In 2024, the number of data compromises in the United States stood at 3,158 cases. Meanwhile, over 1.35 billion individuals were affected in the same year by data compromises, including data breaches, leakage, and exposure. While these are three different events, they have one thing in common. As a result of all three incidents, the sensitive data is accessed by an unauthorized threat actor. Industries most vulnerable to data breaches Some industry sectors usually see more significant cases of private data violations than others. This is determined by the type and volume of the personal information organizations of these sectors store. In 2024 the financial services, healthcare, and professional services were the three industry sectors that recorded most data breaches. Overall, the number of healthcare data breaches in some industry sectors in the United States has gradually increased within the past few years. However, some sectors saw decrease. Largest data exposures worldwide In 2020, an adult streaming website, CAM4, experienced a leakage of nearly 11 billion records. This, by far, is the most extensive reported data leakage. This case, though, is unique because cyber security researchers found the vulnerability before the cyber criminals. The second-largest data breach is the Yahoo data breach, dating back to 2013. The company first reported about one billion exposed records, then later, in 2017, came up with an updated number of leaked records, which was three billion. In March 2018, the third biggest data breach happened, involving India’s national identification database Aadhaar. As a result of this incident, over 1.1 billion records were exposed.
During the third quarter of 2024, data breaches exposed more than *** million records worldwide. Since the first quarter of 2020, the highest number of data records were exposed in the first quarter of ***, more than *** million data sets. Data breaches remain among the biggest concerns of company leaders worldwide. The most common causes of sensitive information loss were operating system vulnerabilities on endpoint devices. Which industries see the most data breaches? Meanwhile, certain conditions make some industry sectors more prone to data breaches than others. According to the latest observations, the public administration experienced the highest number of data breaches between 2021 and 2022. The industry saw *** reported data breach incidents with confirmed data loss. The second were financial institutions, with *** data breach cases, followed by healthcare providers. Data breach cost Data breach incidents have various consequences, the most common impact being financial losses and business disruptions. As of 2023, the average data breach cost across businesses worldwide was **** million U.S. dollars. Meanwhile, a leaked data record cost about *** U.S. dollars. The United States saw the highest average breach cost globally, at **** million U.S. dollars.
The largest reported data leakage as of January 2025 was the Cam4 data breach in March 2020, which exposed more than 10 billion data records. The second-largest data breach in history so far, the Yahoo data breach, occurred in 2013. The company initially reported about one billion exposed data records, but after an investigation, the company updated the number, revealing that three billion accounts were affected. The National Public Data Breach was announced in August 2024. The incident became public when personally identifiable information of individuals became available for sale on the dark web. Overall, the security professionals estimate the leakage of nearly three billion personal records. The next significant data leakage was the March 2018 security breach of India's national ID database, Aadhaar, with over 1.1 billion records exposed. This included biometric information such as identification numbers and fingerprint scans, which could be used to open bank accounts and receive financial aid, among other government services.
Cybercrime - the dark side of digitalization As the world continues its journey into the digital age, corporations and governments across the globe have been increasing their reliance on technology to collect, analyze and store personal data. This, in turn, has led to a rise in the number of cyber crimes, ranging from minor breaches to global-scale attacks impacting billions of users – such as in the case of Yahoo. Within the U.S. alone, 1802 cases of data compromise were reported in 2022. This was a marked increase from the 447 cases reported a decade prior. The high price of data protection As of 2022, the average cost of a single data breach across all industries worldwide stood at around 4.35 million U.S. dollars. This was found to be most costly in the healthcare sector, with each leak reported to have cost the affected party a hefty 10.1 million U.S. dollars. The financial segment followed closely behind. Here, each breach resulted in a loss of approximately 6 million U.S. dollars - 1.5 million more than the global average.
View Data Breach Notification Reports, which include how many breaches are reported each year and the number of affected residents.
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According to Cognitive Market Research, the Global Information Security Consulting Market is expected to have a market size of XX million in 2024 with a growing CAGR of XX% during the forecast period.
The Asia-Pacific region has the largest market share with an expected market size of XX million in 2024 with a growing CAGR of XX% during the forecast period.
North America is the fastest growing with an expected market size of XX million in 2024 with a growing CAGR of XX% during the forecast period.
