Summary
- • Approximately 45% of all emails sent globally are classified as spam.
- • The global spam rate was 54.68% in 2020.
- • The average cost of a successful phishing attack for a mid-sized company is $1.6 million.
- • 94% of malware is delivered via email.
- • 83% of financial organizations experienced phishing and social engineering attacks in 2019.
- • The global spam volume was 188 billion emails per day in 2020.
- • 75% of organizations experienced a phishing attack in 2020.
- • 14.5 billion spam emails are sent every day.
- • 91% of all cyberattacks start with a phishing email.
- • Spam messages related to COVID-19 increased by 220% in 2020.
- • 75% of organizations have experienced a business email compromise (BEC) attack.
- • 46% of all email traffic is considered spam.
- • 55% of emails sent are spam.
- • 96% of phishing attacks arrive via email.
- • The global spam rate in 2019 was 58.68%.
Ah, spam – not just a mystery meat in a can, but also a notorious troublemaker in the digital realm. Did you know that a whopping 45% of all emails sent globally are classified as spam? And that spam rate was even higher in 2020, at 54.68%! But the real kicker? The eye-watering $1.6 million price tag of a successful phishing attack for a mid-sized company. With 94% of malware being delivered via email and 91% of all cyberattacks starting with a phishing email, its clear that in the world of ones and zeros, the real danger might just be lurking in your inbox.
Business Impact Statistics
- 75% of organizations have experienced a business email compromise (BEC) attack.
- 80% of global businesses reported an increase in cyberattacks due to the shift to remote work during the pandemic.
Interpretation
These statistics paint a grim picture of the modern digital landscape, where cyber threats loom large over organizations like dark clouds on a stormy day. With the rise of remote work during the pandemic, businesses have found themselves navigating through treacherous waters, where phishing emails and BEC attacks lurk at every corner like cunning pirates ready to seize their treasures. As companies face the daunting challenge of safeguarding their data and assets in this ever-evolving cyber realm, one thing is certain – the stakes are higher than ever, and the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more urgent.
Financial Loss Statistics
- The average cost of a successful phishing attack for a mid-sized company is $1.6 million.
- The annual cost of phishing attacks to businesses worldwide is estimated to be $17.9 billion.
- 11.4 billion USD was lost globally to phishing attacks in 2020.
- Businesses worldwide spend approximately $3.5 billion each year fighting phishing attacks.
Interpretation
In the age-old battle between cybercriminals and businesses, the numbers tell a tale of woe and hefty price tags. With successful phishing attacks costing a mid-sized company a sweet $1.6 million on average, it seems scammers are reeling in the big bucks faster than we can say "delete." Globally, the annual toll of these digital deceptions amounts to a staggering $17.9 billion, making us all want to think twice before clicking that suspicious link. In 2020 alone, a jaw-dropping $11.4 billion vanished into the virtual abyss thanks to phishing schemes, leaving a trail of empty wallets and frustrated security teams in its wake. As businesses worldwide gear up to defend their cyber fortresses, throwing an estimated $3.5 billion annually into the fight against phishing attacks, it's clear that in this digital age, vigilance – and a healthy dose of skepticism – are the new currency.
Malware Delivery Statistics
- 94% of malware is delivered via email.
- 91% of all cyberattacks start with a phishing email.
- 96% of phishing attacks arrive via email.
- Over 370,000 new malware variants were identified via email in 2020.
- 1 in every 3,722 emails contains a malware attack.
- 70% of ransomware attacks involve phishing.
- Phishing attempts have increased by 69% in the last year.
- 90% of ransomware attacks are delivered through phishing emails.
Interpretation
In a digital world where email has become the favorite playground for cybercriminals, the numbers paint a stark reality. With 94% of malware hitching a ride through our inboxes like uninvited guests at a party, and 1 in every 3,722 emails carrying a potentially malicious payload, it's no wonder cybersecurity experts are perpetually on high alert. The rise of phishing attacks, now responsible for initiating a staggering 91% of cyber onslaughts, is akin to a cunning con artist knocking at your virtual door disguised as a friendly face. As we witness a 69% surge in these deceptive email schemes, it seems that the age-old advice of "think before you click" is more relevant than ever. So, before you allow that tempting email attachment to sweep you off your cybersecurity feet, remember – even virtual love letters can come with malicious intentions.
Phishing Statistics
- 83% of financial organizations experienced phishing and social engineering attacks in 2019.
- 75% of organizations experienced a phishing attack in 2020.
- 67% of businesses have experienced a form of social engineering attack via email.
- Phishing attacks against employees increased by 15% in 2020.
- Around 76% of organizations in the US say they experienced a phishing attack in 2019.
- 79% of businesses faced a BEC attack in the past year.
- 36% of data breaches involve phishing attacks.
- The healthcare industry experienced a 97% increase in phishing attacks in 2020.
- 3.4 million phishing sites were detected in 2020.
Interpretation
In a world where cyber threats lurk in the digital shadows, these statistics paint a stark picture of the relentless onslaught faced by organizations. Phishing and social engineering attacks have become the modern-day weapons of choice for cybercriminals, with financial institutions and businesses bearing the brunt of these nefarious tactics. The numbers don't lie – from the staggering increase in phishing sites to the soaring rates of successful attacks, it's evident that vigilance and robust security measures are more crucial than ever in safeguarding sensitive data and financial assets. In this high-stakes game of cat and mouse, the only way to stay ahead is to stay informed, stay cautious, and stay one step ahead of those who seek to exploit our vulnerabilities.
Spam Statistics
- Approximately 45% of all emails sent globally are classified as spam.
- The global spam rate was 54.68% in 2020.
- The global spam volume was 188 billion emails per day in 2020.
- 14.5 billion spam emails are sent every day.
- Spam messages related to COVID-19 increased by 220% in 2020.
- 46% of all email traffic is considered spam.
- 55% of emails sent are spam.
- The global spam rate in 2019 was 58.68%.
- Spam makes up 48% of all emails sent worldwide.
- 58% of all incoming emails are spam.
- In 2019, 53% of emails were spam.
- 45.5% of email traffic worldwide in 2020 was spam.
- 40% of all spam comes from the United States.
- The average number of spam emails sent per day in 2020 was 300 billion.
- The United States is the biggest source of spam-related emails, accounting for 13.33% in 2020.
- 67% of email traffic in 2020 was classified as spam.
Interpretation
In a world where even our inboxes are not safe from unwanted intruders, the battle against spam emails rages on with statistics that would make even the most seasoned email user do a double-take. With nearly half of all emails worldwide being deemed as spam, it seems we are in a never-ending war against unsolicited messages vying for our attention. From pandemic-related spam skyrocketing by 220% to the United States proudly contributing 40% of the global spam volume, it's clear that spam email is a universal nuisance that knows no bounds. As we click 'delete' with increasing frequency, one can't help but wonder if our digital trash bins will ever be truly free from these unwanted virtual invaders.
