As of January 2024, around 58 percent of large companies in the United Kingdom (UK) had experienced cybercrime within the past year. Medium businesses ranked second, with 45 percent of companies experiencing cybercrime. Overall, about 22 percent of UK businesses stated having experienced any form of cybercrime in the preceding year.

The number of cyber-dependent crime incidents in the United Kingdom (UK) has increased between the fourth quarter of 2022 and the second quarter of 2023. In the most recently measured period, 8,106 such incidents were reported in the market, up from 6,030 cases in the fourth quarter of 2022.

A survey conducted in the United Kingdom (UK) from September 2023 to January 2024 found that around 13 percent of businesses that had identified a data breach incident or a cyberattack in the preceding 12 months had seen at least one outcome after the incident. The most common were the situations where the website or online services were taken down or made slower and the temporary loss of access to files or networks.

Annual data on the nature of fraud and computer misuse offences. Data for the year ending March 2021 and March 2022 are from the Telephone-operated Crime Survey for England and Wales (TCSEW).

Between the fourth quarter of 2022 and the second quarter of 2023, the monetary losses caused by cyber-dependent crime in the United Kingdom (UK) fluctuated. In the first quarter of 2023, the loss amount was 1.8 million GBP, up from 1.3 million GBP in the fourth quarter of 2022. In the second quarter of 2023, the amount of losses due to cybercrime incidents decreased again, totaling 1.1 million GBP.

As of January 2024, around nine in ten businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) stated having experienced a phishing attack in the past year. A further 10 percent said they had experienced hacking incidents. Additionally, around two percent reported experiencing viruses, spyware, or malware attacks.

In early 2025, a small biotech firm in California found itself locked out of its systems overnight. The attackers demanded a ransom in cryptocurrency, exploiting a vulnerability in a forgotten server. The breach didn’t just compromise proprietary research, it crippled investor confidence and cost millions in lost opportunities. This story...

Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) and Home Office police recorded crime data, by quarterly time periods.

As of January 2025, the most significant data breach incident in the United Kingdom (UK) was the 2017-2018 Dixons Carphone breach. As a result of this incident, 14 million user records were affected, and 5.6 million payment card information was exposed. The Equifax data breach between 2011 and 2016 impacted over 15 million customers nationwide.

As of January 2024, around 50 percent of businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) encountered disruptive cybersecurity breaches or cyberattacks in the last 12 months. This is a notable increase since 2022, when the figure stood at only 39 percent.

During the fourth quarter of 2024, data breaches exposed more than a million user data records in the United Kingdom (UK). The figure decreased significantly from nearly 41 million in the quarter prior. Overall, the time between the first quarter of 2022 and the fourth quarter of 2023, saw the lowest number of exposed user data accounts.

According to a 2024 survey, around 41 percent of Chief Information Security Officers (CISO) of companies in the United Kingdom (UK) reported that the board of directors (BOD) was concerned about experiencing reputational damage, an increase from 32 percent in 2023.

Cybercrime costs in the United Kingdom (UK) reached an estimated 51.81 billion U.S. dollars in 2024. Between 2017 and 2024, this figure has seen a significant increase. According to the latest estimates, this dynamic will continue in upcoming years, reaching approximately 98 billion U.S. dollars in cybercrime costs by 2028.

Ponzi schemes that offer absurdly high rates of return by relying on more and more people paying into the scheme have been documented since at least the mid-1800s. Ponzi schemes have shifted online in the Internet age, and some are re-branded as HYIPs or High Yield Investment Programs. This paper focuses on understanding HYIPs' continuous presence and presents various possible reasons behind their existence in today's world. A look into the countries where these schemes purport to exist, we find that 62.89% of all collected HYIPs claim to be in the United Kingdom (UK), and a further 55.56% are officially registered in the UK as a 'limited company' with a registration number provided by the UK Companies House, a UK agency that registers companies. We investigate other factors influencing these schemes, including the HYIPs' social media platforms and payment processors. The lifetime of the HYIPs helps to understand the success/failure of the investment schemes and helps indicate the schemes that could attract more investors. Using Cox proportional regression analysis, we find that having a valid UK address significantly affects the lifetime of an HYIP.

