GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Cybersecurity In The Mining Industry Statistics

The mining industry is increasingly vulnerable to cyber attacks, with 58% of mining organizations experiencing a data breach in the past year.

Highlights: Cybersecurity In The Mining Industry Statistics

  • Deloitte’s 2020 report indicates that only 1% of mining companies consider cybersecurity a top concern.
  • IBM finds Mining industry experiences the second highest number of cyber incidents among industries worldwide, accounting for 10% of the total cybersecurity incidents.
  • The mining industry has seen an increase of 517% in internet of things (IoT) security incidents from 2019 to 2020.
  • Honeywell reports that 53% of industrial cyber security incidents in the mining sector were caused by malicious or suspicious intent.
  • Mining industry businesses are often targeted by ransomware attacks – at least one attack per week was recorded in 2020.
  • Over 56% of businesses in the mining industry lack proper cybersecurity measures, according to a report by Proofpoint.
  • According to Verdantix, approximately 67% of executives in the mining industry plan to increase their cybersecurity investment.
  • Roughly 90% of mining companies were targeted by phishing scams in 2020, states a Cybereason report.
  • Approximately 48% of cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the mining industry are due to outdated software, according to Rapid7 report.
  • 35% mining and natural resources companies do not have an incident response plan, according to Aon's Cyber Security Risk Report.
  • 90% of mining industry participants believe cybersecurity will become more important over the next three years, according to the report by EY.
  • Only 13% of mining companies are confident that their cybersecurity measures can detect an attack, according to KPMG.
  • The cost of cybersecurity incidents for mining companies averaged $3.5 million in 2020.
  • Phishing was responsible for over 22% of all cybersecurity incidents in the mining and minerals industry in 2020.
  • About 60% of mining companies' cybersecurity breaches are inside jobs, according to Clearswift's report.
  • A Microsoft report indicated that 30% of mining companies experienced monthly data breaches in 2020.
  • Dissent's report shows that ransomware attacks account for around 35% of all cyber attacks in the mining sector.
  • Cyber-attacks doubled faced by the mining sector during the first quarter of 2020, says PaloAlto.
  • MinerEye's report shows that Employees' careless or malicious behaviors are responsible for nearly 30% of cyber threats to the mining sector.

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 Mining Industry Statistics Explained

Deloitte’s 2020 report indicates that only 1% of mining companies consider cybersecurity a top concern.

The statistic from Deloitte’s 2020 report stating that only 1% of mining companies consider cybersecurity a top concern highlights a concerning trend within the industry. Cybersecurity threats have been increasingly prevalent and damaging across various sectors, including mining, with potential risks such as data breaches, operational disruptions, and financial losses. The fact that a vast majority of mining companies do not prioritize cybersecurity as a top concern suggests a significant gap in understanding the importance and implications of cybersecurity in safeguarding critical assets and operations. This statistic underscores the urgent need for mining companies to enhance their cybersecurity measures and awareness to effectively mitigate and address potential cyber threats.

IBM finds Mining industry experiences the second highest number of cyber incidents among industries worldwide, accounting for 10% of the total cybersecurity incidents.

The statistic provided by IBM highlights that the Mining industry ranks second in terms of the frequency of cyber incidents globally, representing 10% of the total cybersecurity incidents reported across industries. This indicates that the Mining sector is particularly vulnerable to cyber threats and attacks, potentially due to factors such as its reliance on technology, valuable intellectual property, and critical infrastructure. The high occurrence of cyber incidents within the Mining industry underscores the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures, such as secure network systems, employee training, and regular vulnerability assessments, to protect sensitive data and assets from cyber threats.

The mining industry has seen an increase of 517% in internet of things (IoT) security incidents from 2019 to 2020.

The statistic indicates that the mining industry experienced a substantial surge in IoT security incidents, with a notable 517% increase from 2019 to 2020. This significant rise signals a concerning trend of heightened vulnerability to cyber threats within the industry’s IoT systems and devices. Likely factors contributing to this sharp increase include the increasing interconnectedness of mining operations through IoT technology, creating more entry points for potential cyber attacks, as well as the industry’s potential lack of robust cybersecurity measures and protocols in place. As such, this statistic underscores the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity strategies and investments within the mining sector to effectively mitigate the risks associated with IoT security incidents and safeguard critical operations and data.

Honeywell reports that 53% of industrial cyber security incidents in the mining sector were caused by malicious or suspicious intent.

The statistic provided by Honeywell indicates that 53% of industrial cyber security incidents in the mining sector were attributed to malicious or suspicious intent. This suggests that slightly more than half of the cyber security breaches in the mining industry were intentional and potentially aimed at causing harm or disruption. Such incidents can range from targeted attacks by cyber criminals to insider threats posed by disgruntled employees or individuals with malicious intent. Understanding the prevalence of malicious activities in industrial cyber security incidents is crucial for mining companies to implement effective measures to mitigate risks, enhance their security posture, and protect their operations, data, and infrastructure from cyber threats.

