GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Cybersecurity In The Pharmaceutical Industry Statistics

The pharmaceutical industry is facing an increasing number of cyber threats, with over 70% of pharmaceutical companies experiencing at least one cyber incident in the past year.

Highlights: Cybersecurity In The Pharmaceutical Industry Statistics

  • 44% of pharmaceutical companies believe that they are at a high risk of cybersecurity threats.
  • Only 15% of pharmaceutical industries have a well-established cybersecurity program.
  • Cyberattacks have resulted in a loss of more than $20 million for 40% of pharmaceutical companies due to cyber exploits.
  • Recent research indicates that the pharmaceutical industry is the most breached sector, with a 50% increase in breaches in 2020.
  • As per a study by Deloitte, only 30% of pharmaceutical and biotech companies have a response process for cyber incidents.
  • Around 86% of life science and pharmaceutical companies experienced cyber-attacks in the past five years.
  • Cyberattacks on IoT medical devices could cost the pharmaceutical industry more than $20 billion by 2023.
  • 40% of cybersecurity incidents within the pharmaceutical industry in 2020 were due to unauthorized access.
  • 3.92 million is the average cost of a data breach for the healthcare sector,
  • The pharmaceutical industry continues to be the most targeted sector by cyber criminals, with over 2.7 million cyber threats detected in 2020.
  • The average time to contain a cyber breach in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector is 103 days.
  • Over 90% of malware attacks in the pharmaceutical industry are delivered by email.
  • Close to 1 in 3 pharmaceutical organizations reported having experienced a cyberattack specifically designed to disrupt their operations.
  • 11% of pharmaceutical organizations reported having paid a cyberattack ransom.
  • 60% of pharmaceutical companies plan to increase their cybersecurity budget by 2022.
  • Up to 96% of pharmaceutical organizations experienced email-based threats in 2020.
  • Nearly 79% of pharmaceutical companies reported a threat from mobile malware in 2020.

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The Latest Cybersecurity In The Pharmaceutical Industry Statistics Explained

44% of pharmaceutical companies believe that they are at a high risk of cybersecurity threats.

The statistic that 44% of pharmaceutical companies believe they are at a high risk of cybersecurity threats indicates that a significant portion of companies within the pharmaceutical industry perceive themselves as vulnerable to potential cyber attacks or breaches. This finding suggests that there is a widespread concern among pharmaceutical companies regarding the security of their digital assets and infrastructure, potentially due to the sensitive nature of the data they handle, such as patient information, research data, and intellectual property. As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, these companies must prioritize implementing robust security measures to safeguard their operations and protect sensitive information from potential breaches.

Only 15% of pharmaceutical industries have a well-established cybersecurity program.

The statistic “Only 15% of pharmaceutical industries have a well-established cybersecurity program” indicates that a relatively small proportion of pharmaceutical companies have robust cybersecurity measures in place to protect their digital assets and sensitive data from cyber threats. This suggests that the majority of pharmaceutical industries may be at a higher risk of cyber attacks, data breaches, and information security incidents due to inadequate cybersecurity preparedness. The low percentage highlights the potential vulnerabilities within the industry and underscores the importance of prioritizing and investing in cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive information and maintain operational integrity.

Cyberattacks have resulted in a loss of more than $20 million for 40% of pharmaceutical companies due to cyber exploits.

The statistic indicates that a substantial portion of pharmaceutical companies have experienced significant financial losses as a result of cyberattacks, with 40% reporting losses exceeding $20 million. This highlights the growing threat of cyber exploits within the pharmaceutical industry, where sensitive intellectual property, research data, and patient information are at risk. Such attacks can result in severe financial implications, reputational damage, and potential disruptions to critical operations. The statistic underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures and proactive strategies to mitigate the risks posed by cyber threats in order to safeguard the assets and integrity of pharmaceutical companies.

Recent research indicates that the pharmaceutical industry is the most breached sector, with a 50% increase in breaches in 2020.

