Cyber security threats like document theft and cybercrime have become more prevalent than ever. Cyber security is crucial not just for individual internet users but especially for businesses with remote workforces. Many companies invest heavily in antivirus software, firewalls, and cyber insurance to safeguard their data against cyber criminals.
Here are the most important cyber security statistics and trends for 2024 to help you understand the risks and strengthen your defenses:
Editor’s Choice Highlights
- The global cyber security market is expected to reach USD 533.9 billion by 2032.
- During the pandemic, about 60% of internet users felt more at risk of data theft.
- In 2022, cyber criminals caused USD 6 trillion in damages worldwide.
- A cyber attack occurs every 39 seconds.
- A ransomware attack happens every 14 seconds globally.
- Small businesses typically spend less than USD 500 annually on cyber security.
- Cyber crimes have cost the world USD 2 trillion so far.
- Early 2021 saw a 102% increase in ransomware attacks.
- Over 75% of cyber attacks start with a scam email.
- By 2023, 91% of companies globally had faced at least one cyber attack.
- 55% of businesses said cyber security policies enable safer innovation.
- Spending on employee security training is expected to reach USD 10 billion by 2027.
Key Cyber Security Statistics
- COVID-19 saw a 600% surge in cyber crime.
- Phishing accounts for 90% of data breaches, with 96% delivered via email.
- In 2023, 72.7% of organizations faced ransomware attacks.
- The average data breach cost worldwide rose to USD 4.45 million in 2023.
- Cyber insurance premiums in the US jumped by 50% in 2022, totaling USD 7.2 billion.
- There are an estimated 3.5 million unfilled cyber security jobs by 2025.
- 75% of targeted attacks start from an email.
- Cyber crime damages may hit USD 10.5 trillion annually by 2025.
Cyber Crime Insights
- 1 in 10 small firms experiences a cyber attack yearly.
- Ransomware attacks now happen every 14 seconds.
- Only 10% of cyber crimes are reported in the US.
- The first known death from a ransomware attack was at a hospital in Germany in 2020.
- 91% of cyber attacks begin with spear phishing emails.
- Bitcoin-related illegal activities total around USD 76 billion annually.
- DDoS attacks have surged by 39% over the past year.
- Hackers can get malware tools for as low as USD 1.
Cost and Damage
- Cybercrime annual damages could reach USD 10.5 trillion by 2025.
- Companies lose an average of USD 188,400 yearly due to cybercrime.
- FedEx lost USD 300 million after a ransomware attack.
- The healthcare sector is projected to spend USD 125 billion on cyber security between 2020-2025.
Data Breach Facts
- The biggest data breach in history compromised 3 billion accounts (Yahoo).
- Over 3 billion passwords are stolen or compromised yearly.
- Facebook suffered a major breach in 2019 affecting 600 million accounts.
Cyber Security Facts
- Spam emails accounted for 65.7% of COVID-19 related online threats.
- 44% of adults felt more vulnerable to cyber attacks during the pandemic.
- Common passwords like “123456” remain widely used, posing major risks.
- IoT devices can be compromised within minutes after connecting online.
- Over 60% of firms have more than 1,000 stale or unprotected user accounts.
Recent Developments
- Remote desktop software AnyDesk suffered a cyber attack affecting its systems.
- State-sponsored groups like Russia’s APT28 continue targeting key sectors globally.
- The Deep & Dark Web remains a major hub for cybercrime activities.
- Generative AI is increasingly used both to fight and perpetrate cyber attacks.
Why This Matters
As cyber threats evolve rapidly, staying informed with the latest statistics and trends is key to protecting yourself, your business, and your customers. Whether you’re an individual, a small business, or a large enterprise, investing in robust cyber security strategies is no longer optional — it’s essential.