Mining industry businesses are often targeted by ransomware attacks – at least one attack per week was recorded in 2020.

The statistic stating that mining industry businesses are frequently targeted by ransomware attacks, with at least one attack recorded per week in 2020, underscores the significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities faced by the industry. Ransomware attacks involve cybercriminals gaining unauthorized access to a company’s systems and encrypting their data, demanding a ransom for its release. The mining industry, with its reliance on technology and valuable data assets, becomes a prime target for such attacks due to the potential financial gain for the perpetrators. The consistent occurrence of these attacks highlights the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures within mining companies to mitigate the risks and protect against potential disruptions to operations and financial losses.

Over 56% of businesses in the mining industry lack proper cybersecurity measures, according to a report by Proofpoint.

The statistic “Over 56% of businesses in the mining industry lack proper cybersecurity measures, according to a report by Proofpoint” indicates that a significant majority of businesses within the mining sector do not have adequate safeguards in place to protect their digital assets and data. This vulnerability exposes these companies to potential cyber threats such as data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other forms of cybercrime. The findings suggest that the mining industry may be particularly susceptible to cybersecurity risks, highlighting the importance of investing in robust cybersecurity strategies to safeguard against potential threats and mitigate the potential impact of cyber attacks.

According to Verdantix, approximately 67% of executives in the mining industry plan to increase their cybersecurity investment.

The statistic from Verdantix indicates that 67% of executives in the mining industry have expressed intentions to increase their investment in cybersecurity measures. This statistic suggests a significant trend towards recognizing the importance of cybersecurity in the mining sector, likely driven by the increasing digitalization of operations and the growing threat of cyber attacks. By planning to boost their cybersecurity investment, these executives are acknowledging the risks posed by potential cyber threats and are taking proactive steps to enhance their cyber defenses. This statistic highlights a notable shift towards prioritizing cybersecurity within the mining industry as a key aspect of safeguarding their operations and data from cyber risks.

Roughly 90% of mining companies were targeted by phishing scams in 2020, states a Cybereason report.

The statistic indicates that approximately 90% of mining companies were subject to phishing scams in the year 2020, according to a report by Cybereason. Phishing scams involve fraudulent attempts to deceive individuals or organizations into divulging sensitive information such as login credentials or financial data. The high prevalence of phishing targeting mining companies highlights the significant cybersecurity challenges faced by this industry, likely due to the valuable and confidential information they possess. The statistic underscores the importance for mining companies to prioritize robust cybersecurity measures and employee training to mitigate the risks associated with phishing attacks and protect their sensitive data from unauthorized access.

Approximately 48% of cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the mining industry are due to outdated software, according to Rapid7 report.

This statistic suggests that nearly half of the cybersecurity vulnerabilities observed within the mining industry can be traced back to the use of outdated software. The data, sourced from a report by Rapid7, underscores a significant issue plaguing the mining sector’s cyber defenses. Outdated software often lacks the latest security patches and updates, making it more susceptible to exploitation by malicious actors. This finding highlights the critical importance of regularly updating software and implementing robust cybersecurity measures within the mining industry to mitigate the risk of cyber threats and safeguard sensitive data and operations.

35% mining and natural resources companies do not have an incident response plan, according to Aon’s Cyber Security Risk Report.

The statistic that 35% of mining and natural resources companies do not have an incident response plan, as reported by Aon’s Cyber Security Risk Report, indicates a concerning gap in cybersecurity preparedness within the industry. An incident response plan is a critical component of an organization’s cybersecurity strategy, outlining the actions to be taken in the event of a security breach or cyber incident. The lack of such a plan not only leaves these companies vulnerable to potential cyber threats but also hinders their ability to effectively respond and mitigate the impact of security incidents. This statistic underscores the need for mining and natural resources companies to prioritize and invest in robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard their operations and sensitive data from cyber risks.

90% of mining industry participants believe cybersecurity will become more important over the next three years, according to the report by EY.

The statistic indicates that a significant majority (90%) of individuals within the mining industry anticipate an increasing importance of cybersecurity over the next three years, based on a report by EY. This suggests a widespread awareness and recognition among mining industry participants of the growing significance of cybersecurity in their operations. The high percentage reflects a strong consensus within the industry that cybersecurity measures need to be prioritized and enhanced to address potential threats and vulnerabilities in the evolving digital landscape. This statistic underscores the increasing emphasis on cybersecurity preparedness and the need for proactive strategies to safeguard critical information and assets within the mining sector.

Only 13% of mining companies are confident that their cybersecurity measures can detect an attack, according to KPMG.

The statistic that only 13% of mining companies are confident that their cybersecurity measures can detect an attack, according to KPMG, suggests a concerning lack of preparedness within the industry. This low level of confidence indicates a potential vulnerability to cyber threats among mining companies, highlighting the need for increased investment and focus on cybersecurity measures. Given the sensitive nature of the mining sector, including the valuable assets and critical infrastructure involved, the findings from this statistic underscore the importance of improving cybersecurity practices to mitigate the risk of cyber attacks and protect the operations and data of these companies.