Data breach density In the United Kingdom (UK) has slightly decreased between the third quarter of 2022 and the third quarter of 2023. In the first measured quarter, the number of exposed data points per thousand individuals in the country reached 16.4, while it went down to six in the third quarter of 2023. Overall, breach density in the United Kingdom was relatively lower than in other worldwide markets.

The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) asks a sole adult in a random sample of households about their, or their household's, experience of crime victimisation in the previous 12 months. These are recorded in the victim form data file (VF). A wide range of questions are then asked, covering demographics and crime-related subjects such as attitudes to the police and the criminal justice system (CJS). These variables are contained within the non-victim form (NVF) data file. In 2009, the survey was extended to children aged 10-15 years old; one resident of that age range was also selected from the household and asked about their experience of crime and other related topics. The first set of children's data covered January-December 2009 and is held separately under SN 6601. From 2009-2010, the children's data cover the same period as the adult data and are included with the main study.

The Telephone-operated Crime Survey for England and Wales (TCSEW) became operational on 20 May 2020. It was a replacement for the face-to-face CSEW, which was suspended on 17 March 2020 because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It was set up with the intention of measuring the level of crime during the pandemic. As the pandemic continued throughout the 2020/21 survey year, questions have been raised as to whether the year ending March 2021 TCSEW is comparable with estimates produced in earlier years by the face-to-face CSEW. The ONS Comparability between the Telephone-operated Crime Survey for England and Wales and the face-to-face Crime Survey for England and Wales report explores those factors that may have a bearing on the comparability of estimates between the TCSEW and the former CSEW. These include survey design, sample design, questionnaire changes and modal changes.

More general information about the CSEW may be found on the ONS Crime Survey for England and Wales web page and for the previous BCS, from the GOV.UK BCS Methodology web page.

History - the British Crime Survey

The CSEW was formerly known as the British Crime Survey (BCS), and has been in existence since 1981. The 1982 and 1988 BCS waves were also conducted in Scotland (data held separately under SNs 4368 and 4599). Since 1993, separate Scottish Crime and Justice Surveys have been conducted. Up to 2001, the BCS was conducted biennially. From April 2001, the Office for National Statistics took over the survey and it became the CSEW. Interviewing was then carried out continually and reported on in financial year cycles. The crime reference period was altered to accommodate this.

Secure Access CSEW data
In addition to the main survey, a series of questions covering drinking behaviour, drug use, self-offending, gangs and personal security, and intimate personal violence (IPV) (including stalking and sexual victimisation) are asked of adults via a laptop-based self-completion module (questions may vary over the years). Children aged 10-15 years also complete a separate self-completion questionnaire. The questionnaires are included in the main documentation, but the data are only available under Secure Access conditions (see SN 7280), not with the main study. In addition, from 2011 onwards, lower-level geographic variables are also available under Secure Access conditions (see SN 7311).

New methodology for capping the number of incidents from 2017-18
The CSEW datasets available from 2017-18 onwards are based on a new methodology of capping the number of incidents at the 98th percentile. Incidence variables names have remained consistent with previously supplied data but due to the fact they are based on the new 98th percentile cap, and old datasets are not, comparability has been lost with years prior to 2012-2013. More information can be found in the 2017-18 User Guide (see SN 8464) and the article ‘Improving victimisation estimates derived from the Crime Survey for England and Wales’.

Fraud and Cyber Crime Module
The Office for National Statistics have recently completed a substantial project to develop new questions on fraud (both online and offline) and other types of cyber crime for inclusion in the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW).

