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Cyber Crime Stats 2019
Cybercrime is on the rise and always changing. Find out what is happening with cybercrime in 2019.
Cybercrime is the subject of so much conversation that it can be difficult to understand the real dangers. However, this is not an issue your company can afford to ignore. In fact, the cybercrime industry is expected to cause as much as $6 trillion in damages globally in the near future. How? Let's dig in a little deeper to find out.
Landmark Cybercrime In 2019 (So Far)
iPhone Vulnerabilities Exposed
Recent research published by Google indicates that iPhoje has been the victim of an ongoing cyberattack stretching back at least two years. This attack has been stealing a variety of different types of private data, including contacts, locations, encrypted messages and even passwords.
Another published article released around the same time detailed all of the vulnerabilities of iPhone software that make it a prime target for hackers.
Ransomware On The Rise
In the spring of 2019, a massive ransomware attack targeted the city of Baltimore. During the attack, servers were inaccessible. Because the city chose not to pay the ransom, the systems remained down for weeks.
Baltimore was not the only city to be a victim of ransomware during 2019. Likewise, ransomware attacks have impacted organizations as well, with as many as 22 Texas organizations falling victim in August alone. Not only are these attacks frustrating and inconvenient for everyone involved, but they can also become exorbitantly expensive.
Cybersecurity Expertise In High Demand
According to Gartner:
“The shortage of skilled security professionals has been a perennial problem that consistently results in failed security technology deployments. The number of unfilled cybersecurity roles is expected to grow from 1 million in 2018 to 1.5 million by the end of 2020.”
In addition, Tripwire reports that:
- 93 percent of IT security professionals believe that the skills required for their jobs have changed recently, making it harder to find good candidates for open positions.
- More than 80 percent of those surveyed said they are already dealing with staffing issues.
- Only 1 percent of professionals surveyed felt confident in their ability to handle all of their organization’s cybersecurity needs.
- 96 percent of professionals surveyed are either anticipating a staffing problem related to a skills deficit or are already facing one.
What Should You Be Watching Out For?
Cybersecurity concerns are always evolving, so the biggest threats change periodically. Some of the threats to watch out for today include:
Phishing Targeting Your Business
A single phishing attack costs businesses an average of $1.6 million.
CEO Fraud
A university in Canada was recently forced to pay $11 million because of CEO fraud, which is becoming a popular tactic used by cybercriminals.
Sale Of Your Data Online
If your company collects and maintains sensitive data, it could be sold for profit online.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
Perhaps the best way to protect your company is through vigilance. For most businesses, it takes up to six months to discover a breach.
Other ways to improve cybersecurity include:
Train your staff.
Make sure every member of your staff knows how to recognize potentially malicious content. Before opening an email, instruct staff to consider its safety. For example, if the email comes from an unknown sender and/or makes threats, it is automatically questionable.
Back up your data.
Many attacks on your company will target important or sensitive data, so you need to have a copy at all times. Be sure to back up your data regularly so you can replace it if it’s lost.
Work with an expert.
If you aren’t sure whether you will be able to adequately protect your company on your own, it’s time to call a professional. Cybersecurity professionals can help in many ways, such as:
- Saving you money on IT personnel.
- Regularly testing your company’s vulnerability.
- Helping you improve security.
- Providing ongoing support and other services as your needs change.