Cloud Security has the largest market share with an expected market size of XX million in 2024 with a growing CAGR of XX% during the forecast period.
The cloud segment has the largest market share with an expected market size of XX million in 2024 with a growing CAGR of XX% during the forecast period.
Large Enterprise has the largest market share with an expected market size of XX million in 2024 with a growing CAGR of XX% during the forecast period.
The BFSI segment has the largest market share with an expected market size of XX million in 2024 with a growing CAGR of XX% during the forecast period.
Market Dynamics
Key drivers
The increasing number of cyber-attacks globally is favoring market growth
Strong security solutions are in more demand as a result of the growing anxiety that cyber assaults are causing among both individuals and enterprises. Any hostile action directed towards computer networks, infrastructures, personal computers, smartphones, or computer information systems is called a cyberattack. Because of this and the need for more stringent security and regulatory compliance, the information security consulting industry is growing quickly. For instance, according to McKinsey and company, cyberattacks are on track to cause $10.5 trillion a year in damage by 2025. That’s a 300 percent increase from 2015 levels. To protect against the onslaught, organizations around the world spent around $150 billion on cybersecurity in 2021, and this sum is growing by 12.4 percent a year. In all industries combined, the average cost of a single data breach as of 2022 was approximately 4.35 million US dollars. The healthcare industry was shown to be the most expensive for this, with each leak estimated to have cost the impacted party a whopping 10.1 million dollars. The segment on finances was closely followed. The Cam4 data breach in March 2020, which revealed over 10 billion data records, was the largest known data leak as of January 2024. The Yahoo data breach, which happened in 2013, is currently the second-largest data breach in history. To compact these increasing data breaches and cybercrimes, many company solutions have been in development and adopted. Cloud migration will remain a key component of many organizations' technological agendas. For this reason, cloud providers must be able to safeguard both standard and customized cloud configurations. Furthermore, there is a sharp rise in the demand for cyber security in the fields of healthcare, banking and financial services, aviation, and automobiles. Some of the main factors driving the demand for technologically advanced information security solutions among businesses are the emergence of IoT and connected technologies, the quick adoption of smartphones for digital payments, and the use of unsecured networks for accessing organizational servers. Therefore, the market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
The rise in the number of regulations and developments has favoured the market growth
As cyber risks continue to grow, information security has become a key concern for both individuals and enterprises. The laws and regulatory requirements that are propelling the information security market's expansion are intended to strengthen cybersecurity defenses and shield private information from nefarious individuals. For instance, The United States government enacted two cybersecurity laws into law in June 2022. The first bill, the State and Local Government Cybersecurity Act of 2022, aims to improve cooperation between state, territorial, local, and tribal governments as well as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). It is anticipated that these important actions will boost the i...
Updated: 07/15/2025
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, Instagram remains a powerhouse for personal expression, business promotion, and social connection. However, with its immense popularity comes the looming threat of cyberattacks and account hacks. As of July 2025, safeguarding your Instagram account is more crucial than ever. This guide delves deep into the intricacies of Hacking your Instagram, offering actionable insights and up-to-date strategies to keep your digital presence secure.
Understanding the Landscape: Why Instagram Security Matters For For US, UK, AU, CA, DE, IT, RO
Instagram isn't just a platform for sharing photos and stories; it's a significant part of many people's lives across countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and beyond. With millions of users worldwide, understanding how to Hack your Instagram accountis essential to prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential misuse of your personal information.
What Exactly Happens When Someone Hacks an Instagram Account?
Hacking an Instagram account involves unauthorized individuals gaining access to your personal information, posts, messages, and sometimes even financial details. This breach can occur through various methods, including phishing scams, weak passwords, or exploiting vulnerabilities in the platform. Once compromised, hackers can misuse your account for malicious purposes, tarnishing your reputation or extracting sensitive data. Defining a Hacked Instagram Account
A hacked Instagram account is one where the security has been breached, allowing someone other than the rightful owner to access and control the account. Indicators of such a breach include unfamiliar posts, changed passwords, unauthorized messages, and altered profile information. Recognizing these signs early is crucial in mitigating potential damage.