The statistic suggests that in 2020, the pharmaceutical industry experienced a significant increase in breaches compared to previous years, making it the most breached sector among industries. The 50% increase in breaches indicates a notable rise in cybersecurity incidents within pharmaceutical companies, highlighting vulnerabilities in their systems and potential threats to sensitive data and intellectual property. This trend underscores the pressing need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and protocols within the pharmaceutical industry to safeguard valuable information, protect patient data, and maintain the integrity and reputation of pharmaceutical companies in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

As per a study by Deloitte, only 30% of pharmaceutical and biotech companies have a response process for cyber incidents.

The statistic from Deloitte’s study indicates that a significant majority of pharmaceutical and biotech companies, specifically 70%, do not have a predefined response process in place to address cyber incidents. This finding is concerning given the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats targeting the healthcare industry. Without a structured and well-defined response plan for such incidents, these companies may be vulnerable to data breaches, disruptions in operations, financial losses, and damage to their reputation. Implementing a response process for cyber incidents is crucial for mitigating risks, minimizing the impact of potential breaches, and ensuring the security and integrity of sensitive information within these organizations.

Around 86% of life science and pharmaceutical companies experienced cyber-attacks in the past five years.

The statistic indicates that a high proportion, specifically around 86%, of life science and pharmaceutical companies have encountered cyber-attacks within the last five years. This data highlights the vulnerability of these industries to digital threats and underscores the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information, intellectual property, and operational systems. The widespread nature of cyber-attacks within the life science and pharmaceutical sectors suggests that these organizations are attractive targets for malicious actors seeking to steal valuable data or disrupt critical operations. As such, proactive efforts to enhance cybersecurity resilience and vigilance are crucial for safeguarding the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive data within these industries.

Cyberattacks on IoT medical devices could cost the pharmaceutical industry more than $20 billion by 2023.

This statistic indicates the potential financial impact of cyberattacks on Internet of Things (IoT) medical devices on the pharmaceutical industry, estimating a cost exceeding $20 billion by the year 2023. As medical devices become increasingly interconnected through IoT technology, they also become more vulnerable to cyber threats. These attacks can disrupt operations, compromise patient data security, or even jeopardize patient safety. The projected cost highlights the magnitude of the financial risks faced by pharmaceutical companies in addressing cybersecurity concerns within the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

40% of cybersecurity incidents within the pharmaceutical industry in 2020 were due to unauthorized access.

The statistic suggests that unauthorized access was a significant contributing factor to cybersecurity incidents within the pharmaceutical industry in 2020. Specifically, it indicates that 40% of these incidents were a result of unauthorized access, highlighting the critical importance of securing access controls and protecting sensitive information within the industry. Unauthorized access can lead to data breaches, intellectual property theft, and other serious cybersecurity threats, emphasizing the importance of implementing robust security measures to prevent and mitigate these risks within the pharmaceutical sector.

3.92 million is the average cost of a data breach for the healthcare sector,

The statistic “3.92 million is the average cost of a data breach for the healthcare sector” indicates the typical financial impact that healthcare organizations experience as a result of data breaches. This figure represents the average monetary loss incurred by healthcare companies following a breach involving the exposure or theft of sensitive patient information. Such breaches can lead to various expenses including investigation costs, regulatory penalties, litigation fees, as well as the costs associated with recovering and securing data systems. The substantial cost underscores the significance of cybersecurity measures in safeguarding patient data, maintaining trust, and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations within the healthcare industry.

The pharmaceutical industry continues to be the most targeted sector by cyber criminals, with over 2.7 million cyber threats detected in 2020.

The statistic, stating that the pharmaceutical industry remains the most targeted sector by cyber criminals, highlights a concerning trend of increased cyber threats faced by this industry. The staggering number of over 2.7 million cyber threats detected in 2020 underscores the severity and frequency of malicious activities aimed at pharmaceutical companies, which could have significant consequences in terms of data breaches, financial losses, and compromised patient information. This statistic emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and vigilance within the pharmaceutical sector to mitigate these threats and safeguard sensitive data and critical infrastructure from cyber attacks.

The average time to contain a cyber breach in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector is 103 days.

The statistic that the average time to contain a cyber breach in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector is 103 days represents the average duration it takes for organizations within this industry to detect and remediate security incidents. A longer containment time suggests potential challenges in identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities, which can result in extended periods of exposure to risks such as data theft or system disruptions. This statistic underscores the importance of investing in robust cybersecurity measures and incident response capabilities within the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector to protect sensitive data and maintain operational continuity.

