AdTech attacks suggests a growing concern within the industry about the vulnerability of AdTech systems to potential cyber threats. This statistic highlights the need for proactive measures to enhance cybersecurity practices and defenses in the AdTech sector to protect against potential attacks and safeguard sensitive data and information.

66% of Information Technology experts see programmatic advertising as a high cybersecurity risk.

The statistic that 66% of Information Technology experts see programmatic advertising as a high cybersecurity risk indicates a significant level of concern within the IT community regarding the security implications of this advertising method. Programmatic advertising involves automated buying and selling of digital ad spaces using algorithms and data-driven technologies, which can potentially expose vulnerabilities in the system and lead to various cybersecurity threats such as malvertising, fraud, data breaches, and privacy issues. The high percentage of IT experts identifying programmatic advertising as a major cybersecurity risk highlights the need for increased vigilance, proactive measures, and robust security protocols to mitigate potential threats in this digital advertising ecosystem.

Fraud by malware programs are estimated to cause losses of $1.13 billion to the ad tech industry in 2020.

The statistic indicates that fraudulent activities initiated by malware programs are projected to result in financial losses amounting to $1.13 billion for the ad tech industry during the year 2020. This suggests that malicious software, designed to deceive and exploit online advertising systems, poses a significant threat to the industry’s revenue and overall stability. Fraudulent activities by malware programs can include tactics such as click fraud, ad stacking, or cookie stuffing, all of which contribute to misleading advertisers and causing financial harm. This statistic highlights the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures and fraud detection mechanisms to safeguard the ad tech industry against such malicious activities and protect businesses from substantial financial losses.

Malicious ads are a top method of attack with 1 in 13 web requests lead to malware.

The statistic “Malicious ads are a top method of attack with 1 in 13 web requests lead to malware” indicates that when users interact with online advertisements on the internet, there is a significant risk of being exposed to malware. Specifically, for every 13 web requests made by users, 1 of them is likely to result in the delivery of malicious software. This highlights the prevalence of malicious ads as a strategy used by cyber attackers to infiltrate users’ devices and networks. It underscores the importance of internet users being cautious and vigilant when engaging with online ads to protect themselves from potential security threats and malware infections.

In 2019, 88% of the US businesses expect to increase their digital ad spending due to concerns over cybersecurity.

The statistic indicates that a significant portion, 88%, of businesses in the United States are projected to boost their digital advertising expenditures in 2019. This anticipated increase is driven by concerns regarding cybersecurity, implying that businesses perceive investing in digital advertising as a safer strategy compared to other marketing avenues. The decision to allocate more resources to digital ad spending can be attributed to the growing importance of online platforms in reaching and engaging with consumers, as well as the perceived reliability and security of digital advertising channels amidst rising cybersecurity threats. This statistic suggests that businesses are adapting to the evolving digital landscape by prioritizing cybersecurity measures while simultaneously leveraging the potential of digital marketing to enhance their brand visibility and reach their target audiences.

Ad fraud is predicted to outweigh credit card fraud by 2021.

The statistic that ad fraud is predicted to outweigh credit card fraud by 2021 indicates a concerning trend in the realm of fraudulent activities. Ad fraud refers to the practice of falsely representing online advertisement activities to generate revenue illegitimately, while credit card fraud involves unauthorized use of credit card information for financial gain. The prediction suggests that the monetary losses associated with ad fraud are anticipated to surpass those caused by credit card fraud by 2021, highlighting the increasing prevalence and severity of deceptive practices in the digital advertising space. This projection underscores the importance of implementing robust measures and technologies to combat ad fraud and protect consumers, businesses, and advertisers from significant financial harm.

In 2018, fraud in mobile ads was 150% higher than in desktop ads.

The statistic “In 2018, fraud in mobile ads was 150% higher than in desktop ads” indicates that the level of fraudulent activity in mobile advertising was significantly greater than in desktop advertising during that year. Specifically, the rate of fraud in mobile ads was 150% more than the rate in desktop ads, implying that the mobile platform experienced a substantial increase in deceptive practices compared to desktop. This statistic raises concerns about the potential risks and vulnerabilities associated with mobile ad campaigns, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and measures to combat fraud in the digital advertising industry.

References

0. – https://www.www.martechadvisor.com

1. – https://www.www.riskbasedsecurity.com

2. – https://www.nymag.com

3. – https://www.www.recordedfuture.com

4. – https://www.www.thedrum.com

5. – https://www.www.ormsbystreet.com

6. – https://www.www.cheq.ai

7. – https://www.www.emarketer.com

8. – https://www.www2.deloitte.com

9. – https://www.www.whiteops.com

10. – https://www.www.juniperresearch.com

11. – https://www.www.imperva.com

12. – https://www.javelinstrategy.com

13. – https://www.cybersecurityventures.com

14. – https://www.www.cyberark.com

15. – https://www.www.appsflyer.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!