The project involved the development, cognitive testing and piloting of a number of screener questions designed to identify who had experienced different types of fraud and cyber crime. The final screener questions were incorporated into the live survey in April 2015 and are now being asked of half the sample of survey respondents. New victimisation module questions have also been developed to capture more detailed information about the offence and to allow accurate coding of the offences recorded. These were introduced into the live survey from October 2015, following testing in a large-scale field trial which took place between May and August 2015, and which was beneficial in testing how the screener and victimisation module questions work together in a live setting.

More information about this project can be found on the Office for National Statistics webpage.

A survey of senior executives of companies in the United Kingdom (UK) conducted in February 2023 found that 33 percent anticipated a significant increase in cyberattacks against cloud management interfaces. Furthermore, 27 percent expected a notable increase in business e-mail compromise (BEC) attacks. About a quarter of surveyed executives anticipated a significant increase in ransomware attacks.

The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) asks a sole adult in a random sample of households about their, or their household's, experience of crime victimisation in the previous 12 months. These are recorded in the victim form data file (VF). A wide range of questions are then asked, covering demographics and crime-related subjects such as attitudes to the police and the criminal justice system (CJS). These variables are contained within the non-victim form (NVF) data file. In 2009, the survey was extended to children aged 10-15 years old; one resident of that age range was also selected from the household and asked about their experience of crime and other related topics. The first set of children's data covered January-December 2009 and is held separately under SN 6601. From 2009-2010, the children's data cover the same period as the adult data and are included with the main study.The Telephone-operated Crime Survey for England and Wales (TCSEW) became operational on 20 May 2020. It was a replacement for the face-to-face CSEW, which was suspended on 17 March 2020 because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It was set up with the intention of measuring the level of crime during the pandemic. As the pandemic continued throughout the 2020/21 survey year, questions have been raised as to whether the year ending March 2021 TCSEW is comparable with estimates produced in earlier years by the face-to-face CSEW. The ONS Comparability between the Telephone-operated Crime Survey for England and Wales and the face-to-face Crime Survey for England and Wales report explores those factors that may have a bearing on the comparability of estimates between the TCSEW and the former CSEW. These include survey design, sample design, questionnaire changes and modal changes.More general information about the CSEW may be found on the ONS Crime Survey for England and Wales web page and for the previous BCS, from the GOV.UK BCS Methodology web page.History - the British Crime SurveyThe CSEW was formerly known as the British Crime Survey (BCS), and has been in existence since 1981. The 1982 and 1988 BCS waves were also conducted in Scotland (data held separately under SNs 4368 and 4599). Since 1993, separate Scottish Crime and Justice Surveys have been conducted. Up to 2001, the BCS was conducted biennially. From April 2001, the Office for National Statistics took over the survey and it became the CSEW. Interviewing was then carried out continually and reported on in financial year cycles. The crime reference period was altered to accommodate this. Secure Access CSEW dataIn addition to the main survey, a series of questions covering drinking behaviour, drug use, self-offending, gangs and personal security, and intimate personal violence (IPV) (including stalking and sexual victimisation) are asked of adults via a laptop-based self-completion module (questions may vary over the years). Children aged 10-15 years also complete a separate self-completion questionnaire. The questionnaires are included in the main documentation, but the data are only available under Secure Access conditions (see SN 7280), not with the main study. In addition, from 2011 onwards, lower-level geographic variables are also available under Secure Access conditions (see SN 7311).New methodology for capping the number of incidents from 2017-18The CSEW datasets available from 2017-18 onwards are based on a new methodology of capping the number of incidents at the 98th percentile. Incidence variables names have remained consistent with previously supplied data but due to the fact they are based on the new 98th percentile cap, and old datasets are not, comparability has been lost with years prior to 2012-2013. More information can be found in the 2017-18 User Guide (see SN 8464) and the article ‘Improving victimisation estimates derived from the Crime Survey for England and Wales’. Fraud and Cyber Crime Module The Office for National Statistics have recently completed a substantial project to develop new questions on fraud (both online and offline) and other types of cyber crime for inclusion in the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW).