The Motives Behind Instagram Account Hacks
Why do hackers target Instagram accounts? The purposes vary: 1. Personal Gain: Stealing sensitive information or financial details for profit. 2. Reputation Damage: Posting inappropriate or harmful content to tarnish an individual’s or brand’s image. 3. Data Harvesting: Collecting personal data for further cyberattacks or selling it on the dark web. 4. Spreading Malware: Using the account to distribute malicious links or software to followers. Understanding these motives helps in comprehending the severity and diverse risks associated with Instagram hacks.
How Are Instagram Accounts Typically Hacked?
Several methods are employed by cybercriminals to compromise Instagram accounts: 1. Phishing Scams: Deceptive emails or messages tricking users into providing their login credentials. 2. Weak Passwords: Easily guessable or reused passwords make accounts susceptible to brute-force attacks. 3. Malware: Malicious software installed on a device that captures keystrokes or hijacks sessions. 4. Social Engineering: Manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information. 5. Exploiting Vulnerabilities: Taking advantage of flaws in Instagram’s security infrastructure.
Staying informed about these methods is the first step in fortifying your account against potential threats. Spotting the Danger: Warning Signs of a Hacked Instagram Account
How can you tell if your Instagram account has been hacked? Here are some warning signs to watch for: - Unusual Activity: Unexpected posts, stories, or messages appearing on your account. - Password Issues: Difficulty logging in or receiving password reset emails you didn’t request. - Changed Information: Altered profile details like your bio, email, or phone number. - Unauthorized Apps: Suspicious third-party apps connected to your account.
To confirm a hack, check your account’s login activity, review connected devices, and look for any changes you didn’t make. Taking swift action can prevent further compromise. Recovering Your Hacked Instagram Account: A Step-by-Step Guide If you suspect your Instagram account has been hacked, follow these detailed steps tailored for every possible scenario:
In 2023, the most common type of cyber crime reported to the United States internet Crime Complaint Center was phishing and spoofing, affecting approximately 298 thousand individuals. In addition, over 55 thousand cases of personal data breaches cases were reported to the IC3 during that year. Dynamic of phishing attacks Over the past few years, phishing attacks have increased significantly. In 2023, almost 300 thousand individuals fell victim to such attacks. The highest number of phishing scam victims since 2018 was recorded in 2021, approximately 324 thousand.Phishing attacks can take many shapes. Bulk phishing, smishing, and business e-mail compromise (BEC) are the most common types. In 2023, 76 percent of the surveyed worldwide organizations reported encountering bulk phishing attacks, while roughly three in four were targeted by smishing scams. Impact of phishing attacks Among the most targeted industries by cybercriminals are healthcare, financial, manufacturing, and education institutions. An observation carried out in the first quarter of 2023 found that social media was most likely to encounter phishing attacks. According to the reports, almost a quarter of them stated being targeted by a phishing scam in the measured period. Very often, phishing e-mails contain a crucial risk for the organization. Almost three in ten worldwide organizations that have experienced phishing attacks suffered from a customer or a client data breach as a consequence. Phishing scams that delivered ransomware infections were also common for the surveyed organizations.
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.
Between 2008 and 2024, the most significant data breach in the financial industry worldwide was detected in 2019 in the United States at the First American Financial Corporation. This data breach caused the leakage of *** million financial and personal records. The financial industry is one of the most targeted sectors by cyberattacks that lead to data breaches. However, cyber-attacks are not the only reason for a data breach. Sometimes data compromise occurs due to other reasons, such as system errors.
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According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Security Software market size will be USD XX million in 2025. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of XX% from 2025 to 2031.
