GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Cybersecurity In The Tourism Industry Statistics

The tourism industry faces increasing cyber threats, with 63% of companies experiencing a security incident in the past year.

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Highlights: Cybersecurity In The Tourism Industry Statistics

  • Nearly 95% of all cybersecurity breaches are due to human error especially in the tourism industry.
  • More than 77% of companies do not have a Cyber Incident Response plan which includes a significant number in the tourism industry.
  • 67% of travel and tourism businesses chalk up the biggest cybersecurity challenge to the constant change in tactics used by cybercriminals.
  • The hospitality industry is the second highest sector to suffer from data breaches, which includes a majority of businesses from the tourism industry.
  • As per a 2019 report, the tourism industry experienced 64% more cybersecurity attacks.
  • In a survey by EY, 57% of hospitality respondents including the tourism sector said they have had a recent significant cybersecurity incident.
  • In 2017, British Airways, a huge player in the tourism industry, suffered a data breach that affected about 380,000 customers.
  • 43% of cyber attacks are aimed at small businesses, including various players in the tourism industry.
  • Phishing scams, which are a common cybersecurity threat in the tourism industry, have increased by over 667% since February 2020.
  • It is estimated that businesses in the tourism sector are using only 14% of their IT budget on cybersecurity.
  • In 2018, Marriott International, a significant player in the tourism industry suffered a data breach affecting 500 million customers.
  • The average cost of a malware attack on a company is $2.6 million, this also includes companies in the tourism sector.
  • Over half of all cyber attacks are committed against SMEs, including those in the tourism industry and 60% of those affected go out of business within six months.
  • 32% of airlines and 39% of airports will spend 4-6% of their IT budget in 2019 on cybersecurity because of the increasing risk of cyber threats.
  • In 2020, cyberattacks on the global travel sector saw a 37% increase monthly between July and September.
  • By 2021, cybercrime will cost the world $6 trillion annually, with the tourism industry being a significant contributor.

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The Latest Cybersecurity In The Tourism Industry Statistics Explained

Nearly 95% of all cybersecurity breaches are due to human error especially in the tourism industry.

The statistic that nearly 95% of all cybersecurity breaches are due to human error, particularly in the tourism industry, highlights a critical vulnerability in cybersecurity practices. Human error in this context may refer to a range of actions such as falling for phishing scams, using weak passwords, or failing to update software timely. The tourism industry, which often deals with large volumes of sensitive customer data and online transactions, is particularly susceptible to cyber threats due to factors such as the widespread use of online booking platforms and the reliance on digital payment systems. This statistic underscores the importance of employee training, robust cybersecurity protocols, and regular security audits to mitigate the risks associated with human error and safeguard valuable data in an industry that is increasingly targeted by cybercriminals.

More than 77% of companies do not have a Cyber Incident Response plan which includes a significant number in the tourism industry.

The statistic indicates that a majority of companies, specifically over 77%, lack a formal plan to respond to cyber incidents, with a notable portion of these companies belonging to the tourism industry. This represents a concerning gap in preparedness as cyber threats continue to evolve and pose significant risks to organizations. Without a comprehensive Cyber Incident Response plan in place, companies may struggle to effectively detect, mitigate, and recover from cyber attacks, potentially leading to severe financial and reputational damages. The tourism industry, in particular, is vulnerable due to the high volume of online transactions and sensitive customer data typically handled by companies in this sector, underscoring the urgent need for improved cybersecurity measures.

67% of travel and tourism businesses chalk up the biggest cybersecurity challenge to the constant change in tactics used by cybercriminals.

The statistic that 67% of travel and tourism businesses attribute their biggest cybersecurity challenge to the constant change in tactics used by cybercriminals highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of cyber threats faced by the industry. This finding underscores the need for these businesses to continuously adapt and strengthen their cybersecurity measures in order to protect their operations, customer data, and financial transactions from malicious activities. The high percentage of businesses identifying this challenge suggests that the travel and tourism sector is particularly vulnerable to cyber threats and requires proactive and vigilant security strategies to mitigate risks and safeguard against cyber attacks.

The hospitality industry is the second highest sector to suffer from data breaches, which includes a majority of businesses from the tourism industry.

