As technology continues to advance, so do the risks of cyber attacks. No industry is immune to the threat of cyber incidents, but some are more vulnerable than others. In this article, we’ll explore which industries are experiencing the highest rates of cyber incidents and why.
Healthcare.
The healthcare industry is one of the most targeted industries for cyber attacks due to the sensitive nature of the data they handle. For example, medical records contain personal information such as social security numbers, addresses, and medical histories, making them a valuable target for hackers. In addition, many healthcare organizations have outdated technology and lack proper security measures, making them more vulnerable to attacks. In 2020, healthcare accounted for 45% of all reported cyber incidents, making it the industry with the highest incident rate.
Finance and Banking.
The finance and banking industry is another industry that experiences a high rate of cyber incidents. This is due to the large amounts of money and sensitive financial information that these organizations handle. Cybercriminals often target banks and financial institutions to steal money or personal information that can be used for fraudulent activities. In 2020, the finance and banking industry accounted for 14% of all reported cyber incidents. As a result, these organizations need strong cybersecurity measures to protect themselves and their customers.
Retail and E-commerce.
Retail and e-commerce are among the top industries experiencing high rates of cyber incidents. This is due to the large amounts of personal and financial information these businesses collect and store from their customers. As a result, cybercriminals often target retail and e-commerce companies to steal credit card information, addresses, and other personal data that can be used for fraudulent activities. In 2020, the retail and e-commerce industry accounted for 19% of all reported cyber incidents. As a result, these businesses must prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect their customers’ information and maintain their trust.
Government and Public Sector.
The government and public sector is another industry that experiences a high rate of cyber incidents. This is due to the sensitive information these organizations handle, including the personal information of citizens, national security information, and confidential government data. Cybercriminals often target government and public sector organizations to gain access to this information for malicious purposes. In 2020, the government and public sector accounted for 16% of all reported cyber incidents. As a result, these organizations must implement strong cybersecurity measures to protect their sensitive information and prevent cyber attacks.
Education and Research Institutions.
Education and research institutions are another industry that experiences a high rate of cyber incidents. These organizations handle sensitive information, including student and faculty data, research findings, and intellectual property. Unfortunately, cybercriminals often target these institutions to gain access to this information for financial gain or to sell on the dark web. In 2020, education and research institutions accounted for 10% of all reported cyber incidents. As a result, these organizations must prioritize cybersecurity and implement strong measures to protect their valuable information.