In the first half of 2024, the share of health-related U.S. data breaches caused by hacking was ** percent, which marked a *** percent increase from 2023, reaching its highest rate since 2014.

Introduction

Hacking Statistics: In 2024, cybercrime continues to be a growing concern globally, with hacking as one of the most prevalent forms of cyber threats. Hackers have become increasingly sophisticated, targeting both individuals and organisations. The rise in digital activities has led to an increase in hacking incidents, affecting individuals, businesses, and governments worldwide.

Recent statistics reveal that hacking is responsible for a significant percentage of data breaches, which cause billions of dollars in damages. Understanding the latest hacking trends is crucial for implementing effective security measures to safeguard personal and organisational data.

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.

Objective: The rapid adoption of health information technology (IT) coupled with growing reports of ransomware, and hacking has made cybersecurity a priority in health care. This study leverages federal data in order to better understand current cybersecurity threats in the context of health IT.

Materials and Methods: Retrospective observational study of all available reported data breaches in the United States from 2013 to 2017, downloaded from a publicly available federal regulatory database.

Results: There were 1512 data breaches affecting 154 415 257 patient records from a heterogeneous distribution of covered entities (P < .001). There were 128 electronic medical record-related breaches of 4 867 920 patient records, while 363 hacking incidents affected 130 702 378 records.

Discussion and Conclusion: Despite making up less than 25% of all breaches, hacking was responsible for nearly 85% of all affected patient records. As medicine becomes increasingly interconnected and ...

Financial overview and grant giving statistics of Hacking the Workforce

Ethical Hacking Tool Market Outlook

The global market size for Ethical Hacking Tools was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 3.8 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5% during the forecast period. The growth of this market is driven by the increasing frequency of cyber-attacks, the rising importance of data security, and the growing adoption of advanced technologies across various sectors.

One of the primary growth factors for the Ethical Hacking Tool market is the escalating incidence of cyber threats and data breaches across the globe. Organizations are becoming increasingly aware of the need for robust security measures to protect sensitive information and critical infrastructure. Ethical hacking tools play a pivotal role in identifying vulnerabilities and enhancing the overall security posture, thus witnessing substantial demand from various industry verticals. The surge in remote work and the proliferation of IoT devices have further accentuated the need for advanced security solutions, contributing to the market's expansion.

Another significant growth driver is the stringent regulatory landscape and compliance requirements. Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are imposing rigorous data protection laws and security standards, compelling organizations to adopt ethical hacking tools to ensure compliance. For instance, regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States mandate stringent data security measures. This regulatory pressure is prompting enterprises to invest in ethical hacking solutions to avoid hefty fines and reputational damage.

The growing awareness and education about cybersecurity threats among enterprises and individuals are also fueling market growth. As cybersecurity becomes a board-level concern, businesses are increasingly investing in ethical hacking tools to perform proactive security assessments. Additionally, the rise of cybersecurity training programs and certifications is creating a skilled workforce capable of effectively utilizing these tools, thereby driving their adoption. The expanding cybersecurity ecosystem, comprising start-ups and established players, is fostering innovation and the development of advanced ethical hacking solutions.

Intranet Security Vulnerability Scanning Tools are becoming increasingly vital as organizations strive to protect their internal networks from potential threats. These tools are specifically designed to identify and assess vulnerabilities within an organization's intranet, ensuring that any weaknesses are addressed before they can be exploited by malicious actors. With the rise of remote work and the increasing reliance on internal networks for critical operations, the demand for robust intranet security solutions is on the rise. These tools not only help in safeguarding sensitive data but also play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and reliability of internal communication systems. As organizations continue to expand their digital infrastructure, the importance of intranet security vulnerability scanning tools cannot be overstated.

Regionally, North America holds a dominant position in the Ethical Hacking Tool market, driven by the high adoption of cybersecurity solutions and the presence of major market players. The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, attributed to the rapid digital transformation, increasing cyber threats, and growing investments in cybersecurity infrastructure. Europe also represents a substantial market share due to stringent data protection regulations and the proactive stance of organizations toward cybersecurity.

Type Analysis

The Ethical Hacking Tool market can be segmented by type into Network Security Tools, Web Application Security Tools, Wireless Security Tools, Database Security Tools, Cloud Security Tools, and Others. Network Security Tools are crucial for protecting data integrity and preventing unauthorized access to the network. These tools include firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and intrusion prevention systems (IPS). As organizations increasingly rely on complex network infrastructures, the demand for robust network security tools is on the rise. This segment is expected to maintain a significant market share, driven by the growing need to secure network environmen

Between November 2022 and October 2023, organizations in the education sector worldwide saw around 872 instances of data breaches caused by hacking. The professional industry ranked second, with 603 data breach cases in the measured period. Furthermore, hacking caused 598 data breach incidents in the finance sector.