North America held the major market share for more than XX% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2025 and will grow at a CAGR of XX% from 2025 to 2031. Europe accounted for a market share of over XX% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2025 and will grow at a CAGR of XX% from 2025 to 2031. Asia Pacific held a market share of around XX% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2025 and will grow at a CAGR of XX% from 2025 to 2031. Latin America had a market share of more than XX% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2025 and will grow at a CAGR of XX% from 2025 to 2031. Middle East and Africa had a market share of around XX% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD XX million in 2025 and will grow at a CAGR of XX% from 2025 to 2031. KEY DRIVERS
Firewall Protection and Phishing Defense act as Growth Catalysts
Firewall protection, especially when paired with antivirus software, is a critical driver in the growth of the Security Software Market. Firewalls scrutinize both inbound and outbound traffic, acting as a first line of defense against spyware and phishing attacks. These types of attacks often deceive users into opening malicious links or downloading harmful content, leading to data breaches or financial losses. For instance, phishing emails that mimic legitimate bank communications can trick users into revealing sensitive login credentials. Antivirus solutions with integrated two-way firewalls, such as AVAST and Norton 360, actively intercept and block these threats before they cause harm. By offering real-time protection and filtering, these tools reduce the risk of user error and enhance system resilience. This robust line of defense has become especially crucial as cyber threats become more sophisticated, directly contributing to the rising demand for security software in personal and business environments. Moreover, the expansion of digital infrastructure and remote work has created new vulnerabilities that hackers are quick to exploit. Security breaches due to outdated credentials or unpatched software are increasingly common. A stark instance occurred in February 2024, when a state government system in the U.S. was breached using the credentials of a former administrator, (https://thehackernews.com/2024/02/us-state-government-network-breached.html) exposing critical data. This incident underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and multi-layered protection. Supporting this trend, IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report revealed that the average cost of a data breach globally has reached USD 4.88 million, ( https://www.ibm.com/reports/data-breach) marking the most significant increase since the pandemic. These factors have elevated the urgency for security software that can detect threats early, prevent unauthorized access, and ensure data integrity making cyber risk mitigation a strategic priority for modern enterprises.
Restraints
Cost, Complexity and Integration Challenges Could Hamper the market growth
Despite the increasing demand for security software, high initial implementation and deployment costs remain a significant restraint, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Advanced solutions like Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) require substantial upfront investment, not just for purchase, but also for ongoing maintenance, updates, and technical support. These financial demands make it difficult for smaller businesses to adopt robust security frameworks, creating a gap in protection and slowing overall market growth. Moreover, Organizations today must secure diverse assets, including on-premise servers, cloud platforms, mobile devices, and IoT systems each with unique vulnerabilities and compliance requirements. This fragmented ecosystem makes it difficult to implement a unified, adaptable security strategy. Inadequate infrastructure, such as the slow adoption of IPv6, further complicates integration efforts in sectors like telecom. These challenges can lead to inconsistent security coverage, leaving exploitable gaps.
Opportunities
Cloud Security and IoT are Expanding the Opp...
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A privacy breach occurs when personal information is collected, retained, used or disclosed in ways that are not in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Dataset contains the: * date that MCYS was notified of the breach by the Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC) * manner in which the breach occurred * date MCYS received notification that IPC's file had been closed In 2014, privacy breaches in this ministry involved disclosure (and not use or collection) of personal information. *[MCYS]: Ministry of Children and Youth Services *[IPC]: Information and Privacy Commissioner
Between November 2022 and October 2023, 97 percent of compromised information through lost and stolen assets was personal data. Furthermore, 46 percent of privilege misuse incidents occurred internally.
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.
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The Endpoint Detection Response Market is projected to reach USD 30.081 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 22.03% from 2025 to 2033. The market's growth is primarily driven by the increasing adoption of cloud-based EDR solutions, rising cybersecurity concerns, and growing need for threat prevention and incident response. As businesses face sophisticated cyberattacks, EDR solutions provide real-time visibility, threat detection, and automated response capabilities. Regionally, North America held the largest market share in 2025, due to the presence of major EDR vendors, advanced cybersecurity infrastructure, and stringent data protection regulations. The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, driven by rising digital adoption, government initiatives, and the increasing threat landscape in the region. Key players in the market include Carbon Black Inc, Cisco Systems Inc, CrowdStrike Inc, Intel Corporation, McAfee, Microsoft Corporation, Palo Alto Networks Inc, RSA Security, Symantec Corporation, SyncDog, Inc. These companies offer advanced EDR solutions and compete on features, security capabilities, and customer support. Concentration The Endpoint Detection Response (EDR) market is highly concentrated, with a few dominant players such as Carbon Black Inc, Cisco Systems Inc, Crowd Strike Inc, Intel Corporation, McAfee, Microsoft Corporation, Palo Alto Networks Inc, RSA Security, Symantec Corporation, and SyncDog,Inc controlling a significant market share. These companies have established a strong brand presence, extensive distribution networks, advanced technologies, and a loyal customer base. The market is also characterized by a high level of product innovation, with vendors continuously investing in research and development to gain a competitive edge. The constant evolution of cyber threats and evolving regulatory compliances has further pushed the need for innovative solutions. However, with the rise of new technologies and startups, the market is expected to see increased competition in the future. Characteristics of Innovation The endpoint detection and response (EDR) market is characterized by a high level of innovation, as vendors continuously strive to develop more effective and user-friendly solutions. Key areas of innovation include:
Cloud-based EDR: Cloud-based EDR solutions offer several advantages over on-premises solutions, such as scalability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use. Artificial intelligence (AI): AI is increasingly being used in EDR solutions to automate threat detection and response. AI-powered EDR solutions can learn from historical data to identify and prioritize threats more effectively. Machine learning (ML): ML algorithms can be used to detect anomalous behavior and identify potential threats. ML-powered EDR solutions can also be used to automate incident response tasks.
