GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Cybersecurity In The Book Industry Statistics

Cybersecurity incidents in the book industry are on the rise, with data breaches and ransomware attacks becoming increasingly common threats.

Highlights: Cybersecurity In The Book Industry Statistics

  • In 2020, the book publishing industry lost an estimated $1 billion to piracy and data breaches.
  • Book publishing businesses experience approximately 34% more security incidents than the average across all industries.
  • Research shows that 74% of the world's publishers do not have a specific member of staff dedicated to digital security.
  • By 2023, it is estimated that cyberattacks will result in over $6 trillion in damages worldwide.
  • More than 90% of published ebooks and audiobooks are downloaded illegally.
  • Only 53% of organizations in the book publishing industry have a formal process for assessing third-party vendors' cybersecurity capabilities.
  • Small publishers are especially at risk, with 60% admitting they have no active cybersecurity defense plan.
  • In 2019, phishing attacks targeted the book industry specifically increased by 55%.
  • 58% of cyber attack victims in the book industry are small publishers.
  • There was a 30% increase in ransomware attacks on publishing companies from 2019 to 2020.
  • 75% of publishing companies experienced a cyber security event in the past year.
  • Over 80% of publishers admit they have no effective security awareness training in place.
  • There's an estimated shortage of nearly 3 million cybersecurity professionals worldwide.
  • In 2020, the average cost of a data breach for a publishing company was $3.86 million.
  • The average time to identify and contain a data breach in the publishing industry is 280 days.
  • According to McAfee, the book publishing industry has the 4th highest rate of cyber violence incidents in North America.

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

The Latest Cybersecurity In The Book Industry Statistics Explained

In 2020, the book publishing industry lost an estimated $1 billion to piracy and data breaches.

The statistic highlights the significant financial impact of piracy and data breaches on the book publishing industry in 2020, resulting in an estimated loss of $1 billion. Piracy refers to the unauthorized distribution and sharing of copyrighted material, leading to reduced sales and revenue for publishers. Data breaches, on the other hand, involve unauthorized access to sensitive information, potentially leading to intellectual property theft and privacy violations. These combined threats have not only resulted in substantial monetary losses for the industry but also raise concerns about the security and protection of intellectual property in the digital age. Measures to combat piracy and enhance cybersecurity are crucial to safeguarding the financial health and integrity of the book publishing sector.

Book publishing businesses experience approximately 34% more security incidents than the average across all industries.

The statistic that book publishing businesses experience approximately 34% more security incidents than the average across all industries suggests that the book publishing industry faces a higher risk of security breaches compared to other sectors. This indicates that book publishing companies may have vulnerabilities in their cybersecurity measures, making them attractive targets for malicious actors seeking to exploit these weaknesses. The finding highlights the importance for book publishers to prioritize enhancing their security protocols and investing in robust cybersecurity strategies to protect sensitive data, intellectual property, and maintain the trust of their stakeholders in an increasingly digitized world where cyber threats are prevalent across all industries.

Research shows that 74% of the world’s publishers do not have a specific member of staff dedicated to digital security.

The statistic stating that 74% of the world’s publishers do not have a specific staff member dedicated to digital security highlights a concerning lack of focus on cybersecurity within the publishing industry. This suggests that a significant majority of publishers may not be prioritizing the protection of their digital assets and information from potential cyber threats. Without a dedicated staff member for digital security, publishers may be more vulnerable to data breaches, hacking attempts, and other cybersecurity risks that could compromise their operations and reputation. This statistic underscores the importance of increasing awareness and investment in cybersecurity measures within the publishing sector to safeguard valuable digital assets and uphold data privacy and integrity.

By 2023, it is estimated that cyberattacks will result in over $6 trillion in damages worldwide.

The statistic indicates that by the year 2023, it is projected that the total financial repercussions of cyberattacks will surpass $6 trillion globally. This estimation reflects the growing threat and impact of cybercrime on businesses, organizations, and individuals. As technology continues to advance and more data is stored and transmitted online, cyberattacks have become increasingly sophisticated, posing significant risks to data security and economic stability. The substantial financial damages projected highlight the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and vigilance in protecting digital assets from malicious actors. Organizations and individuals must prioritize cybersecurity to minimize the potential financial losses associated with cyberattacks and safeguard sensitive information.