The global ethical hacking service market is projected to reach a value of XXX million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of XX% during the forecast period of 2025-2033. The market is primarily driven by the increasing prevalence of cyber threats, the growing adoption of cloud and IoT technologies, and the rising awareness of data security among organizations. The increasing demand for ethical hackers to conduct penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and other security measures is further fueling market growth. Key trends shaping the ethical hacking service market include the emergence of AI-powered security tools, the rise of managed security services, and the growing emphasis on compliance and regulatory requirements. Additionally, the increasing adoption of DevOps and agile methodologies is creating opportunities for ethical hackers to integrate security into the software development process. The market is fragmented with a mix of established players and emerging startups offering specialized services. Major industry participants include Cyber​​SecOp, Under Defense, Redscan, Cynance, HackerOne, SKIT Cyber​​ Security, Kiwa, Ekco, Tekkis, and BreachLock.

Ethical Hacking Certification Market Outlook

The ethical hacking certification market size was valued at $2.3 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $7.8 billion by 2032, growing at a robust CAGR of 14.5% during the forecast period. The rapid surge in cyber threats, data breaches, and the increasing recognition of the importance of cybersecurity have been significant growth drivers for this market.

One of the principal growth factors in the ethical hacking certification market is the escalating frequency and sophistication of cyber threats. With every passing year, organizations across various domains face increasingly complex and targeted cyber-attacks. This has necessitated a corresponding rise in demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals who can anticipate, identify, and mitigate such threats. Ethical hacking certifications equip professionals with the knowledge and skills to protect enterprises from cyber adversaries, making these certifications highly sought after in the market.

Another key driver is the growing regulatory landscape around data protection and cybersecurity. With regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States, organizations are under pressure to ensure robust data protection mechanisms. Ethical hacking certifications provide assurance that cybersecurity professionals are well-versed in the latest regulations and best practices, thus enhancing the compliance capabilities of organizations. This regulatory push is likely to continue bolstering demand for certified ethical hackers.

Additionally, the increase in digital transformation initiatives across industries plays a substantial role in market growth. As more organizations move their operations online and adopt cloud-based services, their exposure to cyber risks grows exponentially. Ethical hacking certifications become crucial in such scenarios as they prepare professionals to safeguard digital assets and infrastructure. The ongoing digitalization trend, particularly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, underpins the sustained demand for ethical hacking certifications.

Regionally, North America holds the largest share in the ethical hacking certification market, driven by its robust technological infrastructure and significant investments in cybersecurity. The Asia Pacific region is projected to witness the highest growth rate, fueled by increasing cyber threats and rising awareness about cybersecurity in emerging economies like India and China. Europe is also a significant market, with stringent data protection laws driving the need for certified ethical hackers. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are expected to see moderate growth due to improving cybersecurity awareness and infrastructure.

Certification Type Analysis

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is one of the most recognized and widely pursued certifications in the ethical hacking domain. Developed by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council), this certification provides comprehensive knowledge on how to think and act like a hacker. It covers a range of techniques and methodologies essential for ethical hacking, such as footprinting and reconnaissance, scanning networks, and enumeration. The CEH certification's broad curriculum and global recognition make it a popular choice among cybersecurity professionals and enterprises alike.

The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification is known for its rigorous and practical approach to ethical hacking. Unlike other certifications that focus more on theoretical knowledge, OSCP emphasizes hands-on experience and practical skills. Candidates are required to exploit vulnerabilities in a controlled environment, which tests their ability to perform under pressure. This practical approach makes OSCP highly regarded among employers seeking proficient and experienced ethical hackers. The certification's challenging nature ensures that only those with a deep understanding of penetration testing and cybersecurity principles succeed, adding to its prestige.

The GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) certification, offered by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), is another significant credential in the ethical hacking space. GPEN focuses on penetration testing methodologies and techniques, including reconnaissance, vulnerability scanning, exploitation, and post-exploitation. The certification is designed to validate a professional's ability to conduct thorough and effe

View Data Breach Notification Reports, which include how many breaches are reported each year and the number of affected residents.

