GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Cybersecurity In The Telecommunications Industry Statistics

Cybersecurity incidents in the telecommunications industry are expected to increase as technology advancements and connectivity continue to expand.

Highlights: Cybersecurity In The Telecommunications Industry Statistics

  • 5G increases vulnerability to cyberattacks, with 80% of telecom companies reporting an increase in such vulnerabilities due to the deployment of 5G.
  • Over 70% of telecommunications companies experienced at least one breach in 2019.
  • Telecoms suffered an average cost of $11.7 million as a result of cybercrime in 2017.
  • Between 2018 to 2019, spyware attacks on telecommunication companies increased by 30%.
  • Approximately 94% of all telecommunications companies have stated they would increase security spending in 2020.
  • There has been a 42% increase in Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks targeting telecommunication companies in the last year.
  • Up to 60% of telecommunication companies rate their cybersecurity as moderate or lower.
  • By 2021, cybercrime damages could cost the telecommunications industry an estimated $6 trillion annually.
  • Over 56% of telecommunication companies do not have a dedicated CISO.
  • Over half of telecommunications companies consider third party security gaps as a significant risk.
  • In 2018, over 69% of telecommunications companies were victims of insider attacks.
  • By 2022, cybersecurity market in the telecommunications sector is expected to grow to a $12 billion market.
  • 86% of telecom companies plan to use AI for cybersecurity by 2023.
  • About 52% of telecom companies are unable to detect a cybersecurity incident within an hour.
  • In 2019, the time taken by telecom companies to contain a cybersecurity incident was 279 days on average.
  • The telecom sector experiences a higher email malware creation rate (4.5%) compared to the all-industry average (2.8%).

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Cybersecurity in the telecommunications industry plays a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive data and protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats. In this blog post, we will delve into the latest statistics surrounding cybersecurity in the telecommunications sector, highlighting key trends, challenges, and opportunities in this rapidly-evolving landscape. Stay tuned to gain valuable insights into the state of cybersecurity in the telecommunications industry.

The Latest Cybersecurity In The Telecommunications Industry Statistics Explained

5G increases vulnerability to cyberattacks, with 80% of telecom companies reporting an increase in such vulnerabilities due to the deployment of 5G.

The statistic states that the deployment of 5G technology has led to an increase in vulnerability to cyberattacks, with 80% of telecom companies reporting such a rise. This suggests that the implementation of 5G networks has introduced new security challenges that telecom companies are struggling to address effectively. The higher vulnerability to cyber threats could potentially expose sensitive data, infrastructure, and communications networks to malicious actors seeking to exploit weaknesses in the 5G technology. This highlights the importance of investing in robust cybersecurity measures to mitigate the risks associated with the rapid adoption of 5G networks and ensure the protection of critical telecommunications infrastructure and data.

Over 70% of telecommunications companies experienced at least one breach in 2019.

The statistic ‘Over 70% of telecommunications companies experienced at least one breach in 2019’ indicates that a significant majority of companies within the telecommunications industry faced security breaches within that year. This high percentage underscores the prevalent threat of cybersecurity incidents within the sector, highlighting the importance of robust security measures and practices to safeguard sensitive data and infrastructure. The statistic also suggests that security vulnerabilities are pervasive and reinforce the need for continuous monitoring, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies to protect against potential breaches and cyber attacks that could compromise the integrity and privacy of telecommunications networks and services.

Telecoms suffered an average cost of $11.7 million as a result of cybercrime in 2017.

The statistic “Telecoms suffered an average cost of $11.7 million as a result of cybercrime in 2017” indicates the financial impact of cyberattacks on the telecommunications industry during that year. This average cost represents the monetary losses incurred by telecom companies due to various cybercrimes such as data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other forms of cyber incidents. The figure serves as a measure of the direct financial consequences of inadequate cybersecurity measures and the susceptibility of the telecom sector to cyber threats. It underscores the importance of investing in robust cybersecurity measures to mitigate risks, protect sensitive information, and safeguard the operations and reputation of telecom companies in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

Between 2018 to 2019, spyware attacks on telecommunication companies increased by 30%.

The statistic “Between 2018 to 2019, spyware attacks on telecommunication companies increased by 30%” indicates a substantial rise in cyber threats targeting the telecommunications industry over the one-year period. This implies that the frequency of spyware attacks, a form of malicious software designed to gather sensitive information from computer systems, directed specifically at telecommunication companies escalated significantly. The 30% increase signifies a notable growth in the number of security breaches and highlights the vulnerability of telecommunication networks to cyber threats. This statistic underscores the importance of enhancing cybersecurity measures within the telecommunication sector to safeguard critical infrastructure and customer data from potential attacks.