The statistic highlights that the hospitality industry, including a significant portion of businesses in the tourism sector, ranks as the second-highest sector experiencing data breaches. This suggests that organizations in these industries are particularly vulnerable to cyber threats and security breaches. The prominence of data breaches in the hospitality sector could be attributed to the vast amounts of sensitive customer information, such as personal details and payment information, that these businesses handle on a daily basis. With the increasing digitization and interconnectedness of the industry, it is imperative for companies in hospitality and tourism to prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect their data and uphold customer trust.

As per a 2019 report, the tourism industry experienced 64% more cybersecurity attacks.

The statistic indicates that the tourism industry encountered a significant increase in cybersecurity attacks in 2019 compared to previous years. The 64% rise suggests a substantial surge in the number of cyber threats targeting the industry, highlighting the growing vulnerability and attractiveness of tourism companies as potential targets for malicious actors. This finding underscores the urgent need for increased cybersecurity measures and awareness within the tourism sector to better protect sensitive data, customer information, and overall business operations from potential cyber threats and attacks.

In a survey by EY, 57% of hospitality respondents including the tourism sector said they have had a recent significant cybersecurity incident.

In a survey conducted by EY, it was found that 57% of respondents in the hospitality industry, including the tourism sector, indicated that they have experienced a recent significant cybersecurity incident. This statistic suggests that a substantial portion of businesses in the hospitality and tourism sectors are vulnerable to cyber threats, highlighting the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity measures within these industries. The high percentage of respondents reporting cybersecurity incidents indicates a potential need for better security protocols, employee training, and investment in cybersecurity technologies to mitigate future risks and protect sensitive data within these sectors.

In 2017, British Airways, a huge player in the tourism industry, suffered a data breach that affected about 380,000 customers.

The statistic stating that in 2017, British Airways experienced a data breach that impacted approximately 380,000 customers reveals a significant security vulnerability within the company’s systems. This incident not only compromised the personal information of a large number of individuals but also raised concerns regarding the safety and protection of customer data in the tourism industry. The scale of the breach highlights the potential risks associated with cyber attacks and underscores the importance of stringent security measures and protocols to safeguard sensitive information in organizations that handle vast amounts of customer data like British Airways.

43% of cyber attacks are aimed at small businesses, including various players in the tourism industry.

The statistic that 43% of cyber attacks are aimed at small businesses, including various players in the tourism industry, highlights the significant vulnerability of smaller enterprises in the face of cybersecurity threats. Small businesses often lack the resources and expertise to implement robust cybersecurity measures, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking to exploit weaknesses in their systems. The tourism industry, with its reliance on online booking systems, customer data storage, and payment processing, becomes particularly susceptible to cyber attacks, as these businesses collect and store sensitive information that can be lucrative for hackers. The statistic underscores the importance of small businesses, especially those in the tourism sector, prioritizing cybersecurity measures to protect themselves and their customers from potential data breaches and financial losses.

Phishing scams, which are a common cybersecurity threat in the tourism industry, have increased by over 667% since February 2020.

The statistic that phishing scams in the tourism industry have increased by over 667% since February 2020 indicates a concerning trend of heightened cybersecurity threats within this sector. Phishing scams involve deceptive attempts to trick individuals into disclosing sensitive information such as login credentials or financial details by posing as a trustworthy entity. The substantial surge in these malicious activities highlights the increasing vulnerability of the tourism industry to cyber threats, likely exacerbated by the shift towards online transactions and communication during the COVID-19 pandemic. This significant rise in phishing scams emphasizes the critical need for enhanced cybersecurity measures, vigilance among employees and travelers, and ongoing awareness and training programs to mitigate the risks and protect against such threats in the future.

It is estimated that businesses in the tourism sector are using only 14% of their IT budget on cybersecurity.

The statistic that businesses in the tourism sector are using only 14% of their IT budget on cybersecurity indicates a potentially concerning level of investment in protecting sensitive data and systems within the industry. Given the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats targeting businesses across all sectors, allocating a relatively small portion of the IT budget to cybersecurity may leave tourism businesses vulnerable to cyberattacks, data breaches, and other security incidents. As tourism companies often handle a significant amount of personal and financial information from customers, a low investment in cybersecurity could have severe consequences in terms of reputation damage, financial losses, and regulatory penalties. Therefore, this statistic highlights the importance of assessing and potentially increasing resources allocated to cybersecurity to enhance defense mechanisms and mitigate cybersecurity risks in the tourism sector.

