Let’s look at the stats for 2023 in regard to how cyber crime is affecting our businesses and lives. The two major fundamentals that exist in cyberattacks have been the same for quite some time – insider attacks (mistakes and theft) and outsider attacks (from third party criminals). No matter how the attacks are initiated, security awareness is the foundation for creating a culture of cybersecurity. But how do we create that awareness? First the facts! Then a few simple tips!
Cyber Crime Stats
Headline Cyber Crime Statistics
- Nearly 1 billion emails were exposed in a single year, affecting 1 in 5 internet users.
- Data breaches cost businesses an average of $4.35 million in 2022.
- Around 236.1 million ransomware attacks occurred globally in the first half of 2022.
The Human Element
While technologies are being developed with success to stop sophisticated attacks, it’s the ‘human element’ that will inevitably protect your workplace’s important information. Hackers now realize it is simpler to access personal data through social engineering than to crack proactive security defenses. By maintaining and sustaining a culture of cybersecurity which focuses on strengthening employees’ understanding and behavior around security issues, your security risks are lessened.
Important Steps so your Workforce is Cyber Aware and Protected
- Don’t hide your company’s vulnerabilities. Transparency works!
Business owners, IT staff, etc must inform all internal staff about possible flaws in their systems. This makes sense because pointing out potential gaps can help your employees understand where they need to take greater precautions. Let’s say your company has a BYOD policy, which means that employees are allowed to use their own devices in the workplace. Does your staff understand the risks associated with this policy… What happens if they misplace a device or use unsecured WiFi networks?
More stats!
- 39% of UK businesses reported suffering a cyber attack in 2022.
- Around 1 in 10 US organizations have no insurance against cyber attacks.
- 53.35 million US citizens were affected by cyber crime in the first half of 2022.
- Cyber crime cost UK businesses an average of £4200 in 2022.
Educate your entire staff on why security is so important… how a cyber attack will affect their lives.
When a company is attacked by cybercriminals, and a security breach occurs, not only are the company’s assets and important data compromised but each and every employee’s personal information could get in the hands of criminals. This means their privacy, their finances and their reputation are in jeopardy. Most people understand what can happen if a credit card is stolen but how about if their health records, social security number, etc are snatched. A company is made up of people and with a cyberattack, everyone is affected.
- Instruct your employees about potential hacking and cybercrime methods.
In today’s digital and mobile workplace, there are many ways for a cybercriminal to slip into your company’s servers and networks. From the many different forms of malware, viruses, worms and trojans, a hacker can access your company’s network with just a click of a mouse. Your employees must be taught about basic phishing and all the ways there are for your mobile devices, IoT and computers to be attacked. It just makes sense that a workforce that is aware of the different hacking techniques is more equipped to readily identify them, before significant damage can be inflicted.
- 1 in 2 American internet users had their accounts breached in 2021.
- In 2020, malware attacks increased by 358% compared to 2019.
- The most common cyber threat facing businesses and individuals is phishing.
Everyone agrees- the first line of defense is your company culture.
The aim of this article is to highlight the current threats that organizations are facing and why it is so important to keep your workforce aware, protected and secure. e-Panzer’s expert team is here to help! Contact us now!
