GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Cybersecurity In The Technology Industry Statistics

Cybersecurity incidents cost the technology industry an estimated $13.2 billion in 2021, with ransomware attacks being the most prevalent type of threat.

Highlights: Cybersecurity In The Technology Industry Statistics

  • Global cybersecurity spending is projected to exceed $1 trillion cumulatively from 2017 to 2021.
  • In 2020, data breaches exposed over 155.8 million individuals in the U.S.
  • Among tech professionals, 64% say their company has made cybersecurity a higher priority in the past year.
  • 95% of cybersecurity breaches are due to human error.
  • 63% of companies say their data was potentially compromised within the last 12 months.
  • Cybercrime is projected to cost the global economy $6.1 trillion annually by 2021.
  • Ransomware attacks have grown 150% annually.
  • There is a hacker attack every 39 seconds on average.
  • 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses.
  • By 2025, it is estimated that there will be 75.44 billion Internet of Things (IoT) connected devices, increasing the risk of potential cyber attacks.
  • Over 300,000 new malware are created every day.
  • Social engineering is used in more than 99% of cyber espionage incidents.
  • The average cost of a data breach is $3.86 million.
  • As of 2021, the most attacked industry is healthcare, followed by finance, and technology.
  • There will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs by 2021.
  • It takes an average of 280 days to identify and contain a data breach
  • In 2020, cloud-based attacks increased by 630% compared to the previous year.
  • Only 5% of companies' folders are properly protected, on average.
  • It is estimated that by 2025, people will have created 175 zettabytes of data, further increasing the importance of cybersecurity.

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The Latest Cybersecurity In The Technology Industry Statistics Explained

Global cybersecurity spending is projected to exceed $1 trillion cumulatively from 2017 to 2021.

The statistic “Global cybersecurity spending is projected to exceed $1 trillion cumulatively from 2017 to 2021” indicates the substantial investment and prioritization placed on enhancing cybersecurity measures worldwide over a five-year period. This staggering amount highlights the increasing awareness and importance of addressing cyber threats and safeguarding sensitive data in both public and private sectors. The projected expenditure signifies a proactive approach by organizations and governments to mitigate the risks associated with cyber attacks, data breaches, and other malicious activities in the digital landscape. Overall, this statistic underscores the significant financial commitment being made to bolster cybersecurity defenses and protect critical information assets on a global scale.

In 2020, data breaches exposed over 155.8 million individuals in the U.S.

The statistic indicates that in the year 2020, a significant number of data breaches occurred in the United States resulting in the exposure of personal information belonging to over 155.8 million individuals. This data breach incident signifies a serious cybersecurity issue and highlights the vulnerability of personal data in today’s digital age. The exposure of such a large number of individuals’ information can have far-reaching consequences, including identity theft, financial fraud, and potential privacy violations. The statistic underscores the critical need for improved cybersecurity measures and vigilance in protecting sensitive information to prevent such breaches from recurring in the future.

Among tech professionals, 64% say their company has made cybersecurity a higher priority in the past year.

Among a sample of tech professionals surveyed, the statistic indicates that 64% of respondents reported that their company has placed a greater emphasis on cybersecurity in the last year. This finding suggests that a majority of tech professionals have observed an increased focus on cybersecurity within their organizations, potentially indicating a recognition of the growing importance of cybersecurity in the modern digital landscape. The statistic highlights a positive trend towards increased awareness and investment in cybersecurity measures among companies in the technology sector, potentially driven by the escalating threats posed by cyberattacks and data breaches.

95% of cybersecurity breaches are due to human error.

The statistic that 95% of cybersecurity breaches are due to human error indicates that the vast majority of security incidents and breaches in the cybersecurity realm are caused by mistakes or oversights made by people rather than technical failures or malicious attacks. Human error can take various forms, such as falling for phishing scams, misconfiguring security settings, using weak passwords, or failing to update software regularly. This emphasizes the critical importance of educating and training individuals to practice good cybersecurity hygiene, as well as implementing robust security protocols and measures to mitigate the risks associated with human mistakes. Organizational efforts to enhance employee awareness, establish clear security policies, and provide ongoing training can help reduce the likelihood of human errors leading to cybersecurity breaches.

63% of companies say their data was potentially compromised within the last 12 months.