Description

The datasets demonstrate the malware economy and the value chain published in our paper, Malware Finances and Operations: a Data-Driven Study of the Value Chain for Infections and Compromised Access, at the 12th International Workshop on Cyber Crime (IWCC 2023), part of the ARES Conference, published by the International Conference Proceedings Series of the ACM ICPS.

Using the well-documented scripts, it is straightforward to reproduce our findings. It takes an estimated 1 hour of human time and 3 hours of computing time to duplicate our key findings from MalwareInfectionSet; around one hour with VictimAccessSet; and minutes to replicate the price calculations using AccountAccessSet. See the included README.md files and Python scripts.

We choose to represent each victim by a single JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) data file. Data sources provide sets of victim JSON data files from which we've extracted the essential information and omitted Personally Identifiable Information (PII). We collected, curated, and modelled three datasets, which we publish under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

1. MalwareInfectionSet
We discover (and, to the best of our knowledge, document scientifically for the first time) that malware networks appear to dump their data collections online. We collected these infostealer malware logs available for free. We utilise 245 malware log dumps from 2019 and 2020 originating from 14 malware networks. The dataset contains 1.8 million victim files, with a dataset size of 15 GB.

2. VictimAccessSet
We demonstrate how Infostealer malware networks sell access to infected victims. Genesis Market focuses on user-friendliness and continuous supply of compromised data. Marketplace listings include everything necessary to gain access to the victim's online accounts, including passwords and usernames, but also detailed collection of information which provides a clone of the victim's browser session. Indeed, Genesis Market simplifies the import of compromised victim authentication data into a web browser session. We measure the prices on Genesis Market and how compromised device prices are determined. We crawled the website between April 2019 and May 2022, collecting the web pages offering the resources for sale. The dataset contains 0.5 million victim files, with a dataset size of 3.5 GB.

3. AccountAccessSet
The Database marketplace operates inside the anonymous Tor network. Vendors offer their goods for sale, and customers can purchase them with Bitcoins. The marketplace sells online accounts, such as PayPal and Spotify, as well as private datasets, such as driver's licence photographs and tax forms. We then collect data from Database Market, where vendors sell online credentials, and investigate similarly. To build our dataset, we crawled the website between November 2021 and June 2022, collecting the web pages offering the credentials for sale. The dataset contains 33,896 victim files, with a dataset size of 400 MB.

Credits Authors

• Billy Bob Brumley (Tampere University, Tampere, Finland)
• Juha Nurmi (Tampere University, Tampere, Finland)
• Mikko Niemelä (Cyber Intelligence House, Singapore)

Funding

This project has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under project numbers 804476 (SCARE) and 952622 (SPIRS).

Alternative links to download: AccountAccessSet, MalwareInfectionSet, and VictimAccessSet.

"This report is a collaborative research effort by the cyber security authorities of five nations: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and USA. In it we highlight the use of five publicly-available tools, which have been used for malicious purposes in recent cyber incidents around the world. To aid the work of network defenders and systems administrators, we also provide advice on limiting the effectiveness of these tools and detecting their use on a network."

The global password hacking software market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks and the rising demand for robust cybersecurity solutions. While precise market size figures for 2025 are unavailable in the provided data, considering typical growth trajectories in the cybersecurity sector and a reasonable estimation based on available CAGR data, let's assume a market size of approximately $2.5 billion for 2025. This substantial market is projected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors including the proliferation of connected devices, the increasing complexity of cyber threats targeting individual users and organizations, and the growing need for ethical hacking and penetration testing to bolster cybersecurity defenses. The market's segmentation reveals a strong reliance on cloud-based solutions, reflecting the trend towards remote work and the accessibility of cloud-based tools. Cybersecurity professionals and law enforcement agencies constitute major consumer segments, underscoring the critical role password hacking software plays in both offensive and defensive cybersecurity strategies. The diverse range of software applications, from brute-force crackers to more sophisticated tools utilizing rainbow tables and dictionary attacks, points to a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape. The market's geographic distribution is expected to show significant variation, with North America and Europe holding the largest market shares initially, driven by advanced technological infrastructure and stringent data protection regulations. However, rapidly developing economies in Asia Pacific and regions like the Middle East and Africa are poised to exhibit higher growth rates, due to increasing digital adoption and a growing awareness of cybersecurity threats. The growth is, however, likely to be tempered by factors such as increasing regulatory scrutiny of password cracking tools, ethical concerns surrounding their misuse, and the ongoing development of more robust password protection technologies. The evolution of multi-factor authentication and increasingly sophisticated password management techniques may present a challenge to the long-term growth trajectory of the market, although the overall demand is expected to remain high for the foreseeable future given the persistent threat landscape.