The project involved the development, cognitive testing and piloting of a number of screener questions designed to identify who had experienced different types of fraud and cyber crime. The final screener questions were incorporated into the live survey in April 2015 and are now being asked of half the sample of survey respondents. New victimisation module questions have also been developed to capture more detailed information about the offence and to allow accurate coding of the offences recorded.

Snapshot img

Cyber Security Market Size 2025-2029

The cyber security market size is valued to increase USD 269.8 billion, at a CAGR of 16.7% from 2024 to 2029. Increase in use of mobile devices will drive the cyber security market.

Major Market Trends & Insights

North America dominated the market and accounted for a 43% growth during the forecast period.
By End-user - Government segment was valued at USD 43.50 billion in 2023
By Deployment - On-premises segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 143.61 billion
Market Future Opportunities: USD 269.80 billion
CAGR from 2024 to 2029 : 16.7%

Market Summary

In the ever-expanding digital realm, the cybersecurity market assumes a pivotal role as businesses worldwide grapple with the escalating threat landscape. According to recent estimates, the global cybersecurity market is projected to reach a value of USD248.26 billion by 2023, underscoring its significant growth trajectory. This surge in demand is fueled by several key drivers, including the increasing use of mobile devices and the adoption of IoT technology. As businesses embrace digital transformation, they become increasingly reliant on complex networks and interconnected systems, creating a vast attack surface for cybercriminals. This, in turn, necessitates robust cybersecurity solutions capable of safeguarding sensitive data and mitigating potential threats. However, the high cost of deployment remains a significant challenge, necessitating a balance between security and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, the cybersecurity landscape is characterized by rapid evolution, with emerging threats and technologies requiring continuous adaptation and innovation. As such, cybersecurity providers must stay abreast of the latest trends and developments to deliver effective solutions. This ongoing demand for advanced security capabilities is expected to drive market growth in the coming years.

What will be the Size of the Cyber Security Market during the forecast period?

Get Key Insights on Market Forecast (PDF) Request Free Sample

How is the Cyber Security Market Segmented ?

The cyber security industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments. End-userGovernmentBFSIICTManufacturingOthersDeploymentOn-premisesCloud-basedProductSolutionServicesSectorLarge enterprisesSMEsTypeCloudEnd-point and IoTNetworkApplicationGeographyNorth AmericaUSCanadaEuropeFranceGermanyRussiaUKAPACChinaIndiaJapanSouth AmericaBrazilRest of World (ROW)

By End-user Insights

The government segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Amidst the ever-evolving digital landscape, The market continues to expand, with the government sector leading the charge in 2024. This sector is projected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period, fueled by the installation of advanced security systems in both developed and developing nations. Homeland security and defense sectors' significant contributions further bolster this growth. With the increasing importance of data security and confidentiality, governments worldwide invest in cyber security solutions to safeguard sensitive information. In fact, a recent study reveals that the government sector accounted for over 25% of the market in 2023. This trend is expected to persist as governments continue to prioritize cybersecurity, implementing advanced technologies such as machine learning security, intrusion detection systems, and zero trust architecture. Additionally, the adoption of cybersecurity incident response, threat modeling techniques, data encryption techniques, and malware analysis techniques further strengthens their cybersecurity posture. As the threat landscape evolves, governments are also focusing on automation security tools, ransomware attack prevention, and artificial intelligence security to stay ahead of emerging threats. Compliance frameworks, incident response planning, data breach notification, and threat intelligence platforms are essential components of their cybersecurity strategies. Vulnerability assessment scanning, social engineering attacks, security orchestration automation, data loss prevention, risk assessment methodologies, access control management, penetration testing methodologies, phishing email detection, multi-factor authentication, network security protocols, and blockchain security implementation are all critical aspects of their cybersecurity arsenal.

Request Free Sample

The Government segment was valued at USD 43.50 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Request Free Sample

Regional Analysis

North America