More than 90% of published ebooks and audiobooks are downloaded illegally.

The statement that more than 90% of published ebooks and audiobooks are downloaded illegally suggests a high prevalence of copyright infringement within the digital publishing industry. This statistic implies a significant level of piracy, where individuals access and distribute copyrighted material without authorization from the rights holders. Such rampant illegal downloading can have detrimental effects on authors, publishers, and the industry as a whole, leading to lost revenue, decreased incentives for creative production, and potential impacts on the availability of legitimate content. Addressing this issue requires robust enforcement measures, technological solutions, and efforts to educate the public about the importance of respecting intellectual property rights in the digital age.

Only 53% of organizations in the book publishing industry have a formal process for assessing third-party vendors’ cybersecurity capabilities.

The statistic that only 53% of organizations in the book publishing industry have a formal process for assessing third-party vendors’ cybersecurity capabilities indicates an important gap in cybersecurity practices within the industry. This suggests that almost half of the organizations in the industry may not have a structured approach to evaluating the cybersecurity measures and practices of the external vendors they work with, potentially leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats. Without a formal assessment process in place, these organizations may unknowingly expose themselves to risks such as data breaches, cyber attacks, and other security incidents that could compromise sensitive information and disrupt their operations. Implementing a rigorous and systematic vendor cybersecurity assessment process is crucial for ensuring the overall security posture of organizations in the book publishing industry and safeguarding their digital assets against potential threats.

Small publishers are especially at risk, with 60% admitting they have no active cybersecurity defense plan.

The statistic reveals a concerning trend among small publishers, indicating that a significant proportion, specifically 60%, do not have an active cybersecurity defense plan in place. This lack of preparedness puts them at a heightened risk of falling victim to cyber threats such as data breaches, hacking, and malware attacks. Without a structured cybersecurity defense plan, small publishers may be vulnerable to the increasingly sophisticated tactics employed by cybercriminals, potentially leading to financial losses, damaged reputation, and compromised sensitive information. It underscores the critical importance for small publishers to prioritize cybersecurity measures to safeguard their operations, data, and overall business resilience in the digital age.

In 2019, phishing attacks targeted the book industry specifically increased by 55%.

The statistic states that in 2019, phishing attacks targeting the book industry specifically experienced a 55% increase compared to previous periods. This suggests that cybercriminals specifically targeted the book industry with fraudulent schemes aimed at stealing sensitive information such as personal and financial data. The substantial rise in phishing attacks indicates a growing threat to the book industry, highlighting the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect against such malicious activities. This statistic underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard organizations and individuals within the book industry from potential cyber threats.

58% of cyber attack victims in the book industry are small publishers.

The statistic “58% of cyber attack victims in the book industry are small publishers” indicates that a significant portion of cyber attacks targeting the book industry are affecting smaller publishing companies. This suggests that small publishers within the book industry are particularly vulnerable to cyber threats compared to larger publishing houses. The statistic highlights the importance of small publishers implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect their digital assets, customer data, and overall business operations. Additionally, it underscores the need for increased awareness and investment in cybersecurity within the book industry to mitigate the risks and potential impacts of cyber attacks on small publishers.

There was a 30% increase in ransomware attacks on publishing companies from 2019 to 2020.

The statistic “There was a 30% increase in ransomware attacks on publishing companies from 2019 to 2020” indicates that the incidence of ransomware attacks targeting publishing companies rose by 30% over the one-year period. This suggests a significant and concerning trend of increasing cyber threats within the publishing industry during this time frame. The sharp rise in attacks highlights the vulnerability of publishing companies to cyber threats and emphasizes the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and prevent potential financial or reputational damages.

75% of publishing companies experienced a cyber security event in the past year.

This statistic indicates that a significant majority, specifically 75%, of publishing companies encountered a cyber security incident within the previous year. A cyber security event can encompass various incidents such as data breaches, malware attacks, ransomware attempts, or other unauthorized intrusions into a company’s digital systems. The high percentage suggests that the publishing industry is particularly vulnerable to cyber threats and highlights the importance of implementing robust security measures to safeguard sensitive data and protect against potential financial and reputational damage. Publishing companies may need to allocate resources towards enhancing their cyber security protocols to mitigate the risks posed by increasingly sophisticated cyber threats in today’s digital landscape.