The statistic “63% of companies say their data was potentially compromised within the last 12 months” suggests that a significant portion of companies have experienced or suspect that their data security has been breached in some form over the past year. This could indicate various types of data breaches, including cyberattacks, insider threats, or unintentional leaks of sensitive information. The high percentage underscores the prevalent and ongoing threat to data security that organizations face in today’s digital landscape, highlighting the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and proactive monitoring to safeguard sensitive data and mitigate potential risks.

Cybercrime is projected to cost the global economy $6.1 trillion annually by 2021.

The statistic “Cybercrime is projected to cost the global economy $6.1 trillion annually by 2021” highlights the significant financial impact of cybercrime on a global scale. This projection implies that cybercriminal activities, such as hacking, data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other forms of digital crime, have become increasingly pervasive and costly. The staggering estimated cost underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures and strategies to combat cyber threats effectively. Failure to address these issues adequately can result in substantial economic losses, disruption of businesses and critical services, loss of trust among consumers, and potential long-term consequences for the global economy.

Ransomware attacks have grown 150% annually.

The statistic “Ransomware attacks have grown 150% annually” suggests a significant and alarming trend towards the proliferation of ransomware attacks over a one-year period. A 150% annual growth rate means that the number of ransomware attacks has more than doubled each year. This exponential increase highlights the escalating threat posed by ransomware, a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system or data until a ransom is paid. The statistic underscores the urgent need for improved cybersecurity measures and proactive strategies to mitigate the risk of these damaging attacks on individuals, organizations, and even entire industries.

There is a hacker attack every 39 seconds on average.

The statistic “There is a hacker attack every 39 seconds on average” indicates the frequency at which malicious hacking incidents occur globally. This statistic implies that organizations and individuals are constantly vulnerable to cybersecurity threats, given the rapid rate at which attacks can occur. It underscores the importance of maintaining robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and systems from unauthorized access, as well as the need for continuous monitoring and mitigation strategies to prevent and respond to potential breaches promptly. With the ever-evolving nature of cyber threats, organizations must prioritize cybersecurity to safeguard their digital assets and maintain the trust of their stakeholders.

43% of cyber attacks target small businesses.

The statistic stating that 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses signifies the vulnerability of small businesses to cyber threats. Small businesses are appealing targets for cybercriminals due to potentially weaker cybersecurity measures, limited resources for protection, and valuable data that can be exploited for financial gain or disruption of operations. This statistic highlights the importance for small businesses to prioritize cybersecurity measures, invest in robust defense mechanisms, and educate employees on best practices to safeguard sensitive information and protect against potential cyber threats.

By 2025, it is estimated that there will be 75.44 billion Internet of Things (IoT) connected devices, increasing the risk of potential cyber attacks.

The statistic states that by the year 2025, it is projected that there will be 75.44 billion interconnected Internet of Things (IoT) devices globally, highlighting a significant growth in connected technology. While this rise in IoT devices brings about numerous benefits such as enhanced convenience and efficiency, it also raises concerns regarding the potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cyber attackers. With an increasing number of devices connected to the internet, the risk of cyber attacks targeting these IoT devices is expected to escalate, posing potential security threats to individuals, businesses, and critical infrastructure. As such, there is a pressing need for robust cybersecurity measures and strategies to safeguard these interconnected devices and mitigate the risks associated with the expanding IoT ecosystem.

Over 300,000 new malware are created every day.

The statistic that over 300,000 new malware are created every day underscores the incessant and rapidly evolving nature of cyber threats in today’s digital landscape. Malicious actors continue to leverage sophisticated techniques to develop a vast number of malware variants on a daily basis, posing significant challenges to cybersecurity professionals and organizations worldwide. This statistic highlights the critical importance of constantly updating and enhancing cybersecurity measures to protect against the ever-growing threat of malware, emphasizing the need for proactive and vigilant approaches to safeguarding sensitive data and infrastructure from cyber attacks.

Social engineering is used in more than 99% of cyber espionage incidents.

The statistic that social engineering is used in more than 99% of cyber espionage incidents underscores the critical role that human manipulation tactics play in facilitating cyber attacks. Social engineering techniques, such as phishing emails, pretexting, and baiting, exploit psychological vulnerabilities to manipulate individuals into disclosing confidential information, granting unauthorized access, or installing malware. By preying on human trust, curiosity, or fear, cyber attackers are able to bypass technical security measures and gain illicit access to sensitive data or systems. This statistic highlights the necessity for organizations to prioritize employee awareness training and to implement robust security measures to protect against the pervasive threat of social engineering in the realm of cyber espionage.

