As cyber security technology is on the rise, so is the technology of hackers.
The increasing dependency of businesses on technology is an opportunity for hackers to devise innovative ways to steal critical information.
As the constant demand for cybersecurity increases, the need for skilled professionals is at an alarming state. In 2020, cyber attacks were ranked the 5th biggest threat and are now common everywhere – including public and private areas. This risky industry continues to grow in 2023 as IoT cyber attacks alone are expected to double by 2025. So, if you’re interested in knowing more about cybersecurity for your career, it’s important that you’re aware of 30 trending and latest cyber security facts to strengthen your knowledge.
What are Cyber Security Facts?
As more of our world's money deals rely on digital systems and big or small businesses face regular cyber attacks, it is helpful to learn cybersecurity fun facts about protecting against online threats.
- In 2022, IBM said the average cost when data gets hacked in the USA is $9.44 million. This is higher than what people pay on a global scale and the highest overall at that time.
- The FBI has a round-the-clock location where they constantly monitor and work on computer issues. They also head a group of more than 30 police and spy groups called the National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force (NCIJTF).
- Phishing is still the top crime in cyberspace and next on our list of cybersecurity facts. In 2021, phishing attacks increased by 34% because email is still the prime way cyber illegal people get in.
- Smaller businesses are more prone to cyber-attacks, where a study showed that they have been attacked by over 125% from 2020 to 2021.
20 Interesting Cyber Security Facts
Let's start with the facts about cyber security in detail:
1) Cybercrime is an Extremely Profitable Business
A cyberattack can attack any organization in many ways. It can severely impact their security system, network, or overall infrastructure. Also, the company might have to pay if a hacker successfully steals data.
As per the recent report related to cybercrime facts, the average cost of a breach with a lifecycle of over 200 days is $4.87 million.
2) Phishing Emails are More Common Than You KnowSource
There's no doubt that phishing emails are still the world's most common cyber attack method. Plus, it is getting more dangerous day by day. As per the Phishing Benchmark Global Report, 1 in every 5 email recipients are prone to clicking on a malicious link. Also, 3 billion phishing emails are sent every day to hack sensitive information.
3) Cyberattacks are More Common Among the Millennial
Despite the myth that older people are more likely to face cyberattacks, as per Norton Cybersecurity Insights Reports, millennials are the most vulnerable when it comes to cybersecurity attacks. 44% of millennials have fallen victim to cyber security attacks by sharing passwords of something harmless like Netflix or something sensitive like a banking password.
4) Cybercrime is More Common in Indonesia
As per a recent report by Akamai Technologies, it emerges that Indonesia has seen a massive increase in cyber-attacks since last year. Now, it is the top country for cybercrime.
5) The Prominence of Data Breach
The global average cost of a data breach is around $3.9 million. This amount is crippling for the majority of firms, both financially and reputationally. Since there is more risk for public organizations, the cost is far higher; on average, a data breach at a publicly traded corporation would cost $116 million.
6) Financially Interested Attacks are More Prevalent
Cybersecurity risks to the financial system have grown in recent years, in part because the cyber threat landscape is worsening. Almost 52 million of data was exposed in the year 2022 through breaches. Among them, most of the attacks were made purely based on financial acquirement. 52 million of data was exposed in the year 2022 through breaches. Among them, most of the attacks were made purely based on financial acquirement. The attacks, in particular, were happening with state-sponsored cyberattacks targeting financial institutions, which are becoming more frequent, sophisticated, and destructive
7) Hacking Issues Occur More Frequently than Other Forms of Cyber Attacks
With 560,000 cases per day recorded, hacking is one of the most often employed cyber Attacks. Attacks have been waged against businesses, governments, and individuals, frequently in conjunction with phishing emails.
8) The Malicious File Extensions Hide in the Plain Sight
Malware hackers use innovative tricks to hide in plain sight. This might include renaming legal files and using a malicious payload stored in a file that looks like an error log. The hackers use various tricks to hide the situation of the attack, including masquerading an existing scheduled task and renaming legitimate files and payload stored in the file.
9) Consumers Despise Data Breach
When a consumer gets connected with an organization, they are required to share their personal information. If a data breach occurs, this data will also get hurt. This will force consumers to leave companies to save themselves from fraud or cyber-attack.
10) Android Platforms are More Vulnerable to Cyberattacks
Android platforms are considered soft targets when it comes to cyber security crimes. To know how these cyber attacks can affect you, learn about these top cyber security certifications. For instance, A smartphone may become exposed to viruses and cybercrime if downloaded from unreliable sources. App permissions can open doors for attackers to steal data. Also, they can hack through mobile payment gateways. For instance, A smartphone may become exposed to viruses and cybercrime if downloaded from unreliable sources. App permissions can open doors for attackers to steal data. Also, they can hack through mobile payment gateways.