Impact of Regulations The EDR market is subject to a number of regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). These regulations impose specific requirements on organizations that store or process personal data, including the need to implement appropriate security measures. The EDR market is also subject to regulations governing the use of AI and ML in security applications. These regulations are still evolving, but they are expected to have a significant impact on the market in the coming years. Product Substitutes There are a number of products that can be used as substitutes for EDR solutions, including traditional antivirus software, intrusion detection systems (IDSs), and managed security services (MSSs). However, EDR solutions offer a number of advantages over these products, including:
Greater visibility: EDR solutions provide greater visibility into the endpoint environment than traditional antivirus software or IDS. Faster response: EDR solutions can detect and respond to threats more quickly than traditional antivirus software or IDS. More proactive: EDR solutions can be used to proactively hunt for threats, rather than simply waiting for threats to occur.
End-user Concentration The EDR market is concentrated among a small number of end-user industries, including:
Healthcare: The healthcare industry is a major target for cyberattacks, as healthcare organizations store and process a large amount of sensitive data. Financial services: The financial services industry is another major target for cyberattacks, as financial institutions store and process a large amount of financial data. Government: Government agencies are also a major target for cyberattacks, as they store and process a large amount of sensitive data.
Level of M&A The EDR market has seen a high level of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity in recent years, as larger vendors have sought to acquire smaller vendors with innovative technologies or customer bases. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, as vendors seek to consolidate their market positions and gain access to new technologies. Recent developments include: October 2023 IBM used artificial intelligence to unveil a new managed detection and response service. The tech giant was among the first companies to release AI-powered security products when it announced the QRadar Suite in April. IBM Threat Detection and Response (TDR) Services is the business’s most recent attempt at adding capabilities to its portfolio. According to a press release for the service, IBM uses AI “to continuously assess and auto-recommend the most effective detection rules — helping to improve alert quality and speed response times.” The vendor said that this feature “helped reduce low-value SIEM alerts by 45% and auto escalate 79% more high-value alerts that required immediate attention,” but did not specify over what period of time., October 2023 Okta Inc. (NASDAQ: OKTA), the independent Identity partner leader, announced Identity Threat Protection with Okta AI (Identity Threat Protection) - A new product for Okta Workforce Identity Cloud delivering real-time detection and response for identity-based threats. Built using Okta AI and powered through insights drawn out of an organization's security stack, Identity Threat Protection goes beyond initial authentication security to any time a user is logged in. This allows admins and security teams to continuously assess user risk throughout active sessions and automatically respond to identity threats across their entire ecosystem. A rapid increase in the number of cyber security tools being adopted by organizations against evolving threats forces administrators & security teams to sift through overwhelming granular security data points for effective policy-making as well detection & response capabilities against critical threats., July 2023 SEQRITE launched version 8.2 of their flagship product, End Point Security (EPS). It is a state-of-the-art endpoint protection system powered by Endpoint threat-hunting technology that ensures organizations are guarded against ever-evolving cyber threats. EPS v8.2 has been designed with several advanced features such as Application Control Safelist, Automated IoC search, Real-time IoC blocking, Rapid query to Endpoints, as well as Google & YouTube Access Control, which sets new standards for securing endpoints against known vulnerabilities or zero-day attacks. In addition to this comprehensive approach towards safeguarding all network assets regardless of their location or type (physical/virtual), SEQRITE also integrated elements from Zero Trust Methodology into their latest offering so that enterprises can have full visibility into each application environment along with granular control over what happens within them., October 2022 SyncDog, Inc. formed a partnership with 3Eye Technologies to develop a smarter, more complex solution for its mobility and cloud strategy to meet sales targets. SyncDog's Secure Systems Workspace offers enterprises and government agencies a more secure and scalable solution for tackling all of the problems associated with allowing employees on mobile devices., July 2022 Raytheon Intelligence & Space, a Raytheon Capabilities company, collaborated with CrowdStrike to integrate CrowdStrike's complementary endpoint security technologies into RI&S' managed detection and response (MDR) service.. Notable trends are: Growth in the use of remote work.
