GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Cybersecurity In The Pharma Industry Statistics

The pharmaceutical industry experiences a high rate of cyber attacks, with the average cost of a data breach reaching $5.2 million.

Highlights: Cybersecurity In The Pharma Industry Statistics

  • The pharma industry is one of the most targeted sectors for cybercrime, with 69% of companies having experienced a data breach, according to PWC.
  • The pharmaceutical sector ranks 15 out of 18 industries in cybersecurity performance.
  • In 2020, a surge of 50% was recorded in cyber-attacks on the pharma sector.
  • The average cost of a pharmaceutical patent breach is estimated at $5 million dollars.
  • 95% of pharma and life sciences organizations have recently reported being the victim of at least one cybersecurity attack.
  • 88% of healthcare sector data breaches in 2020 were caused by hacking incidents, largely impacting the pharmaceutical industry.
  • 80% of pharmaceutical companies have reported a rise in cyber attacks since the COVID-19 pandemic started.
  • The most targeted system within the pharma industry is email, with 94% of malware being delivered via this channel.
  • 32% of pharmaceutical organizations have suffered ransomware attacks in recent years.
  • Cybersecurity budgets in pharmaceutical companies have increased by an average of 15% in the last 5 years.
  • Nearly 60% of all cyberattacks in the pharma industry involve insider threats.
  • The average time to identify a breach in the Pharma industry is 197 days.
  • Phishing attacks account for nearly 90% of data breaches in the pharmaceutical industry.
  • One in three pharma companies have experienced a cyberattack in the past year.
  • Over 40% of cyber breaches in Pharma are caused by password theft.
  • Pharmaceutical companies lose about $8.2 million annually due to cybersecurity incidents.
  • The cybersecurity market in the pharmaceutical industry is expected to grow at a rate of 10.5% from 2020 to 2025.
  • Over 60% of pharmaceutical companies consider intellectual property theft the biggest cyber risk.
  • 70% of pharmaceutical organizations name disruption of operations as the primary concern of cyber attacks.

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The Latest Cybersecurity In The Pharma Industry Statistics Explained

The pharma industry is one of the most targeted sectors for cybercrime, with 69% of companies having experienced a data breach, according to PWC.

The statistic indicates that the pharmaceutical industry is at a high risk of cybercrime, with a significant majority of companies within the sector having encountered a data breach. Specifically, PWC’s study found that 69% of pharma companies have fallen victim to cybersecurity incidents. This alarming figure suggests that the sector faces a substantial threat to the security and privacy of its data, potentially leading to various negative consequences such as compromised intellectual property, regulatory violations, financial losses, and damaged reputation. As a result, it underscores the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and vigilance within the pharmaceutical industry to safeguard sensitive information and mitigate the risks associated with cyber threats.

The pharmaceutical sector ranks 15 out of 18 industries in cybersecurity performance.

The statistic indicates that the pharmaceutical sector is positioned relatively low in terms of cybersecurity performance compared to 17 other industries. With a ranking of 15 out of 18, the sector seems to have weaker cybersecurity measures in place, potentially making it more vulnerable to cyber threats and attacks. This ranking suggests that the pharmaceutical industry may need to enhance its cybersecurity practices and invest more resources to better protect its data, systems, and assets from potential breaches and security risks. In today’s digital age where cybersecurity threats are prevalent, it is crucial for organizations, including those in the pharmaceutical sector, to prioritize and strengthen their cybersecurity efforts to safeguard their operations and sensitive information.

In 2020, a surge of 50% was recorded in cyber-attacks on the pharma sector.

The statistic indicates that in the year 2020, there was a notable increase of 50% in the number of cyber-attacks targeting the pharmaceutical sector compared to the previous year. This surge highlights a concerning trend of heightened cyber threats faced by pharmaceutical companies, posing significant risks to sensitive data, intellectual property, and potentially disrupting critical operations such as research and development of new drugs. The steep rise in cyber-attacks underscores the growing importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures within the pharmaceutical industry to protect against digital threats and safeguard valuable resources.

The average cost of a pharmaceutical patent breach is estimated at $5 million dollars.

The statistic “The average cost of a pharmaceutical patent breach is estimated at $5 million dollars” refers to the financial impact that pharmaceutical companies may incur when they are found to have infringed on patents owned by others. This cost includes various factors such as legal fees, damages awarded to the patent holder, lost revenue from discontinued products, and potential reputation damage. These breaches can be costly not only in terms of immediate financial implications but also in terms of the long-term impact on a company’s standing in the industry. Therefore, pharmaceutical companies must rigorously protect intellectual property rights and ensure compliance with patent laws to avoid significant financial losses and maintain a positive market reputation.

95% of pharma and life sciences organizations have recently reported being the victim of at least one cybersecurity attack.

This statistic suggests that a significant majority of pharmaceutical and life sciences organizations have experienced at least one cybersecurity attack in the recent past. The high prevalence of attacks within this industry indicates a concerning vulnerability to cyber threats, potentially posing risks to sensitive data, intellectual property, and overall operations. The frequency of such attacks highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures within these organizations to mitigate risks and protect valuable assets from malicious actors seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in the digital landscape.