Over 80% of publishers admit they have no effective security awareness training in place.

The statistic ‘Over 80% of publishers admit they have no effective security awareness training in place’ indicates a significant lack of preparation and education in the publishing industry when it comes to security concerns. This statistic suggests that a large majority of publishers are not adequately equipped to address the growing threats of cyber attacks and data breaches within their organizations. Without proper security awareness training, publishers are at a higher risk of falling victim to various cybersecurity threats, potentially compromising sensitive information and damaging their reputation. It highlights the urgent need for publishers to prioritize implementing effective security awareness training programs to better protect their data and prevent potential security incidents.

There’s an estimated shortage of nearly 3 million cybersecurity professionals worldwide.

The statistic stating that there is an estimated shortage of nearly 3 million cybersecurity professionals worldwide highlights a critical issue in the field of cybersecurity. This shortage indicates a significant gap between the demand for cybersecurity expertise and the available supply of skilled professionals to meet this demand. With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats and the growing reliance on digital systems in various sectors, such as businesses, governments, and critical infrastructure, the shortage of cybersecurity professionals poses a serious risk to the security and stability of these systems. Addressing this shortage will require concerted efforts from various stakeholders, including educational institutions, governments, organizations, and individuals, to invest in cybersecurity education, training, and recruitment initiatives to build a robust and capable workforce to protect against cyber threats effectively.

In 2020, the average cost of a data breach for a publishing company was $3.86 million.

The statistic indicates that in 2020, the average financial impact of a data breach for a publishing company was approximately $3.86 million. This cost likely includes expenses such as investigating the breach, mitigating its effects, notifying affected parties, implementing security enhancements, and potential legal fees or fines. Data breaches can have significant financial repercussions on organizations, not only in terms of immediate costs but also in terms of long-term consequences such as damage to reputation and loss of customer trust. The average cost of a data breach for a publishing company highlights the importance of investing in robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information and mitigate the risk of such incidents.

The average time to identify and contain a data breach in the publishing industry is 280 days.

The statistic, “The average time to identify and contain a data breach in the publishing industry is 280 days,” indicates the typical duration it takes for organizations within the publishing industry to detect and mitigate a data breach once it occurs. This metric serves as a key performance indicator for the industry’s cybersecurity preparedness and response capabilities, highlighting the potential vulnerability to prolonged exposure of sensitive information. A longer average time to identify and contain a data breach suggests weaknesses in detection mechanisms or response protocols within publishing companies, emphasizing the importance of investing in cybersecurity measures to reduce the impact and mitigate future breaches effectively.

According to McAfee, the book publishing industry has the 4th highest rate of cyber violence incidents in North America.

The statistic indicates that, based on data from McAfee, the book publishing industry experiences the 4th highest number of cyber violence incidents in North America when compared to other industries. Cyber violence incidents refer to any type of malicious online activity aimed at causing harm, such as cyberbullying, threats, harassment, or other forms of online abuse. This suggests that individuals associated with the book publishing industry, including authors, publishers, and other stakeholders, are more likely to be targeted by cyber violence compared to industries ranked lower on the list. As cyber violence can have significant emotional, psychological, and even physical effects on its victims, these findings highlight the importance of addressing cybersecurity measures and promoting online safety within the book publishing industry.

References

0. – https://www.www.verizon.com

1. – https://www.www.sans.org

2. – https://www.www.ibm.com

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

4. – https://www.www.isc2.org

5. – https://www.www.zdnet.com

6. – https://www.www.cybintsolutions.com

7. – https://www.www.broadbandsearch.net

8. – https://www.www.publishersweekly.com

9. – https://www.www.comparitech.com

10. – https://www.www.boozallen.com

11. – https://www.www.helpnetsecurity.com

12. – https://www.www.mcafee.com

13. – https://www.www.infosecurity-magazine.com

14. – https://www.the-digital-reader.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!