Incidents of data breaches in the Philippines reached roughly 0.7 million during the fourth quarter of 2024, indicating a decrease from the previous quarter. The number of data breaches peaked in the second quarter of 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Challenges in cybersecurity As one of the countries in Asia with a high internet penetration, Filipino online users have been surfing the web to access social media and other entertainment platforms. Recently, particularly at the height of the global pandemic, Filipino internet users also adopted online shopping and digital payment services for their essential and non-essential needs. With the increased digitalization of most services comes the heightened risk of being a victim of cyber threats such as phishing, online scams, data theft, and mobile malware. Such incidents were especially prominent among users lacking cyber hygiene or those unaware of how to protect their personal information when doing their online transactions. Cybersecurity market insights Despite the increased risks of online threats in the Philippines, the cybersecurity market remains modest compared to other countries. In particular, the Philippines ranked 12th out of 14 among countries in the Asia-Pacific region regarding the size of its cybersecurity market and was forecast to grow to about 344 million U.S. dollars in 2028.
A privacy breach occurs when personal information is collected, retained, used or disclosed in ways that are not in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Dataset contains the: * date that MCYS was notified of the breach by the Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC) * manner in which the breach occurred * date MCYS received notification that IPC's file had been closed In 2014, privacy breaches in this ministry involved disclosure (and not use or collection) of personal information. [MCYS]: Ministry of Children and Youth Services [IPC]: Information and Privacy Commissioner
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The global healthcare industry is increasingly embracing digital technologies, such as cloud, Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT), remote monitoring, and more, to deliver the best patient care. However, as more digital technologies are utilized, the greater potential there is for cyberattack. Healthcare data is particularly sensitive to cyberattack, since healthcare cyber breaches often involve loss of sensitive personal information and medical records. Digitally-connected medical devices are also susceptible to cyberattack, and interference with how these devices operate could potentially lead to patient harm or even death. Health system data breaches have occurred in the past and continue to occur. In 2019, there were 510 healthcare breaches of 500 records or more (up from 371 in 2018) reported to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which in total affected over 41 million patient records. Read More
In 2024, the most common type of cybercrime reported to the United States internet Crime Complaint Center was phishing, with its variation, spoofing, affecting approximately 193,000 individuals. In addition, over 86,000 cases of extortion were reported to the IC3 during that year. Dynamic of phishing attacks Over the past few years, phishing attacks have increased significantly. In 2024, over 193,000 individuals fell victim to such attacks. The highest number of phishing scam victims since 2018 was recorded in 2021, approximately 324 thousand.Phishing attacks can take many shapes. Bulk phishing, smishing, and business e-mail compromise (BEC) are the most common types. With the recent development of generative AI, it has become easier to craft a believable phishing e-mail. This is currently among the top concerns of organizations leaders. Impact of phishing attacks Among the most targeted industries by cybercriminals are healthcare, financial, manufacturing, and education institutions. An observation carried out in the fourth quarter of 2024 found that software-as-a-service (SaaS) and webmail was most likely to encounter phishing attacks. According to the reports, almost a quarter of them stated being targeted by a phishing scam in the measured period.