11) Cloud Security Challenges increased by 75% within a year Source
Leveraging the latest technology, many businesses are now depending on cloud services to save their data to be able to access it from anywhere. Even though cloud services execute strong security measures, they are not 100% secure from malware or phishing attacks. Thus, it is critical to safeguard the data by constantly monitoring and providing regular updates.
Source link: https://www.cybersecuritydive.com/news/cloud-intrusions-spike-crowdstrike/708315/
12) Advanced Social Engineering with Generative AI Source
Generative AI has transformed phishing. Criminals can now craft personalized, convincing messages at scale, blending broad attacks with targeted precision. Beyond emails and texts, these sophisticated tactics include realistic audio and video deepfakes, posing a serious threat to businesses.
Source Link: https://www.vectra.ai/blog/2024-predictions-generative-ais-role-in-cybersecurity
13) Cybersecurity Challenges for Remote Work Source
Remote work during the pandemic has introduced various cybersecurity challenges due to less secure networks. Organizations are required to enhance security measures like multi-factor authentication and secure VPNs to ensure a safer online work environment for all employees.
Source Link: https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/work-from-home-cybersecurity-risks
14) Securing IoT (Internet of Things) in the 5G era
SourceThe advancement of 5G enhances IoT connectivity, however it also increases enormous security risks. Therefore, manufacturers should focus on developing secure hardware and software solutions. Continuous research and user education are essential to address these challenges and protect against data breaches and network attacks.
Source Link: https://aresourcepool.com/iot-security-in-the-5g-era-protecting-the-connected-world/#:~:text=This%20is%20the%20communication%20channel,of%20data%20while%20in%20transit.&text=A%20group%20of%20connected%20devices,called%20a%20Local%20Area%20Network.
15) Rise in Bot Attacks
Bot attacks surged in 2023, nearly doubling, with a 32% peak increase by year’s end. To prevent bot attacks, execute CAPTCHAs, use Web Application Firewalls, apply rate limiting, conduct behaviour analysis, and regularly update your systems.
Source Link: https://cybernews.com/news/bot-attacks-top-threat-in-2024/
16) Ransomware Trends and ImpactSource
Ransomware accounted for over 72% of cyberattacks in 2023 alone and is expected to dominate again in 2024. Small and medium-sized businesses were major targets, with 61% affected. This trend supports the cybersecurity market’s projected growth to US$266.2 billion by 2027.
Source Link: https://www.getastra.com/blog/security-audit/cyber-security-statistics/
17) Cyber Threats Targeting Mobile Devices
SourceWith the surge in smartphone use for financial transactions and the exchange of sensitive information, the risk of breaches has increased. As cybersecurity threats evolve, mobile security must prioritize combating the rising incidence of smartphone-specific malware and viruses.
Source Link: https://www.msspalert.com/news/cyber-attacks-against-mobile-devices-growing-fast
18) Rising State-Sponsored Cyber Warfare (SSW)
source: mediumState-sponsored cyber warfare involves nations using digital attacks to disrupt another country’s infrastructure, steal sensitive information, or create political turmoil. Countries like China, the USA, North Korea, Iran, and Russia frequently engage in such activities. To combat these threats, nations must invest in robust cybersecurity measures, enforce strong cyber laws, and cooperate internationally.
Source Link: https://identitymanagementinstitute.org/state-sponsored-cyber-warfare/
19) The Impact of Quantum Computing on Cybersecurity Source: Linkedin
Quantum computing, with its ability to process vast amounts of data at remarkable speeds, is transforming cybersecurity. While it can improve encryption and threat detection, it also risks current encryption methods like RSA and ECC. To secure systems against these advanced capabilities, quantum-resistant cryptography must be developed.
Source Link: https://quantumxc.com/blog/quantum-computing-impact-on-cybersecurity/
20) Social Engineering Attacks
Social engineering involves malicious activities through human interaction, using psychological manipulation to trick users into revealing sensitive information. Attackers first gather background info on victims, then gain their trust to prompt actions that breach security, like disclosing confidential data or granting access to resources. Effective defence includes awareness programs and stringent security protocols.
Source Link: https://www.simplilearn.com/social-engineering-article
Additional Cyber Security Facts
Some other interesting information about cyber attacks cyber security may help you understand cyber security.
1. FBI's Most Wanted Cyber Criminals
Seeing the cyber security facts and figures from 2016, approximately 19 people were on the hit list of the FBI, and each was responsible for taking around $100 Million inappropriately from consumers.