Over 90% of malware attacks in the pharmaceutical industry are delivered by email.

The statistic “Over 90% of malware attacks in the pharmaceutical industry are delivered by email” indicates that the predominant method of delivering malware in the pharmaceutical sector is through email communications. This suggests that email is a primary vector for cybercriminals to infiltrate the information systems and networks of pharmaceutical companies, possibly aiming to steal valuable data, compromise sensitive information, or disrupt operations. This statistic highlights the importance of email security measures and employee awareness training within the pharmaceutical industry to mitigate the risk of falling victim to malware attacks delivered via email.

Close to 1 in 3 pharmaceutical organizations reported having experienced a cyberattack specifically designed to disrupt their operations.

The statistic implies that approximately one-third of pharmaceutical organizations have encountered a cyberattack that was specifically aimed at causing disruption to their operations. This finding highlights the significant vulnerability of the pharmaceutical industry to cyber threats, which could potentially have serious consequences for the organizations involved. Such attacks could lead to various disruptions, including hindering the production and distribution of vital medications, compromising sensitive patient data, or disrupting research and development efforts. Therefore, it is crucial for pharmaceutical organizations to prioritize cybersecurity measures to safeguard their operations and protect the well-being of patients and the integrity of the industry as a whole.

11% of pharmaceutical organizations reported having paid a cyberattack ransom.

The statistic “11% of pharmaceutical organizations reported having paid a cyberattack ransom” reflects the proportion of pharmaceutical companies who admitted to having been victims of a cyberattack and subsequently paid a ransom to the attackers. This statistic highlights the significant impact of cyber threats on the pharmaceutical industry, with a notable percentage of organizations being compelled to pay ransoms in order to regain control of their systems or data. The findings suggest that cyberattacks are a prevalent and serious concern for pharmaceutical organizations, underscoring the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to mitigate such risks and protect sensitive information.

60% of pharmaceutical companies plan to increase their cybersecurity budget by 2022.

The statistic “60% of pharmaceutical companies plan to increase their cybersecurity budget by 2022” indicates that a majority of pharmaceutical companies are recognizing the importance of bolstering their cybersecurity measures in the face of increasing cyber threats. This proactive approach suggests a growing awareness within the industry of the potential risks associated with cyber attacks and the need to invest in stronger cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive data and intellectual property. By prioritizing cybersecurity budget increases, pharmaceutical companies are demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding their digital assets and maintaining trust with stakeholders, ultimately aiming to enhance overall cybersecurity resilience in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Up to 96% of pharmaceutical organizations experienced email-based threats in 2020.

The statistic stating that up to 96% of pharmaceutical organizations experienced email-based threats in 2020 indicates a pervasive and concerning trend within the industry. This high percentage suggests that the pharmaceutical sector is a prime target for cyberattacks through email, posing significant risks to the security and confidentiality of sensitive information. The prevalence of these threats underscores the importance for pharmaceutical organizations to prioritize cybersecurity measures and enhance their email security protocols to mitigate potential risks and safeguard their critical data and operations.

Nearly 79% of pharmaceutical companies reported a threat from mobile malware in 2020.

The statistic states that approximately 79% of pharmaceutical companies acknowledged facing a threat from mobile malware in the year 2020. This suggests that a significant majority of pharmaceutical companies encountered potential security risks related to malicious software on mobile devices during that time. Such threats could pose serious implications, including data breaches, intellectual property theft, and disruptions to critical operations within the pharmaceutical industry. As mobile technology continues to advance and become more integrated into business operations, safeguarding against mobile malware becomes increasingly crucial to protect sensitive information and maintain the integrity of pharmaceutical organizations.

References

0. – https://www.www.statista.com

1. – https://www.www.emergobyul.com

2. – https://www.www2.deloitte.com

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

4. – https://www.www.ibm.com

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

6. – https://www.www.shredit.com

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

8. – https://www.www.himssanalytics.org

9. – https://www.www.business-standard.com

10. – https://www.lookout.com

11. – https://www.www.symantec.com

12. – https://www.www.varonis.com

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

14. – https://www.mysteryvibe.com

15. – https://www.www.bsigroup.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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