This study examined safety and security in Finnish schools as well as preparedness for safety disturbances and detrimental behaviour in the school environment. The respondents of the survey were rectors and vice rectors in Finnish primary and upper secondary schools. The study was commissioned and funded by the Institute of Criminology and Legal Policy at the University of Helsinki. Three different questionnaires were used to collect the data depending on the type of the institution (primary school, upper secondary school, combined primary and upper secondary school). The data were processed according to the questionnaire for primary schools because primary schools constituted the majority of responses, but variables specific to a certain type of institution are indicated in the data. First, the study charted background information concerning e.g. class sizes in the school, how long the respondent had worked for the school, which grades were taught in the school, and how many times during a given day students had to switch from one classroom to another. It was also queried whether a school social worker, a school psychologist and a school nurse/doctor visited the school at least once per week. The next questions covered the school environment with questions regarding whether a variety of phenomena occurred near the school premises, e.g. panhandling, littering, drug use/sale or vandalism. It was also charted which services and locations were found within 500 metres of the school building as well as what sort of security personnel worked at the school during and outside school hours. The respondents were also asked whether syringes or other items relating to drug use had been found on school premises during the school year 2015-2016. The next questions pertained to whether the school had adopted specific security-increasing practices, such as camera surveillance, access control in school buildings, personal user accounts and passwords for computers, restricted access to internet sites, anti-bullying campaigns, and collaboration with the police. It was also queried what sort of punishments the school used for student misbehaviour (e.g. removing a student from class, teacher-parent discussion, detention or expulsion). Next, incidents of criminal behaviour against the school and the school building were examined (e.g. intentional damage to school or staff property, breaking and entering into school premises, arson or attempted arson, harm to information systems). It was also asked if any crimes had been reported to the police and what the monetary extent of intentional damage to school property had been during the school year 2015-2016. Cases of defamation, violence or threat of violence against personnel were charted, as well as how many days staff members had spent absent from work due to these crimes during the school year 2015-2016. Different crimes against students were also charted, such as bicycle and cellphone thefts and violence, as well as whether these cases were reported to the police. Further questions were asked about the perpetrators and victims of violent crimes, such as their gender and national background, and whether the crime was motivated by e.g. skin colour or sexual orientation. Next, the study surveyed whether students or other persons had brought dangerous items, such as knives or other weapons, into school premises during school hours and whether the school had reported these incidents to the police. Certain phenomena, such as racism among students and between students and teachers, were also charted. General threats of violence not against any particular person were also examined as well as whether there was any sign that the maker of the threat would have been preparing to carry out the act. The respondents were also asked if the school had carried out different surveillance and security measures during the school year 2015-2016 (e.g. searching students' bags, clothes or lockers; confiscating dangerous items, alcohol or drugs) and whether these measures had prevented an act or threat of violence or if they had caused a threatening situation. Finally, it was queried whether any students or their parents had threatened the respondent or teachers with legal action or reported a crime to the police where the respondent or teachers were accused. In addition, the respondents' preparedness to report a student's crime to the police in two hypothetical situations was examined (a student paints a graffiti on the school's wall; a student hits another student in the face, causing bruises and bleeding from the nose). The study finally surveyed some more background information on e.g. gender, age, and how many years the respondent had worked as rector or vice rector.
As of October 2024, nearly four in 10 of surveyed adults in the United States encountered private data compromise as a result of using public Wi-Fi in a cafe or a restaurant. Hotels ranked second, while libraries followed as the third-least secure public Wi-Fi connections among all listed places.
In 2024, the number of data compromises in the United States stood at 3,158 cases. Meanwhile, over 1.35 billion individuals were affected in the same year by data compromises, including data breaches, leakage, and exposure. While these are three different events, they have one thing in common. As a result of all three incidents, the sensitive data is accessed by an unauthorized threat actor. Industries most vulnerable to data breaches Some industry sectors usually see more significant cases of private data violations than others. This is determined by the type and volume of the personal information organizations of these sectors store. In 2024 the financial services, healthcare, and professional services were the three industry sectors that recorded most data breaches. Overall, the number of healthcare data breaches in some industry sectors in the United States has gradually increased within the past few years. However, some sectors saw decrease. Largest data exposures worldwide In 2020, an adult streaming website, CAM4, experienced a leakage of nearly 11 billion records. This, by far, is the most extensive reported data leakage. This case, though, is unique because cyber security researchers found the vulnerability before the cyber criminals. The second-largest data breach is the Yahoo data breach, dating back to 2013. The company first reported about one billion exposed records, then later, in 2017, came up with an updated number of leaked records, which was three billion. In March 2018, the third biggest data breach happened, involving India’s national identification database Aadhaar. As a result of this incident, over 1.1 billion records were exposed.