In 2018, Marriott International, a significant player in the tourism industry suffered a data breach affecting 500 million customers.

The statistic indicates that in 2018, Marriott International, a prominent company in the tourism industry, experienced a substantial data breach that impacted 500 million customers. This breach implies that sensitive information of a vast number of individuals, such as personal details and financial data, may have been compromised. Data breaches of this scale can have severe consequences, including financial losses for customers, damage to the company’s reputation, and potential legal repercussions. It underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in protecting customer information and highlights the ongoing threat that data breaches pose to businesses and individuals in the digital age.

The average cost of a malware attack on a company is $2.6 million, this also includes companies in the tourism sector.

The statistic reveals that the average cost of a malware attack on a company, including those in the tourism sector, is $2.6 million. This implies that the financial impact of malware attacks, such as ransomware or data breaches, on businesses can be substantial. The costs associated with these attacks may include expenses related to incident response, data recovery, customer notification, and potential regulatory fines. Additionally, reputational damage and loss of customer trust can further compound the financial repercussions for companies affected by malware. It underscores the critical importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to mitigate the risks and potential financial losses associated with such attacks across various sectors, including tourism.

Over half of all cyber attacks are committed against SMEs, including those in the tourism industry and 60% of those affected go out of business within six months.

The statistic indicates a concerning trend where over half of all cyber attacks are directed towards Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), with a particular focus on industries such as tourism. This highlights the vulnerability of smaller businesses to online threats. Additionally, the data reveals a significant impact on these entities, as 60% of those affected by cyber attacks within this group are forced to cease operations within six months. This suggests that the financial repercussions and loss of trust resulting from cyber attacks are especially detrimental to SMEs, underscoring the importance of investing in cybersecurity measures to safeguard against potential threats and ensure the continuity of their businesses.

32% of airlines and 39% of airports will spend 4-6% of their IT budget in 2019 on cybersecurity because of the increasing risk of cyber threats.

The statistic indicates that a significant portion of airlines and airports are allocating a specific portion of their IT budget towards cybersecurity measures in response to the escalating threat of cyber attacks. Specifically, 32% of airlines and 39% of airports are planning to dedicate between 4-6% of their IT budget towards cybersecurity in the year 2019. This suggests a growing recognition within the aviation industry of the importance of safeguarding against cyber threats to ensure the security and integrity of their operations. By investing in cybersecurity measures, airlines and airports are proactively addressing potential vulnerabilities and seeking to enhance their resilience against cyber attacks that could compromise critical systems and data.

In 2020, cyberattacks on the global travel sector saw a 37% increase monthly between July and September.

The statistic indicates that between July and September of 2020, there was a significant monthly increase of 37% in cyberattacks targeting the global travel sector. This suggests a notable surge in cyber threats impacting the industry during that specific timeframe. The rise in cyberattacks highlights the vulnerability of the travel sector to online security breaches, potentially resulting in data theft, financial losses, and disruptions to operations. The statistic underscores the need for increased cybersecurity measures and vigilance within the global travel sector to protect sensitive information and maintain the integrity of services in the face of evolving cyber threats.

By 2021, cybercrime will cost the world $6 trillion annually, with the tourism industry being a significant contributor.

The statistic states that by 2021, cybercrime is expected to incur global costs amounting to $6 trillion on an annual basis, with the tourism industry playing a notable role as a contributor to these expenses. This implies that the tourism sector is particularly susceptible to cyber threats and attacks, resulting in financial losses incurred through various cybercriminal activities such as data breaches, ransomware attacks, and financial fraud. The significant financial impact of cybercrime on the tourism industry underscores the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures and investing in cybersecurity awareness and training to mitigate risks and safeguard sensitive data and customer information in this sector.

References

0. – https://www.www.barracuda.com

1. – https://www.www.cio.com

2. – https://www.www.varonis.com

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

4. – https://www.techhq.com

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

6. – https://www.www.zdnet.com

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

8. – https://www.www.bbc.com

9. – https://www.www.sita.aero

10. – https://www.securitybrief.co.nz

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

12. – https://www.www.ey.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.

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