The cost of cybersecurity incidents for mining companies averaged $3.5 million in 2020.

The statistic that the cost of cybersecurity incidents for mining companies averaged $3.5 million in 2020 indicates the financial impact of cyber threats on the mining industry during that year. This average cost reflects the direct financial losses, remediation expenses, and potential damages caused by data breaches, malware attacks, or other cybersecurity incidents within the mining sector. The significant financial burden of these incidents highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and policies for mining companies to safeguard their digital assets, operations, and sensitive information from potential threats and breaches that can not only result in financial losses but also damage to reputation and operational disruptions.

Phishing was responsible for over 22% of all cybersecurity incidents in the mining and minerals industry in 2020.

In 2020, phishing emerged as a significant threat in the mining and minerals industry, accounting for more than 22% of all cybersecurity incidents within the sector. Phishing is a form of cyber attack where malicious actors attempt to deceive individuals into divulging sensitive information such as login credentials or financial details. The prevalence of phishing incidents highlights the vulnerability of the industry to social engineering tactics and underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures, employee training, and awareness programs to mitigate such risks. Organizations within the mining and minerals industry must prioritize cybersecurity strategies that specifically target phishing threats in order to safeguard their confidential data and operational continuity against these malicious attacks.

About 60% of mining companies’ cybersecurity breaches are inside jobs, according to Clearswift’s report.

The statistic indicates that approximately 60% of cybersecurity breaches within mining companies are the result of internal actions, such as employees, contractors, or partners intentionally or unintentionally causing the breach. This suggests that a significant portion of cybersecurity incidents in the mining industry stem from within the organization rather than external threats. Understanding this statistic can help mining companies prioritize internal security measures, including employee training, access controls, and monitoring systems, to mitigate the risk of insider threats and enhance overall cybersecurity resilience.

A Microsoft report indicated that 30% of mining companies experienced monthly data breaches in 2020.

The statistic that 30% of mining companies experienced monthly data breaches in 2020, as reported by Microsoft, suggests a concerning trend of cybersecurity vulnerabilities within the industry. This high percentage indicates that a significant portion of mining companies faced data breaches on a frequent basis, potentially leading to compromised sensitive information, financial losses, and reputational damage. The statistic highlights the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures and continuously monitoring and updating security protocols to safeguard against cyber threats in the mining sector.

Dissent’s report shows that ransomware attacks account for around 35% of all cyber attacks in the mining sector.

The statistic presented in Dissent’s report indicates that ransomware attacks comprise approximately 35% of all cyber attacks targeting the mining sector. This means that a significant portion of cyber attacks against mining companies involve ransomware, a type of malicious software that encrypts files and demands payment for their release. The high prevalence of ransomware attacks in the mining sector highlights the vulnerability of these organizations to such cyber threats and underscores the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to prevent and mitigate the impact of such attacks. Mining companies should prioritize cybersecurity strategies and solutions to protect their valuable assets and data from these increasingly prevalent and damaging ransomware attacks.

Cyber-attacks doubled faced by the mining sector during the first quarter of 2020, says PaloAlto.

The statistic indicates that the mining sector experienced a significant increase in cyber-attacks during the first quarter of 2020, with the number of attacks doubling compared to previous periods. This information was reported by PaloAlto, a cybersecurity company, suggesting that the mining industry has become a more prominent target for cybercriminals. The doubling of cyber-attacks highlights the growing threat to the sector’s digital infrastructure and sensitive data, emphasizing the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect against such threats in the future.

MinerEye’s report shows that Employees’ careless or malicious behaviors are responsible for nearly 30% of cyber threats to the mining sector.

The statistic from MinerEye’s report indicates that within the mining sector, approximately 30% of cyber threats are attributed to employees’ careless or malicious behaviors. This suggests that a significant portion of cybersecurity incidents in the industry can be directly linked to internal actions such as employees inadvertently clicking on suspicious links or intentionally engaging in harmful activities. Such findings highlight the importance of employee awareness training programs, clear cybersecurity policies, and effective monitoring systems to mitigate risks and enhance the overall security posture within mining companies. Furthermore, it underscores the critical role that human behavior plays in cybersecurity and the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses both technical vulnerabilities and human factors to safeguard sensitive data and infrastructure in the sector.

References

0. – https://www.www.minereye.com

1. – https://www.www.verdantix.com

2. – https://www.www.accenture.com

3. – https://www.www.databreaches.net

4. – https://www.securityboulevard.com

5. – https://www.www.honeywell.com

6. – https://www.www.proofpoint.com

7. – https://www.www.ey.com

8. – https://www.www.cybereason.com

9. – https://www.www.aon.com

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

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

12. – https://www.www.clearswift.com

13. – https://www.www.secura.com

14. – https://www.home.kpmg

15. – https://www.www.rapid7.com

16. – https://www.www.symantec.com

17. – https://www.www.microsoft.com

18. – https://www.www2.deloitte.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!