Approximately 94% of all telecommunications companies have stated they would increase security spending in 2020.

The statistic indicates that a significant majority, or approximately 94%, of telecommunications companies have expressed their intention to boost their spending on security measures in the year 2020. This data suggests a clear trend towards prioritizing and strengthening cybersecurity within the industry. The decision to increase security spending may be influenced by a variety of factors such as the rising threats of cyber attacks, increasing regulations, growing reliance on digital technologies, and the need to protect sensitive consumer data. By emphasizing security investments, telecommunications companies aim to enhance their resilience against cyber threats, safeguard their operations, and maintain the trust of their customers in an increasingly interconnected and digitized world.

There has been a 42% increase in Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks targeting telecommunication companies in the last year.

The statistic indicating a 42% increase in Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks targeting telecommunication companies over the past year reveals a concerning trend of heightened cyber threats against this sector. A 42% increase suggests a substantial rise in the frequency and severity of DDoS attacks, which can disrupt services, compromise data security, and incur significant financial costs. This trend underscores the growing importance of robust cybersecurity measures and proactive risk management strategies for telecommunication companies to safeguard against such malicious attacks and ensure the continuity of critical services for customers and stakeholders.

Up to 60% of telecommunication companies rate their cybersecurity as moderate or lower.

The statistic suggests that a significant portion, up to 60%, of telecommunication companies assess their cybersecurity practices to be either moderate or lower in terms of effectiveness. This implies that a majority of telecommunication firms may have limited confidence in their ability to protect their networks, customer data, and sensitive information from cyber threats. Such a perception of cybersecurity could indicate potential vulnerabilities within the industry, increasing the risk of data breaches, cyber attacks, and other security incidents. As a result, telecommunication companies may need to address and enhance their cybersecurity measures to mitigate these risks and ensure the protection of their systems and data.

By 2021, cybercrime damages could cost the telecommunications industry an estimated $6 trillion annually.

The statistic that by 2021, cybercrime damages could cost the telecommunications industry an estimated $6 trillion annually, highlights the significant financial risk posed by cyber threats to the telecommunications sector. This figure represents the potential losses that companies within the industry could face due to cyber attacks, including data breaches, network disruptions, and other malicious activities. The telecommunications industry is particularly vulnerable to cybercrime due to the vast amounts of sensitive data it handles, the critical infrastructure it maintains, and the increasing reliance on digital technologies. To mitigate these risks, companies in the telecommunications sector need to invest in robust cybersecurity measures, employee training, and regular assessments to protect their systems and data from potential threats. Failure to adequately address cybersecurity concerns could result in substantial financial losses, reputational damage, and operational disruptions for telecommunications companies.

Over 56% of telecommunication companies do not have a dedicated CISO.

The statistic that over 56% of telecommunication companies do not have a dedicated Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) indicates a concerning lack of specialized cybersecurity leadership within the industry. The absence of a CISO may leave these companies vulnerable to cyber threats and breaches, as CISOs play a critical role in developing and implementing strategic cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and infrastructure. This statistic highlights the need for telecommunication companies to prioritize cybersecurity by investing in dedicated professionals who can lead and oversee their cybersecurity efforts to safeguard against potential security risks.

Over half of telecommunications companies consider third party security gaps as a significant risk.

This statistic suggests that more than 50% of telecommunications companies perceive third party security vulnerabilities as a major concern that poses a significant risk to their operations. This implies that these companies recognize the potential threats associated with weaknesses in the security practices of external parties they work with. Such risks could include data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and potential disruptions to their services. As a result, telecommunications companies likely see the importance of addressing and mitigating these third-party security gaps to safeguard their own systems, protect their customers’ data, and maintain the integrity and reliability of their services.

In 2018, over 69% of telecommunications companies were victims of insider attacks.

The statistic ‘In 2018, over 69% of telecommunications companies were victims of insider attacks’ indicates that a significant majority of telecommunications companies experienced security breaches perpetrated by individuals within the organization. Insider attacks refer to security incidents caused by current or former employees, contractors, or business partners who have authorized access to the company’s systems or data. The high percentage of companies affected by insider attacks in 2018 highlights the vulnerability of the telecommunications industry to internal threats and underscores the importance of implementing rigorous security measures and protocols to safeguard against such risks. This statistic serves as a warning signal for telecommunications companies to enhance their cybersecurity defenses and prevent unauthorized access or malicious activities from within their own ranks.

