The Cost of Cybercrime: What You Need to Know

August 23, 2023

The Increasing Threat of Cybercrime

In today’s interconnected world, the threat of cybercrime has risen dramatically. Cybersecurity Ventures projected cybercrime costs to escalate to $8 trillion in 2023, soaring to $10.5 trillion by 20251. Cybercrime has never been more profitable for attackers and more costly for businesses.

The frequency of cyberattacks has reached unprecedented levels. In 2022, 76% of organizations faced ransomware attacks, with 64% falling victim to infection. Worryingly, only 50% managed to retrieve data after paying the ransom. Furthermore, over 66% reported multiple isolated infections1.

The landscape is no longer limited to isolated hackers; it has transformed into a sophisticated ecosystem of cybercriminal groups armed with advanced tools. An array of cyberattacks are executed across the globe daily, targeting personal data, sensitive information, and critical infrastructure. This surge in attacks underscores the urgency for individuals and organizations to enhance their cybersecurity measures.

The Financial Impact of Cybercrime

Cybercrime costs can be wide-reaching and immense. According to IBM’s 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average data breach costs in the United States surged to an all-time high of $9.48 million in 20232. As we’ve cited before, 60% of small to mid-sized businesses that experience a cyber attack close within six months. This staggering statistic emphasizes the far-reaching financial consequences of cyberattacks on businesses.

Ransomware attacks stand out due to their crippling financial implications. Beyond the ransom payment, companies often struggle with the costs of investigating the breach, decrypting data, strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure, and sometimes seeking external help for recovery. These costs can deliver a significant blow to an organization’s financial stability.

Data breaches also escalate the costs of cybercrime. When sensitive information is compromised, organizations become entangled in legal obligations, regulatory penalties, and the complex task of damage control. They must notify affected parties, enhance preventive measures, and rebuild eroded customer trust. The aftermath can linger well after the initial breach, impacting reputation, customer retention, and long-term profitability.

Different sectors experience varying degrees of financial impact. According to IBM’s report, the healthcare industry incurred the highest data breach costs across sectors. Costs surged by an alarming 8.2% from 2022 to 2023, reaching an astonishing $10.93 million. Following closely, the financial sector faced an average cost of $5.9 million2. These figures underscore the need for industry-specific cybersecurity strategies.

Cyber Insurance Costs and Requirements

With mounting financial risks, businesses increasingly turn to cyber insurance for financial security. These policies mitigate the economic fallout of cyberattacks and data breaches, covering expenses from legal fees to public relations efforts. 

Navigating the cyber insurance landscape can be complex. According to Fortinet’s 2023 Global Ransomware Report, almost 41% of organizations with cyber insurance didn’t receive expected coverage, with some receiving none due to insurer exceptions3. This can happen due to failure to report the cyberattack promptly, failure to take prevention steps, direct actions from the business that contributed to the cyberattack, or exclusions in the coverage. This highlights the importance of thorough evaluation and transparent communication while selecting a cyber insurance policy.

The cost of cyber insurance can vary depending on many factors, including:

  • The size and industry of the business
  • The amount of sensitive data that the business stores
  • The business’s cybersecurity practices
  • The business’s claims history
  • The geographical location of the business
  • The type of coverage

Reduce Your Risk, Increase Your Protection

The constant barrage of news about cyber attacks and their financial impact seems relentless. Fortunately, Dewpoint’s cybersecurity experts understand how to limit your risk and reduce the financial impact of cyber-attacks through incident response planning. Don’t wait for the next cyber attack to strike. Start a conversation with a Dewpoint cybersecurity expert today, and reduce your risk against the evolving world of cybercrime. 

Still not sure? Take our cybersecurity quiz and see how your current security posture scores. 

Sources

  1. Forbes
  2. IBM
  3. Fortinet

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