GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Cybersecurity In The Fast Food Industry Statistics

Cybersecurity incidents in the fast food industry are on the rise, with a significant number of data breaches and cyber attacks impacting this sector every year.

Highlights: Cybersecurity In The Fast Food Industry Statistics

  • 60% of fast food business suffered data breach in 2019
  • 5% increase in phishing attacks targeting fast food companies in 2018.
  • 22% of fast food businesses in the UK report having suffered a cybersecurity breach or attack in last 12 months.
  • There was a 10x increase in ransomware attacks from 2016 to 2019 in the fast food sector.
  • Around $170 million is lost every year by fast food companies due to cyber-attacks.
  • 79% of fast food businesses take a week or longer to detect significant cybersecurity breaches.
  • Over 25% of Americans have fallen victim to a cybersecurity breach involving fast food orders in the past year.
  • Only 14% of fast food companies feel confident in their ability to mitigate cyber risks.
  • Fast food industry reported a 64% increase in internet fraud cases in 2020 compared to 2019.
  • 1 in 3 fast-food chains has been affected by a spear-phishing attack in the past year.
  • The number of digital fraud attempts in the fast-food industry has increased 186% since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Fast food companies are expected to spend $200 billion on cybersecurity by 2023.
  • 76% of UK fast food industry leaders don't believe their companies have adequate cybersecurity measures in place.
  • Cyberattacks in the fast food sector can take an average of 197 days to identify.
  • 46% of fast food businesses in the US increased their annual cybersecurity budget in 2020.

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The Latest Cybersecurity In The Fast Food Industry Statistics Explained

60% of fast food business suffered data breach in 2019

The statistic ‘60% of fast food businesses suffered data breaches in 2019’ indicates that a significant proportion of fast food establishments experienced security incidents involving unauthorized access to sensitive information within that year. This statistic suggests that the fast food industry was particularly vulnerable to cybersecurity threats, potentially compromising customer data such as payment information, personal details, and proprietary business data. The high percentage of data breaches highlights the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures in fast food businesses to protect against future security breaches and safeguard customer privacy and trust.

5% increase in phishing attacks targeting fast food companies in 2018.

A 5% increase in phishing attacks targeting fast food companies in 2018 suggests that there has been a measurable rise in the frequency of deceptive electronic communication attempts aimed at obtaining sensitive information, such as login credentials and financial data, from fast food businesses over the course of the year. This statistic implies that these companies have become more frequent targets for cybercriminals using phishing tactics, potentially due to their reliance on digital systems for transactions and customer data storage. This increase highlights the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and employee training within the fast food industry to mitigate the risks associated with such attacks.

22% of fast food businesses in the UK report having suffered a cybersecurity breach or attack in last 12 months.

The statistic that 22% of fast food businesses in the UK have experienced a cybersecurity breach or attack in the past 12 months indicates a significant vulnerability within the industry. This suggests that nearly one-quarter of fast food establishments in the UK have been targeted by malicious actors seeking to gain unauthorized access to their systems or sensitive information. Such breaches can result in financial losses, reputational damage, and potential compromise of customer data. This statistic highlights the importance for fast food businesses to prioritize cybersecurity efforts and implement robust security measures to protect their operations and customer information from potential cyber threats.

There was a 10x increase in ransomware attacks from 2016 to 2019 in the fast food sector.

The statistic indicating a 10x increase in ransomware attacks from 2016 to 2019 in the fast food sector suggests a substantial rise in cyber security threats targeting organizations within this industry over the specified timeframe. This tenfold surge indicates a concerning trend of heightened vulnerability to ransomware attacks, where malicious actors encrypt data and demand payment for its release. The significant increase underscores the importance for companies in the fast food sector to prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect their sensitive information, customer data, and overall business operations from potential breaches and financial losses. It also implies a need for greater investment in cybersecurity resources and strategies to mitigate such risks and safeguard against future threats.

Around $170 million is lost every year by fast food companies due to cyber-attacks.

The statistic “Around $170 million is lost every year by fast food companies due to cyber-attacks” indicates the financial impact of cyber security breaches on the fast food industry. Cyber-attacks targeting fast food companies can result in stolen customer data, disrupted operations, and reputational damage which collectively lead to substantial financial losses. These losses encompass costs associated with investigating and mitigating the cyber-attacks, recovering from the damage incurred, compensating affected parties, and implementing stronger security measures to prevent future incidents. The magnitude of these financial losses underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity practices for fast food companies to safeguard customer trust and organizational sustainability in the digital age.

79% of fast food businesses take a week or longer to detect significant cybersecurity breaches.

The statistic ‘79% of fast food businesses take a week or longer to detect significant cybersecurity breaches’ indicates that a large majority of fast food businesses are not prompt in identifying and responding to cybersecurity threats. This delay in detection could potentially leave these businesses vulnerable to prolonged attacks, compromising sensitive customer data and damaging their reputation. The statistic highlights a concerning trend in the cybersecurity practices of fast food establishments, emphasizing the need for improved awareness, preparedness, and response strategies to better protect against cyber threats.

Over 25% of Americans have fallen victim to a cybersecurity breach involving fast food orders in the past year.

