Cybersecurity is an issue that affects everyone, whether you realize it or not. There are many misconceptions when it comes to cybersecurity and some habits that you can adopt to improve your safety online. Here are some of the things you may not have known about cybersecurity.
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The Average Cost of a Data Breach has Risen to $4.3 Million
You may have heard that data breaches can be costly, but it’s likely that you didn’t know just how much. The average cost of a breach is around $4.3 million—and that doesn’t even include the hidden costs related to lost sales, customers, and increased security costs.
Cyberattacks Aren’t Always Found Immediately
A typical cyber attack lasts at least 200 days before being discovered by the target. You probably don’t know, but cyberattacks are hard to detect. Some attacks fly under the radar because they are careful not to impact core business functions. However, by the time the attack is found, it can still do tremendous damage to systems and corrupt business data. You can learn more about cybersecurity and trends in risk management by reading cybersecurity white papers on a variety of related topics.
Small Businesses are the Most Common Target for Cyberattacks
Small businesses are the most common target for cyberattacks. While large corporations have the resources to deal with a breach, small businesses often don’t have the same protections in place and are less likely to be able to afford the cost of one. In fact, many businesses that get hit by a cyberattack end up going out of business within a year and a half of the attack. It’s important for small businesses not just to keep up with technology but also to stay aware of their security measures and make sure they’re doing as much as they can to protect their business data.
Cybercrime is on the Rise
The threat of cybercrime is on the rise, and it’s a major global problem. The cost of cybercrime has reached $1 Trillion worldwide, which means that these cybercriminals are impacting more and more of the global economy.
You’d Be Surprised at the Most Hacked Countries
The United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have the most data breaches per year. While these attacks often come from outside the country, it’s clear that hackers are targeting certain countries.
You Can Be Hacked Through Your Car
In addition to stealing your physical keys, hackers can also remotely disable a car’s engine through the computer system. This makes it especially important to ensure that your car systems are kept up-to-date.
More Than 50% of all Americans Have Been Exposed to a Data Breach
Whether you were exposed when Target was hacked or you opened yourself up to a data breach by clicking on a bad link, half of all American adults have been exposed to a data breach. Cybercriminals can get access to your personal information when they hack into online accounts such as bank accounts or email addresses. They then use these details to steal money from you or spread malware through phishing scams that can infect your computer with viruses.
Cybersecurity is a Growing Job Sector
The more people rely on technology, the more need there is for professionals who can help in cybersecurity. Cybersecurity is a growing job sector, with more than 100,000 jobs currently available in the US alone. The number of cybersecurity jobs is expected to grow by 12% over the next few years.
The IoT (Internet of Things) is a Target
People love their smart devices, smart thermostats, smart refrigerators, and other physical devices. The internet of things (IoT) is a network of physical devices, vehicles, buildings, and other items—embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and connectivity which enables these objects to connect and exchange data. The IoT allows objects to be sensed or controlled remotely across existing network infrastructure such as the Internet. Because most homes do not have adequate firewalls, many individuals are at risk of cybercriminals targeting their devices.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is important for businesses and individuals. Not only should you protect your personal data, but when you have a business, you have a responsibility to protect your customer’s data as well. The more you know about how to protect your assets, the better prepared you will be when cybercriminals come knocking.