88% of healthcare sector data breaches in 2020 were caused by hacking incidents, largely impacting the pharmaceutical industry.

In 2020, the healthcare sector experienced a significant number of data breaches, with 88% of these incidents attributed to hacking. This indicates that malicious actors, likely cybercriminals, were responsible for a majority of the breaches in the industry. Furthermore, the data suggests that the pharmaceutical sector was particularly vulnerable to these hacking incidents, bearing the brunt of the impacts. The prevalence of hacking as the primary cause of data breaches in healthcare underscores the pressing need for organizations within the sector to enhance their cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive information and protect patient privacy.

80% of pharmaceutical companies have reported a rise in cyber attacks since the COVID-19 pandemic started.

The statistic indicates that a significant majority, 80%, of pharmaceutical companies have experienced an increase in cyber attacks since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This suggests that the pharmaceutical industry has become a more attractive target for cyber criminals during this period, likely due to the increased reliance on digital systems and data sharing as a result of the pandemic. The rising number of cyber attacks can pose serious risks to the security and integrity of sensitive pharmaceutical data, including research, patient information, and intellectual property. It is crucial for pharmaceutical companies to strengthen their cybersecurity measures to protect against these threats and safeguard critical information.

The most targeted system within the pharma industry is email, with 94% of malware being delivered via this channel.

The statistic indicates that email is the primary method used to deliver malware within the pharmaceutical industry, with 94% of all malware being delivered through this channel. This highlights the susceptibility of email systems within the pharma sector to cyber threats and the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information and prevent potential data breaches. As email is a commonly used communication tool within organizations, it is crucial for pharmaceutical companies to enhance their email security protocols and educate employees on identifying and handling suspicious emails to mitigate the risks associated with malware attacks.

32% of pharmaceutical organizations have suffered ransomware attacks in recent years.

The statistic that 32% of pharmaceutical organizations have experienced ransomware attacks in recent years indicates a significant prevalence of cybersecurity threats within the industry. Ransomware attacks involve malicious software that encrypts data and demands payment for its release, posing serious risks to sensitive information and potentially disrupting critical operations. The high percentage suggests that pharmaceutical organizations are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals who see potential for financial gain or other malicious motives. This statistic underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures, employee training, and prevention strategies within the pharmaceutical sector to mitigate the impact of these attacks and safeguard sensitive data and patient information.

Cybersecurity budgets in pharmaceutical companies have increased by an average of 15% in the last 5 years.

The statistic indicates that cybersecurity budgets within the pharmaceutical industry have experienced a noteworthy increase over the past five years, with an average growth rate of 15% during this period. This suggests that pharmaceutical companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of investing in cybersecurity measures to protect their sensitive data and intellectual property from cyber threats and attacks. The rise in cybersecurity budgets reflects a proactive approach taken by these organizations to enhance their security posture and mitigate potential risks in an increasingly digitized environment. The upward trend in budget allocation highlights a growing awareness within the pharmaceutical sector of the critical role cybersecurity plays in safeguarding valuable assets and maintaining trust with stakeholders.

Nearly 60% of all cyberattacks in the pharma industry involve insider threats.

The statistic stating that nearly 60% of all cyberattacks in the pharma industry involve insider threats suggests that a significant portion of cybersecurity incidents within pharmaceutical companies are caused by individuals who have authorized access to the organization’s systems and data. This highlights the importance of not only protecting against external threats but also ensuring strong internal security measures to prevent and detect unauthorized activities from within the organization. It indicates a need for pharma companies to implement robust security protocols, conduct thorough background checks on employees, provide cybersecurity training, and continually monitor and assess internal access and privileged user activities to mitigate the risk of insider threats and safeguard sensitive information and intellectual property from cyberattacks.

The average time to identify a breach in the Pharma industry is 197 days.

The statistic stating that the average time to identify a breach in the Pharma industry is 197 days represents the typical length of time it takes for a security breach to be detected within pharmaceutical companies. This means that, on average, it takes nearly 200 days for these organizations to become aware of a breach occurring within their systems or networks. The longer the time to identify a breach, the more opportunities hackers have to access sensitive information and potentially cause harm. This statistic underscores the importance of promptly detecting and responding to security breaches in the pharmaceutical industry to mitigate potential damages and protect valuable data.

Phishing attacks account for nearly 90% of data breaches in the pharmaceutical industry.

The statistic that phishing attacks account for nearly 90% of data breaches in the pharmaceutical industry highlights the significant cybersecurity threat posed by social engineering tactics in this sector. Phishing attacks involve malicious actors tricking employees into revealing sensitive information or performing actions that compromise security. In the pharmaceutical industry, where the protection of intellectual property, research data, and patient information is paramount, falling victim to such attacks can have serious consequences. This statistic emphasizes the importance of robust cybersecurity measures, employee training, and vigilance to mitigate the risk of data breaches and safeguard valuable information in the pharmaceutical industry.