The average cost of a data breach is $3.86 million.

The statistic “The average cost of a data breach is $3.86 million” represents the average financial impact incurred by organizations as a result of a data breach. This figure encompasses various costs associated with data breaches, such as expenses related to investigating the breach, remediation efforts, legal fees, regulatory fines, and potential loss of business due to reputational damage. It highlights the substantial financial risk posed by data breaches and underscores the importance for organizations to invest in robust cybersecurity measures to mitigate these potential costs and protect sensitive information.

As of 2021, the most attacked industry is healthcare, followed by finance, and technology.

The statistic indicates that as of 2021, the healthcare industry has experienced the highest number of cyberattacks compared to the finance and technology industries. This suggests that healthcare organizations are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats and face higher risks of data breaches, hacking, and other malicious activities. The ranking of finance and technology following healthcare in the number of attacks highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity measures for all industries, emphasizing the need for enhanced protection and defense mechanisms to safeguard sensitive information and ensure the integrity and confidentiality of data in these sectors.

There will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs by 2021.

This statistic indicates that there will be a significant shortage of skilled professionals in the field of cybersecurity by the year 2021, with an estimated 3.5 million job openings remaining unfilled. This shortage is concerning as cybersecurity plays a crucial role in protecting sensitive data and infrastructure from cyber threats. The demand for cybersecurity professionals is expected to continue growing due to the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks across various industries. Addressing this shortage will require a concerted effort from educational institutions, governments, and private organizations to attract and train qualified individuals to fill these critical roles and ensure the security of digital systems and networks.

It takes an average of 280 days to identify and contain a data breach

The statistic stating that it takes an average of 280 days to identify and contain a data breach reflects the time frame between the initial unauthorized access to sensitive information and the successful mitigation of the breach. This metric highlights the importance of swift detection and response to security incidents, as prolonged exposure can lead to increased damages and data loss. Organizations should strive to improve their incident response processes and invest in robust cybersecurity measures to reduce the impact of data breaches and protect sensitive information from malicious actors.

In 2020, cloud-based attacks increased by 630% compared to the previous year.

The statistic indicates that in 2020, there was a substantial 630% increase in the number of cyber attacks targeting cloud-based systems compared to the previous year. This sharp rise suggests a significant upsurge in malicious activities aimed at exploiting vulnerabilities in cloud technology platforms. The increase could be attributed to the growing reliance on cloud services by individuals and organizations, thereby making them more attractive targets for cybercriminals. As cloud computing continues to become integral to various sectors, it is crucial for entities to enhance their cybersecurity measures to mitigate these evolving threats and safeguard sensitive data and operations stored in the cloud.

Only 5% of companies’ folders are properly protected, on average.

This statistic suggests that, on average, a very low proportion of companies have adequate protection for their folders. When considering the security of digital data and information, the fact that only 5% of companies are identified as having proper protection implies a widespread deficiency in cybersecurity measures among organizations. This could raise concerns regarding potential vulnerabilities, such as data breaches, unauthorized access, or data loss, which could have significant consequences for the affected companies. Addressing the issue of folder protection is crucial for enhancing overall cybersecurity and safeguarding against potential threats to sensitive information.

It is estimated that by 2025, people will have created 175 zettabytes of data, further increasing the importance of cybersecurity.

The statistic stating that by 2025, individuals will have generated 175 zettabytes of data highlights the exponential growth of digital information in our interconnected world. This massive volume of data encompasses various forms such as photos, videos, documents, and sensor readings generated by individuals, businesses, and devices globally. With this immense data creation comes the increased importance of cybersecurity as organizations and individuals need to safeguard this information from cyber threats and unauthorized access. As the quantity and sensitivity of data continue to grow, strong cybersecurity measures become imperative to protect privacy, secure critical systems, and mitigate potential risks of data breaches and cyber attacks.

References

0. – https://www.www.zdnet.com

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

2. – https://www.www.ibm.com

3. – https://www.wavefront.com

4. – https://www.www.csoonline.com

5. – https://www.www.seagate.com

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

7. – https://www.www.pwc.com

8. – https://www.www.av-test.org

9. – https://www.www.statista.com

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

11. – https://www.www.varonis.com

12. – https://www.cybersecurityventures.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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