Cyber Security Statistics 2021

No organization is immune to cyber attacks, and poor cyber security costs particular businesses millions to billions of dollars (trillions worldwide annually). Large corporations possess tempting assets for hackers; that is why even their robust cyber security doesn’t scare all of the malicious actors off. Small businesses can’t feel safe because they often become baits for bigger fish in supply chain attacks and other schemes. Even hi-tech organizations with the most innovative and up-to-date technologies and 24/7 monitoring systems don’t feel invulnerable. We have already shown our readers the incredible figures ransomware cost business in 2021 and frustrating cyber breach statistics 2021. The cyber security statistics in this blog post will concern other aspects.

Malware Statistics 2021

According to different sources of information, several hundreds of thousands (from 300,000 to 500,000+) pieces of new malware are detected per day, millions - monthly. These are viruses, spyware, Trojans, adware, ransomware, and many other malware types focused on accessing and stealing data. If you want to know the number of existing malware, there can’t be some exact figure, but the only thing that you can be sure about is that it is estimated in billions. There has never been so much malware on the Internet before. And the number is only growing. More than 10% of all the world's computers or other digital devices were infected in 2021. Meanwhile, in many countries, about 50% of all digital devices contain malware.

The most productive ways for hackers to spread malware are still compromised websites, infected apps. It reaches targets via emails with dangerous links or over wireless networks and extends to much larger groups of victims. Users can keep safe with reliable anti-malware and VPN tools. You should promote cyber security education and implement basic cyber hygiene practices to reduce or avoid cyber risks.  

Cyber Security Awareness Rises

Luckily, we are witnessing a significant increase in cyber security awareness. Businesses develop more solid cyber security architectures - on their own or with expert help - and organize training for their staff. Individuals start to realize the harm hacking can do to them and their well-being. Of course, there is still a long way to go to ensure that most people are cautious online users, but the tendency goes in the right direction. And people finally understand that everybody may become a hacker’s victim.

Ransomware Everywhere with Supply Chain Attacks behind

Ransomware attacks keep holding the first place in number and danger among all cyber attacks. However, supply chain attacks rose dramatically (by up to 50% compared to the previous period) with alarming percentages in 2021. Financial motivation makes malicious actors deploy more and more sophisticated techniques to succeed. Small and medium businesses are targeted more often as they are easy to get because of poor cyber security measures (if any) and can become a bait for much more enticing targets as well as instant gain sources. The remedy for this rising issue is professional cyber security risk assessment services by MBS Tech.

Cyber Security Statistics by Industries

We can state that some industries are more prone to particular types of cyber attacks, some are less, but, for sure, none is entirely safe. In 2021 most attacked industries with considerable losses include financial institutions, the healthcare industry, meaningful companies, educational establishments, and even hi-tech corporations.

What to Do

Cyber security is all about risk management. Businesses should build up-to-date multi-stage cyber security architecture and need to pay more attention to predictive means such as MBS Tech’s cyber security risk assessment. Individuals should follow basic measures and learn more about individual cyber security. Reach out to MBS Tech’s team to learn details about your unique case. Our personalized approach will guarantee that you’re ready to fight back and improve future cyber security statistics.