GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Cybersecurity In The Alternative Investment Industry Statistics

Cybersecurity incidents in the alternative investment industry are on the rise, with 65% of firms experiencing a security breach or incident in the past year according to statistics.

Highlights: Cybersecurity In The Alternative Investment Industry Statistics

  • 44% of alternative investment firms are employing full-time cybersecurity teams
  • More than 50% of alternative investment industry professionals reported their firms had experienced a cyber attack
  • Only 11% of alternative investment professionals believe they are fully capable of mitigating cyber threats
  • Around 35% of alternative investment industry professionals lack sufficient knowledge of their company's cyber strategy
  • 86% of technology leaders within the alternative investment industry expect cybersecurity regulations to increase.
  • More than $3.5 trillion of alternative investments could be vulnerable to cybersecurity risks.
  • 77% of firms in the financial services sector, including alternative investments, have increased their cybersecurity budgets over the past three years.
  • By 2022, global cybersecurity spending by financial institutions including alternative investment firms will reach $5.3 billion.
  • 53% of investment firms throughout the globe face the risk of a cyber-attack every month.
  • Investment firms suffer an average loss of $12 million per cyber attack.
  • 60% of alternative investment firms have seen further cyber security regulatory scrutiny.
  • About 20% of financial institutions, including the alternative investment industry, lack a comprehensive cybersecurity policy
  • About 85% of alternative investment firms report having a formal, written cybersecurity policy in place.
  • 90% of investment management companies anticipate cyber crime growth over the next two years.
  • Less than 50% of alternative investment firms fully communicate their cybersecurity strategies to employees.
  • 10-15% of an alternative investment firm's IT budget is spent on cybersecurity.
  • Cybersecurity events are predicted to cost the global economy $6 trillion annually by 2021, with alternative investments a key target.

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The Latest Cybersecurity In The Alternative Investment Industry Statistics Explained

44% of alternative investment firms are employing full-time cybersecurity teams

The statistic that 44% of alternative investment firms are employing full-time cybersecurity teams indicates the prevalence of proactive efforts within this industry to address the growing threat of cyber attacks and data breaches. This finding suggests that a significant portion of alternative investment firms recognize the importance of having dedicated resources to protect their sensitive information and assets from potential security breaches. By investing in full-time cybersecurity teams, these firms are demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding their data and ensuring the trust and confidence of their clients. This statistic highlights the increasing recognition of cybersecurity as a critical aspect of risk management and operational resilience within the alternative investment sector.

More than 50% of alternative investment industry professionals reported their firms had experienced a cyber attack

The statistic “More than 50% of alternative investment industry professionals reported their firms had experienced a cyber attack” indicates that a significant proportion of professionals in the alternative investment industry have encountered cyber attacks within their organizations. This suggests that the industry is highly susceptible to cybersecurity threats, potentially putting sensitive data and financial assets at risk. The finding underscores the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures and protocols to safeguard against these attacks and protect the integrity and confidentiality of financial information. It also emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring and proactive efforts to mitigate cybersecurity risks in the alternative investment industry.

Only 11% of alternative investment professionals believe they are fully capable of mitigating cyber threats

The statistic that only 11% of alternative investment professionals believe they are fully capable of mitigating cyber threats highlights a concerning gap in cybersecurity readiness within the industry. Alternative investment professionals manage high-value assets and sensitive financial information, making them lucrative targets for cyber threats such as hacking and data breaches. The low confidence in their ability to effectively address these threats suggests a potential vulnerability that could have serious implications for the security and integrity of their operations. To address this issue, it is crucial for alternative investment professionals to prioritize enhancing their cybersecurity knowledge and defenses to better protect themselves, their clients, and their assets from cyber attacks.

Around 35% of alternative investment industry professionals lack sufficient knowledge of their company’s cyber strategy

The statistic states that approximately 35% of professionals working in the alternative investment industry do not possess comprehensive understanding or information regarding their company’s cyber strategy. This indicates a concerning gap in knowledge and awareness within the industry, highlighting a potential vulnerability to cyber threats and breaches. Given the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks targeting financial institutions, it is imperative for professionals in the alternative investment sector to be well-informed about their company’s cyber strategy to effectively mitigate risks and safeguard sensitive data and assets. Addressing this knowledge gap through education and training initiatives may help strengthen cybersecurity measures and enhance the industry’s overall resilience against cyber threats.

