Our infographic is full of facts about Cybersecurity! Did you know that Cyber-attacks are the fastest-growing crime in the U.S.?  This includes user data theft from cybersecurity breaches. As our society increases its use of technology, this figure will continue to increase in size, scope, and cost. 

The foremost fact about cybersecurity is that Cyber terrorists, identity thieves, and computer hackers steal highly sensitive and classified data off of the web daily – and make front-page headlines in the process.

Today’s InfoSec professionals are trying to stay ahead of cybercriminals, though remain worried about AI-powered cyber attacks, sandbox evading malware, ransomware and more.

The growing demand for more effective information security products and protocols means now could be a great time to research an education and/or career in this exciting field.  Our team has put together some interesting data points that show how real this threat is.

TOP CYBERSECURITY FACTS

Hackers may work in the shadows, but they propose real threats to businesses and individuals alike. Here are some noteworthy statistics about InfoSec. You may be surprised at the extent to which data is under attack.

1. Microsoft reports that approximately 80% of nation-state attackers have directed their focus towards government agencies, think tanks, and various non-governmental organizations.
2. During the initial half of 2022, there were approximately 236.1 million ransomware incidents on a global scale.
3. In the initial half of 2022, a staggering 53.35 million residents of the United States fell victim to cybercrime.
4. In 2017, the FBI estimated that ransomware infected more than 100,000 computers a day around the world
5. According to Microsoft, 20% of small to mid-sized businesses have been cybercrime targets.
6. 53 percent of cyber-attacks resulted in damages of $500,000 or more 
7. Research suggests that up to 40% of cyber threats are now occurring directly through the supply chain.
8. 91 percent of security professionals are concerned that hackers will use AI to launch even more sophisticated cyber-attacks
9. In fact, projections indicate that by the conclusion of 2025, there will be a notable shortage of cybersecurity professionals, with an estimated 3.5 million unfilled positions in the field
10. Hundreds of thousands — and possibly millions — of people can now be hacked via cardioverter defibrillators (ICD), pacemakers, deep brain neurostimulators, insulin pumps, ear tubes, and more
11. There are around 24,000 malicious mobile apps blocked every day
12. Attacks involving crypto-jacking increased by 8,500 percent in 2017 so don’t click on unknown links

CYBERSECURITY BREACH AND USER DATA THEFT EXAMPLES IN THE NEWS

Innovation in computer and internet technology reshapes the ways we communicate and conduct business. However, this increasingly digitized world is hard to protect from computer hacking, cyber-espionage, malware, and other major security breaches. Here are some of the headline grabbers that have impacted millions of people across the world.

1. Yahoo – Biggest data breach in history circa 2013-14 when 3 billion Yahoo users are hacked in a data theft
2. LinkedIn – In June 2021, LinkedIn experienced a data breach, exposing data from 700 million users. The breach, perpetrated by a hacker called “God User,” raised concerns about potential social engineering attacks despite LinkedIn’s claims that no sensitive personal data was compromised.
3. Facebook – In April 2019, data from Facebook apps, including phone numbers and account details of 530 million users, was exposed. By April 2021, the data became freely available, prompting security researcher Troy Hunt to add a feature to check if users’ phone numbers were affected on HaveIBeenPwned (HIBP).
4. T-Mobile Data Breach – On May 1, T-Mobile experienced another data breach, impacting approximately 800 customers. The breach involved the unauthorized access of customer contact info, ID cards, social security numbers, and additional personal data from PIN-protected accounts. This marks the telecom provider’s second breach of the year, with the first affecting 37 million customers in January, and previous incidents occurring in December 2021 and November 2022.
5. Under Armor – In 2018 Under Armor reported that its app,  “My Fitness Pal” was hacked, affecting 150 million users
6. U.S. Power Companies – In 2017, security researchers detect that Russian hackers had infiltrated and probed U.S. power companies and that the perpetrators had direct access to an American utility’s control systems
7. MSI Data Breach/Ransomware Attack – Computer vendor Micro-Star International has suffered a data breach, with new ransomware gang Money Message claiming responsibility for the attack. The group says they’ve stolen 1.5TB of information from the Taiwanese company’s systems and want $4 million in payment – or they’ll release the data if MSI fails to pay.
8. Iranian Hackers – The U.S. Justice Department uncovers a major government-backed Iranian cyber-espionage ring. These hackers broke into the computer networks of 144 U.S. universities, stole 31 terabytes of intellectual property and caused f $3.4 billion worth of damages. They then attacked 36 private American companies and infiltrated five U.S. government agencies, stealing the emails associated with thousands of accounts
9. Hudson’s Bay Company – HBC, which owns Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor Inc were massively hacked in April 2018. They report Hackers stole the data of more than 5 million credit and debit cards
10. Ticketfly – In June 2018 the subsidiary of Eventbrite concert ticketing agency announces a data breach that impacted more than 26 million customer accounts. The stolen information included customer names, addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers
11. U.S. Airforce – In 2018, an amateur hacker illegally accessed an Air Force captain’s computer by exploiting a known security flaw and stole classified information about MQ-9A Reaper drones and their operators. The hacker then tried to sell them on the dark web for just $150
12. Vtech – Even children’s data is stolen when in 2018, a cyber-attack on electronic toymaker VTech Technologies exposed the personal data of 6.4 million children

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WHAT DEGREE DO YOU NEED TO BE IN CYBERSECURITY?

Most information cyber security analyst careers require at least a bachelors degree in computer science, information assurance, programming, or a related field like cybersecurity. Experience is seen as an asset too.

For those aspiring to advance in their professional trajectory, acquiring a background in business can prove advantageous in developing strong managerial decision-making skills. Consider pursuing an MBA with a specialization in information systems. Alternatively, opt for a comprehensive and technically-focused path by enrolling in a Master of Science program in Cybersecurity or Information Security, where you may select a concentration to further enhance your expertise:

• Cyber Intelligence
• Computer Forensics
• Cyber Operations
• Electronic Crime & Fraud
• Malware Analysis

In any case, to remain highly sought after and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, many cybersecurity professionals opt to pursue ongoing education throughout their careers. This can involve pursuing additional degrees or obtaining professional certifications in specialized areas such as penetration testing, systems auditing, or credentials like the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).