Strange and Surprising Facts About the World of Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity, as we know, is the measure taken to protect computers or computer systems from hackers, cyber-attack, or any type of unauthorized access. Its primary goal is to maintain the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data. However, there are countless strange and intriguing facts related to cybersecurity that many are not aware of. Let's take a dive into some of these lesser-known, yet ground shaking realities.
Every 39 Seconds, There Is a New Cyber Attack
According to a Clark School study, on average, cyber attacks occur every 39 seconds, affecting one-third of Americans each year. This means that in the time it took you to read this paragraph, nearly two cyber attacks have likely occurred. Not limited to giant businesses or infrastructure, these cyber attacks primarily target individual users or small-scale businesses.
Only Five Percent of Companies' Folders are Properly Protected
A rather shocking statistic comes from Varonis' global data risk report. It states that a mere 5% of companies’ folders are adequately secure. This leaves a vast proportion of valuable and sensitive data at risk of being exploited, either by internal members or external cyber threats.
Over 77% of organizations lack a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan
IBM's annual study on the cost of data breaches found that 77% of respondents do not have a cybersecurity incident response plan applied across their organization. Despite the increasing frequency and severity of cyber attacks, the majority of organizations still do not have a comprehensive plan in place to respond to these threats.
The Majority ​​of Cyber-Attacks Occur via Email
An often overlooked but crucial fact is that email remains the primary method of distributing malware. Verizon's annual data breach investigations report states that 94% of malware was delivered through email. Hence, maintaining good email hygiene is pivotal to prevent cyber attacks.
Human Errors Contribute Significantly to Cybersecurity Breaches
People often perceive that hackers and cybercriminals are solely responsible for cultivating cyber threats. However, it may shock many to learn that humans themselves are a significant source of cyber risks. Cybersecurity firm CybSafe's report noted that 90% of cyber data breaches in the UK in 2019 were caused by human error.
Comprehension Gap about Cyber Threats
Most surprisingly, there exists an understanding gap – not just amongst everyday citizens and employees – but those in positions of leadership. This disconnection has spurred misunderstandings about the potential implications, leading to the underestimation of the true scale of cyber threats.
Healthcare Sector: A Prime Target for Cybercriminals
The healthcare industry remains a hot target for cybercriminals, with over 113 million people affected by healthcare data breaches in 2015 alone. These attacks do not just compromise sensitive patient data but could potentially disrupt essential medical services, posing significant risks to public health.
Cybersecurity Job Market Predicted To Have Sustainable Growth
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted a 31% growth from 2019 to 2029 in the cybersecurity job market. This growth is much faster than the average for all other occupations, reflecting the escalating importance of cybersecurity in today's digital age.
In conclusion, the world of cybersecurity never ceases to surprise us with its extent of unpredictability and complexities. As we continue to thrive in an increasingly digital world, instilling a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity is non-negotiable to fortify our defenses against the evolving, ever-potent cyber threats.