86% of technology leaders within the alternative investment industry expect cybersecurity regulations to increase.

The statistic indicates that a significant majority (86%) of technology leaders working in the alternative investment industry anticipate that regulations related to cybersecurity will become more stringent in the future. This sentiment suggests a prevailing awareness and concern about the growing risks and challenges associated with cybersecurity threats within the industry. The high percentage of technology leaders holding this expectation underscores the need for organizations to prioritize cybersecurity measures, invest in robust security strategies, and stay updated on regulatory developments to protect sensitive data and assets from potential cyber attacks.

More than $3.5 trillion of alternative investments could be vulnerable to cybersecurity risks.

This statistic suggests that over $3.5 trillion worth of alternative investments, such as hedge funds, private equity, and real estate funds, are exposed to potential cybersecurity threats. Alternative investments often involve managing sensitive financial data and valuable assets, making them attractive targets for cyberattacks. The vulnerability to cybersecurity risks could result in significant financial losses, data breaches, and reputational damage for both the investors and the alternative investment firms. It underscores the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures and investing in security infrastructure to safeguard these assets and protect against potential threats in the increasingly digital landscape of financial markets.

77% of firms in the financial services sector, including alternative investments, have increased their cybersecurity budgets over the past three years.

This statistic suggests that a significant majority (77%) of firms in the financial services sector, including alternative investments, have opted to allocate more resources towards enhancing their cybersecurity measures over the last three years. The increase in cybersecurity budgets indicates a growing recognition of the importance of protecting sensitive financial data and assets in an environment marked by evolving cyber threats. By investing more in cybersecurity, these firms aim to reduce the risk of potential data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. This proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to staying ahead of potential cybersecurity challenges and safeguarding the integrity and trust of their operations in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

By 2022, global cybersecurity spending by financial institutions including alternative investment firms will reach $5.3 billion.

The statistic indicates that by the year 2022, financial institutions, including alternative investment firms, are projected to collectively spend a total of $5.3 billion on cybersecurity measures globally. This suggests a growing recognition among financial institutions of the importance of investing in cybersecurity to protect sensitive data, secure financial transactions, and defend against evolving cyber threats. The substantial allocation of funds toward cybersecurity highlights the sector’s commitment to enhancing its defenses and resilience against cyber attacks, which have become increasingly sophisticated and prevalent in recent years. This proactive approach aligns with the broader trend of organizations prioritizing cybersecurity as a critical aspect of risk management and operational stability, reflecting the significant impact that cybersecurity breaches can have on both financial institutions and their clients.

53% of investment firms throughout the globe face the risk of a cyber-attack every month.

The statistic that 53% of investment firms worldwide face the risk of a cyber-attack every month indicates a significant threat to the financial industry. This high percentage suggests that a large portion of investment firms are vulnerable to potential cyber threats, which could lead to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. It highlights the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures and regularly updating defenses to protect sensitive information and financial assets from malicious actors. Investment firms need to be proactive in identifying and mitigating cybersecurity risks to safeguard their operations and maintain trust with clients in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

Investment firms suffer an average loss of $12 million per cyber attack.

The statistic states that investment firms experience an average financial loss of $12 million per cyber attack. This implies that when investment firms are targeted by cyber attacks, the resulting financial impact is substantial, with the losses averaging at $12 million per incident. The significance of this statistic highlights the potentially devastating effects of cyber attacks on investment firms, not only in terms of financial losses but also in terms of reputational damage and operational disruptions. This underscores the critical need for investment firms to prioritize cybersecurity measures and invest in robust defenses to mitigate the risks associated with cyber threats.

60% of alternative investment firms have seen further cyber security regulatory scrutiny.

This statistic suggests that a majority (60%) of alternative investment firms have recently experienced increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies regarding their cyber security practices. This indicates a growing concern within the alternative investment industry regarding potential cyber threats and the need for firms to bolster their security measures to protect sensitive information and assets. The fact that a significant portion of these firms are facing regulatory scrutiny highlights the importance of regulatory compliance in the realm of cyber security for alternative investment firms to mitigate risks and safeguard their operations and client data.