One in three pharma companies have experienced a cyberattack in the past year.

The statistic “One in three pharma companies have experienced a cyberattack in the past year” suggests that a significant proportion of pharmaceutical companies have been targeted by cyberattacks within a relatively short timeframe. This indicates a concerning trend of cybersecurity vulnerabilities within the industry, potentially leading to breaches of sensitive data, intellectual property theft, and disruptions in operations. The high prevalence of cyberattacks highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in place to safeguard the valuable information and assets of pharmaceutical companies, emphasizing the crucial need for ongoing vigilance and investment in cybersecurity defenses to mitigate risks and protect against future attacks.

Over 40% of cyber breaches in Pharma are caused by password theft.

The statistic ‘Over 40% of cyber breaches in Pharma are caused by password theft’ indicates that password theft is a significant factor contributing to data breaches within the pharmaceutical industry, accounting for a substantial portion of security incidents. This suggests that unauthorized access to critical systems and sensitive information is primarily achieved through the illicit acquisition of passwords, emphasizing the vulnerability of user credentials in safeguarding digital assets. As a result, organizations in the pharmaceutical sector need to prioritize measures such as robust password management protocols, multi-factor authentication mechanisms, and employee training programs to mitigate the risks associated with password theft and enhance their overall cybersecurity defenses.

Pharmaceutical companies lose about $8.2 million annually due to cybersecurity incidents.

The statistic that pharmaceutical companies lose about $8.2 million annually due to cybersecurity incidents indicates the significant financial impact that cybersecurity breaches have on this industry. These incidents likely involve unauthorized access to sensitive data, theft of intellectual property, or disruption of operations, all of which can lead to substantial financial losses. Furthermore, the nature of the pharmaceutical industry, which deals with highly valuable and confidential information, makes it a prime target for cyber attacks. It highlights the critical need for pharmaceutical companies to invest in robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard their assets, protect their reputation, and ensure the integrity of their operations.

The cybersecurity market in the pharmaceutical industry is expected to grow at a rate of 10.5% from 2020 to 2025.

The statistic indicates the projected growth rate of the cybersecurity market within the pharmaceutical industry over a five-year period, from 2020 to 2025. A growth rate of 10.5% implies that the market size for cybersecurity services and solutions in the pharmaceutical sector is expected to expand by that percentage each year during the specified time frame. This growth signifies increasing investments and awareness among pharmaceutical companies regarding the importance of protecting their sensitive data, intellectual property, and operations from cyber threats. The forecasted growth rate also suggests a rising demand for cybersecurity products and services tailored specifically to the unique needs and challenges within the pharmaceutical industry.

Over 60% of pharmaceutical companies consider intellectual property theft the biggest cyber risk.

The statistic states that a majority of pharmaceutical companies, specifically over 60%, identify intellectual property theft as the most significant cyber risk they face. Intellectual property theft in this context likely refers to the unauthorized access, use, or replication of valuable intellectual property such as drug formulations, research data, or proprietary technologies. This statistic highlights the prevalent concern within the pharmaceutical industry regarding cyber threats that could compromise their competitive advantage, financial stability, and reputation. It suggests that pharmaceutical companies are recognizing the importance of securing their intellectual property from cyber attacks in an increasingly digital and interconnected business environment.

70% of pharmaceutical organizations name disruption of operations as the primary concern of cyber attacks.

The statistic “70% of pharmaceutical organizations name disruption of operations as the primary concern of cyber attacks” indicates that a significant majority of pharmaceutical companies are most worried about the impact cyber attacks could have on disrupting their operations. This suggests that these organizations are particularly concerned about potential disruptions to their production processes, supply chains, data integrity, and overall business continuity due to cyber threats. It highlights the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard against potential attacks and minimize the risk of operational disruptions that could have serious consequences for the pharmaceutical industry, such as compromising patient safety, regulatory compliance, and financial stability.

Conclusion

The statistics presented clearly highlight the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures in the pharmaceutical industry. As technology continues to advance, the risk of cyber threats also grows, making it imperative for pharmaceutical companies to prioritize cybersecurity to protect sensitive data and maintain the trust of patients and stakeholders. By implementing proactive strategies and staying informed about the latest trends in cybersecurity, organizations can mitigate risk and safeguard their operations in an increasingly digital world.

References

0. – https://www.www.statnews.com

1. – https://www.www.cybersecurity-insiders.com

2. – https://www.www.pwc.com

3. – https://www.www.ibm.com

4. – https://www.www.verdict.co.uk

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

6. – https://www.www.iso.org

7. – https://www.www.fortinet.com

8. – https://www.www.biopharma-reporter.com

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

10. – https://www.www.outsourcing-pharma.com

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

12. – https://www.www.accenture.com

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

14. – https://www.www.csoonline.com

15. – https://www.business.financialpost.com

16. – https://www.www.enisa.europa.eu

17. – https://www.www.techrepublic.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.

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