By 2022, cybersecurity market in the telecommunications sector is expected to grow to a $12 billion market.

The statistic highlights a projected growth in the cybersecurity market within the telecommunications sector, with expectations of reaching a market size of $12 billion by the year 2022. This growth reflects the increasing importance and investment in cybersecurity measures within the telecommunications industry to protect sensitive data, networks, and infrastructure from cyber threats and attacks. As telecommunications continue to play a vital role in global connectivity, the need for robust cybersecurity solutions is paramount to safeguarding operations and maintaining trust with customers and stakeholders. The anticipated market expansion signifies a recognition of the evolving cyber threats facing the telecommunications sector and the commitment to bolstering defenses and resilience in the digital age.

86% of telecom companies plan to use AI for cybersecurity by 2023.

The statistic “86% of telecom companies plan to use AI for cybersecurity by 2023” indicates that a vast majority of telecom companies are intending to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into their cybersecurity strategies within the next few years. This suggests a widespread recognition within the telecom industry of the potential benefits that AI can offer in enhancing cybersecurity defenses. Companies may be looking to leverage AI technologies such as machine learning and predictive analytics to effectively detect and respond to cyber threats in real-time, ultimately improving their overall security posture and safeguarding sensitive data and critical infrastructure. This statistic highlights a growing trend towards adopting advanced technologies to address evolving cybersecurity challenges in the telecommunications sector.

About 52% of telecom companies are unable to detect a cybersecurity incident within an hour.

The statistic indicates that approximately 52% of telecom companies have a deficiency in their cybersecurity incident detection capabilities, as they are unable to identify such incidents within an hour. This means that more than half of telecom companies may be vulnerable to prolonged cyber threats, potentially leading to data breaches, financial losses, and damage to their reputation. The inability to swiftly detect and respond to cybersecurity incidents can significantly increase the risk of unauthorized access, data theft, and system disruptions. As a critical infrastructure sector, the telecom industry must prioritize enhancing their cybersecurity measures to safeguard their networks and data from escalating cyber threats effectively.

In 2019, the time taken by telecom companies to contain a cybersecurity incident was 279 days on average.

The statistic indicates that in 2019, telecom companies took an average of 279 days to contain a cybersecurity incident. A cybersecurity incident refers to any unauthorized access, disruption, or misuse of computer systems, networks, or data. The containment of such incidents involves identifying and mitigating the breach to prevent further damage or unauthorized access. The average time of 279 days suggests that telecom companies faced challenges in responding promptly and effectively to cyber threats, potentially leaving their systems vulnerable for a significant period. This statistic highlights the importance of improved cybersecurity measures, incident response protocols, and proactive monitoring to reduce the containment time and enhance overall cybersecurity resilience in the telecommunications industry.

The telecom sector experiences a higher email malware creation rate (4.5%) compared to the all-industry average (2.8%).

The statistic indicates that the telecom sector has a higher rate of email malware creation compared to the average across all industries. Specifically, 4.5% of emails originating from the telecom sector are identified as containing malware, whereas the average across all industries is 2.8%. This suggests that there is a greater risk of email-based malware threats within the telecom sector compared to the broader business landscape. This information can be crucial for decision-makers within the telecom industry to prioritize cybersecurity measures and enhance their email security protocols to mitigate the heightened risk of malware attacks.

Conclusion

The statistics presented make it clear that cybersecurity is a critical issue in the telecommunications industry. As technology continues to advance, companies must prioritize implementing robust security measures to protect sensitive data and maintain the trust of their customers. By staying informed about the latest threats and investing in cybersecurity solutions, organizations can safeguard their networks and infrastructure from potential cyber attacks.

References

0. – https://www.www.arbornetworks.com

1. – https://www.www.varonis.com

2. – https://www.www2.deloitte.com

3. – https://www.www.cybereason.com

4. – https://www.www.pwc.com

5. – https://www.www.ibm.com

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

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

8. – https://www.www.grandviewresearch.com

9. – https://www.www.capgemini.com

10. – https://www.www.symantec.com

11. – https://www.www.bain.com

12. – https://www.www.accenture.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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