About 20% of financial institutions, including the alternative investment industry, lack a comprehensive cybersecurity policy

The statistic that about 20% of financial institutions, including the alternative investment industry, lack a comprehensive cybersecurity policy indicates a significant gap in protective measures against cyber threats within these sectors. A cybersecurity policy is crucial for managing risks associated with data breaches, hacking attempts, and other cyber attacks, especially in industries like finance where sensitive information and assets are at stake. The absence of such a policy suggests that these institutions may be more vulnerable to cyber threats, potentially putting their clients’ data and financial assets at risk. The need for improved cybersecurity measures and increased awareness of cyber threats is paramount to safeguarding the integrity and security of financial institutions and the investments they manage.

About 85% of alternative investment firms report having a formal, written cybersecurity policy in place.

The statistic that about 85% of alternative investment firms report having a formal, written cybersecurity policy in place reflects a relatively high level of awareness and prioritization of cybersecurity measures within this sector. Having a formal policy signifies a proactive approach to managing and mitigating cybersecurity risks, which is crucial given the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats faced by financial organizations. By having a documented cybersecurity policy, alternative investment firms can establish clear guidelines, protocols, and best practices for safeguarding sensitive data and protecting their systems, thereby enhancing their cybersecurity posture and reducing the likelihood of security breaches and data compromises.

90% of investment management companies anticipate cyber crime growth over the next two years.

This statistic indicates that a majority (90%) of investment management companies expect an increase in cyber crime activities within their industry within the next two years. This suggests a widespread concern among these companies regarding the likelihood of cyber attacks and security breaches impacting their operations. Such anticipation may lead to increased efforts and investments in cybersecurity measures to mitigate potential risks and protect sensitive data and assets. Overall, the statistic highlights the recognition of cyber threats as a significant challenge that investment management companies are preparing to address in the near future.

Less than 50% of alternative investment firms fully communicate their cybersecurity strategies to employees.

The statistic ‘Less than 50% of alternative investment firms fully communicate their cybersecurity strategies to employees’ indicates that a significant portion of alternative investment firms may not be effectively sharing information about their cybersecurity measures with their staff. This lack of communication can be concerning as it suggests that employees may not be adequately informed or trained on how to prevent or respond to cybersecurity threats within the organization. This could potentially expose the firms to greater risks of cyber attacks or breaches due to a lack of awareness and preparedness among their workforce. Improving communication and training on cybersecurity strategies within alternative investment firms is crucial in enhancing overall security measures and minimizing vulnerabilities to cyber threats.

10-15% of an alternative investment firm’s IT budget is spent on cybersecurity.

The statistic ’10-15% of an alternative investment firm’s IT budget is spent on cybersecurity’ refers to the portion of financial resources allocated by such firms specifically for enhancing their cybersecurity measures. Alternative investment firms, which typically manage non-traditional investments such as private equity or hedge funds, recognize the importance of protecting their sensitive data and systems from cyber threats. By committing a significant fraction of their IT budget to cybersecurity, these firms aim to mitigate risks associated with data breaches, unauthorized access, and other cyber attacks, ultimately safeguarding their operations, reputation, and client assets. This allocation demonstrates a proactive approach towards ensuring the security and resilience of their digital infrastructure in an increasingly interconnected and threat-prone environment.

Cybersecurity events are predicted to cost the global economy $6 trillion annually by 2021, with alternative investments a key target.

The statistic provided indicates that cybersecurity events are projected to incur a massive economic cost of $6 trillion annually worldwide by the year 2021, with alternative investments being identified as a significant target for cyber threats. This alarming figure highlights the growing threat posed by cybersecurity breaches to the global economy, as businesses and financial sectors increasingly rely on digital technologies and alternative investments for operations and transactions. The forecasted cost underscores the urgency for organizations to prioritize cybersecurity measures and invest in robust defenses to mitigate the financial and reputational risks associated with cyber incidents targeting alternative investment platforms.

References

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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.

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