The statistic shows that more than a quarter of Americans (over 25%) reported experiencing a cybersecurity breach related to fast food orders within the past year. This suggests a concerning prevalence of cyber attacks targeting individuals when they make purchases from fast food establishments. Cybersecurity breaches in this context could involve unauthorized access to personal information such as credit card details or account credentials when ordering fast food online or at physical locations. The statistic highlights the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures within the fast food industry and emphasizes the importance for individuals to be vigilant and take steps to protect their personal information when engaging in such transactions.

Only 14% of fast food companies feel confident in their ability to mitigate cyber risks.

The statistic “Only 14% of fast food companies feel confident in their ability to mitigate cyber risks” indicates that a vast majority of fast food companies, approximately 86%, lack confidence in their ability to address cybersecurity threats effectively. This suggests that many fast food companies may not have robust cybersecurity measures in place to protect their digital systems and customer data, leaving them vulnerable to potential cyber attacks. Given the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats in today’s digital landscape, this statistic highlights the urgent need for fast food companies to prioritize cybersecurity and invest in enhancing their risk mitigation strategies to safeguard sensitive information and maintain the trust of their customers.

Fast food industry reported a 64% increase in internet fraud cases in 2020 compared to 2019.

The statistic indicates that the fast food industry experienced a significant surge in internet fraud cases in 2020 as compared to the previous year, with a striking 64% increase. This suggests that cybercriminals targeted fast food businesses more aggressively in 2020, resulting in a higher number of fraudulent activities such as online scams, phishing attempts, and data breaches. The sharp rise in internet fraud cases highlights the vulnerability of the fast food industry to cyber threats and underscores the need for heightened cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information and financial transactions.

1 in 3 fast-food chains has been affected by a spear-phishing attack in the past year.

The statistic “1 in 3 fast-food chains has been affected by a spear-phishing attack in the past year” suggests that out of a sample of fast-food chains, approximately one-third of them have experienced a spear-phishing attack within the last year. Spear-phishing is a targeted form of phishing where cybercriminals send fraudulent emails, often posing as a trusted source, to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information or downloading malicious software. This statistic highlights the prevalence of cyber threats facing the fast-food industry and underscores the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect against such attacks.

The number of digital fraud attempts in the fast-food industry has increased 186% since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The statistic that the number of digital fraud attempts in the fast-food industry has increased by 186% since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic suggests a significant rise in fraudulent activities targeting this sector. The sharp increase indicates a much higher rate of attempted digital fraud compared to the period before the pandemic. This trend may be attributed to the shift towards online and digital transactions as businesses adapted to lockdowns and restrictions during the pandemic. It also highlights the vulnerability of the fast-food industry to cyber threats and the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to counter the growing risks of digital fraud.

Fast food companies are expected to spend $200 billion on cybersecurity by 2023.

The statistic “Fast food companies are expected to spend $200 billion on cybersecurity by 2023” indicates the projected total spending by fast food companies in securing their digital assets and infrastructure against cyber threats within the specified timeframe. This substantial investment highlights the increasing recognition within the fast food industry of the importance of protecting sensitive data, such as customer information and financial transactions, from potential cyber attacks. The growing reliance on digital technology and online platforms for various aspects of business operations has made cybersecurity a critical priority, prompting companies to allocate significant financial resources towards enhancing their cybersecurity measures to safeguard their systems and mitigate risks of data breaches and other cyber threats.

76% of UK fast food industry leaders don’t believe their companies have adequate cybersecurity measures in place.

The statistic indicates that a significant majority, specifically 76%, of leaders within the UK fast food industry do not perceive their companies as having sufficient cybersecurity measures in place. This implies that there may be a prevalent lack of confidence or readiness in dealing with potential cyber threats and data breaches within the industry. Such a high percentage raises concerns about the vulnerability of fast food companies in the UK to cyber attacks, highlighting the urgent need for improvements in cybersecurity infrastructure and practices to safeguard sensitive information and business operations. The statistic underscores the importance of addressing cybersecurity gaps within the fast food sector to mitigate risks and protect against potential threats in an increasingly digital world.

Cyberattacks in the fast food sector can take an average of 197 days to identify.

The statistic stating that cyberattacks in the fast food sector can take an average of 197 days to identify reflects the challenges faced by the industry in detecting and responding to security breaches. This timeline indicates that attackers can remain undetected within fast food networks for a significant period, during which they may compromise sensitive data or systems. The extended duration of identification highlights the complexity of detecting cyber threats in this sector, potentially due to limited resources, lack of advanced detection tools, or sophisticated attack methods utilized by threat actors. Such delays in recognizing and mitigating cyberattacks emphasize the critical need for improved cybersecurity measures and rapid incident response strategies within the fast food industry to safeguard customer information and maintain operational integrity.

46% of fast food businesses in the US increased their annual cybersecurity budget in 2020.

The statistic indicates that nearly half (46%) of fast food businesses in the United States allocated more financial resources towards enhancing their cybersecurity measures during the year 2020. This suggests a growing recognition within the industry of the importance of protecting their digital infrastructure and customer data from cyber threats and potential breaches. The decision to increase their cybersecurity budget reflects a proactive approach by these businesses to mitigate risks and safeguard their operations in an environment where cyber attacks are becoming increasingly frequent and sophisticated. By investing in strengthening their cybersecurity measures, these fast food businesses are demonstrating a commitment to maintaining the trust of their customers and ensuring the security and integrity of their systems.

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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