The number rose to 41 later in 2018; in the list, there were JABBERZEUS subjects, a group of hackers who were involved in a racketeering enterprise and scheme that installed a software called Zeus on the victim's computer without their consent.
They used Zeus to get bank account numbers, passwords, PINS, and other confidential information required for logging into the bank accounts.
2. MyDoom
Have you ever imagined the damage a virus can do to your device?
Let's take this with this example. MyDoom is the most expensive computer virus in the world and in the history of cyber security, which has caused financial damage of about $38 billion.
Considering the network security facts, it was first found in 2004 and is the fastest-spreading email breaking all the phishing records.
3. Social Media Hacking
Facebook and Cambridge Analytical data breaches were one of the most talked about social media breaches. If data and stats are to be considered, every one in ten social media users has been the victim of a cyber-attack. Some of the most common cyber-attacks directed toward social media are life jacking, link jacking, phishing, social spam, and more. Make your employees learn about these attacks by providing them with Ethical Hacking training.
4. Most computers are vulnerable to exploit kit
Did you know that as per computer security facts, approx. 99% of users are vulnerable to Adobe, Oracle Java, Adobe flash, and other exploit kits? Why? Because all these security kits take one click to infect the advertising banner to allow hackers to access your device.
Adobe Flash has many vulnerabilities, so cybercriminals target them in most tasks. Through these security holes, attackers can attack your computer with ransomware like Teslacrypt, CTB-Locker, and CryptoLocker variants.
5. Inside job threat
Did you know that shocking internet security facts show that around 59% of employees steal proprietary corporate data when they are not working with the same organization? And apart from the insider threats, there are other inside job threats:
- Malicious insider: While these are the least frequent attacks, they have the potential to cause huge damage because of their level of access. People who are in high positions are more prone to this attack.
- Careless insiders: These are the people who carelessly click any random link or page unknowingly.
These are the type of security risks known by companies, and they use strategies to mitigate them.
6. Social Engineering Attack
Employees are very easy to crack when psychologically manipulating cyberattack victims. In this attack, people are manipulated to draw confidential information. This attack is to gather information or get access to the system.
For example, in Eastern Europe, an international cybercriminal ring stole $ 1 billion from 100 different banks in approximately 30 countries in 2 years. They use spear-phishing emails and target bank employees.
7. Government Infected Malware
Did you know that more than a handful of government malware has been discovered, but its origins are yet to get full attribution?
One of the worst examples of this attack is the leaked NSA exploit EternalBlue, which ultimately led to the spread of WannaCry, one of the worst ransomware attacks in history. Governments worldwide are creating innovative hacking techniques and using them as digital weapons.
8. Real-Time attack show around 10 million attacks
According to real-time cyber-attack stats from the US. The Navy receives around 110000 cyber-attacks every year. The department used to suffer more than 10 million attacks every year.
9. Hacktivism Attracts More Attacks
Hacktivism accounts for half of the cyber attacks launched in the world. The term represents a subversive use of devices and their network. Hacktivists use website mirroring, code, geo-bombing, and anonymous blogging to fulfill the data breach.
10. Funds lost are the result of cyber attacks
Companies experienced a 176% increase in the number of cyberattacks. From this, 68% of funds were never recovered.
How to Protect from Cyberattacks?
Here are simple methods to avoid cyber threats and keep your website safe.
- Install a web application firewall: A web application firewall (WAF) is software or hardware that guards websites from attacks. It works as a connection between the website server and the data link. Technically, it looks at all the information that goes by.
- Backup Often – Restrict File Uploads: Always saving your data is a part of personal internet safety that people often forget. The critical rule of 3-2-1 backup is used by almost all top IT and security leaders. It lets you store three copies of your information on two types of storage (local and outside hard drives). Another copy should also be kept somewhere else, like a cloud.
- Host Your Website with a Safe Company: Making a website now is much easier than many years ago. Anyone can make a website using an easy-to-use website builder. But, no matter how great a website is, it doesn't do any good if not stored on a strong server.
- Update Antivirus and Programs Regularly: This should be the primary way to protect against dangers in safety. The chances of your systems being attacked by bad people on the internet also increase if you use old software. So, remember to put in new antivirus programs often.
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Conclusion
Every organization must be aware of these interesting cyber security facts and cyber-attacks so that they can defend against cyberattacks and their data doesn't get stolen or leaked by hackers. In addition, they should hire a cyber security service to ensure that their data is safe and secure. Knowing the big ideas of computer safety helps us keep ourselves, our jobs, and private data safe. Let's not forget how important it is to keep up with changes, teach others, and build around knowing about online safety. This way, we can make sure everyone has safer use of computers in the future.
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