The dataset contains year-, state- and city-wise historically compiled data on the number of cyber crimes committed in violation of Information Technology Act (IT Act) in Indian cities with over one million population. The different types of cyber crimes covered in the dataset include Tampering Computer Source documents, Cyber Terrorism, Publication or transmission of obscene or sexually explicit act in electronic form, Interception or Monitoring or decryption of Information, Unauthorized access or attempt to access to protected computer system, Abetment to Commit Offences, Publication or Transmission of Obscene or Sexually Explicit Act, etc. in Electronic Form, Breach of Confidentiality or Privacy and Disclosure of Information in Breach of Lawful Contract , Hacking, Obscene Publication or Transmission in Electronic Form, Failure in Obtaining Licence or Digital Signature by misrepresentation or suppression of fact, Publishing false digital Signature Certificate, Fraud Digital Signature, Breach of confidentiality or privacy, other computer related offences such as Ransomware, Offences other than Ransomware, Dishonestly receiving stolen computer resource or communication device, Identity Theft, Cheating by personation by using computer resource, Violation of Privacy, Failure Of compliance or orders of certifying Authority, To assist to decoy or the information in interception by Government Agency, Hacking crimes such as Loss or damage to computer resource or utility, Publication or transmission of Obscene or Sexually Explicit Act in Electronic Form involving Children and Adults, etc.

Financial overview and grant giving statistics of Hacking Autism Inc.

Ethical Hacking-as-a-Service Market Outlook

According to the latest research, the global Ethical Hacking-as-a-Service market size reached USD 1.82 billion in 2024, registering a robust year-on-year growth. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 17.6% from 2025 to 2033, with the forecasted market size projected to hit USD 8.02 billion by 2033. This remarkable growth trajectory is largely driven by the escalating frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks, compelling organizations worldwide to proactively identify and mitigate vulnerabilities through specialized ethical hacking services. As per our latest research, the increasing adoption of digital transformation initiatives, stringent regulatory mandates, and heightened awareness of cybersecurity risks are fueling the sustained expansion of the Ethical Hacking-as-a-Service market.

One of the primary growth factors propelling the Ethical Hacking-as-a-Service market is the surge in cyber threats targeting enterprises of all scales and across various industry verticals. The proliferation of ransomware, phishing, and advanced persistent threats has heightened the urgency for organizations to assess and strengthen their security postures. Ethical hacking services, delivered by certified professionals, enable businesses to simulate real-world cyberattacks, uncover hidden vulnerabilities, and implement effective remediation strategies. The growing reliance on cloud computing, remote workforces, and interconnected devices has expanded the attack surface, necessitating comprehensive penetration testing and vulnerability assessment solutions. This evolving threat landscape is pushing both public and private sector organizations to allocate higher budgets for proactive cybersecurity measures, thereby driving the demand for Ethical Hacking-as-a-Service.

Another significant driver for the Ethical Hacking-as-a-Service market is the increasingly complex regulatory environment governing data privacy and information security. Regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) impose strict requirements on organizations to safeguard sensitive data and maintain robust security controls. Failure to comply can result in severe financial penalties and reputational damage. Ethical hacking services play a critical role in helping organizations meet these compliance obligations by identifying security gaps, testing incident response protocols, and demonstrating due diligence to regulators. As regulatory scrutiny intensifies across regions and industries, the demand for third-party security assessments and continuous penetration testing is expected to rise sharply.

The rapid digitalization of business operations and the proliferation of emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and blockchain are also contributing to the expansion of the Ethical Hacking-as-a-Service market. As organizations embrace digital transformation, they face new security challenges associated with complex IT infrastructures, cloud migrations, and hybrid environments. Ethical hackers are increasingly called upon to assess the security of web applications, APIs, mobile platforms, and IoT ecosystems. The growing adoption of DevSecOps practices and the integration of security into the software development lifecycle are further driving the need for continuous, automated penetration testing services. This trend is expected to create significant opportunities for Ethical Hacking-as-a-Service providers to deliver scalable, on-demand solutions tailored to the evolving needs of modern enterprises.

From a regional perspective, North America currently dominates the Ethical Hacking-as-a-Service market, accounting for the largest share in 2024, followed closely by Europe and Asia Pacific. The presence of major technology players, high cybersecurity awareness, and substantial investments in digital infrastructure are key factors supporting market growth in these regions. Asia Pacific, in particular, is witnessing rapid adoption of ethical hacking services due to the expansion of the IT and telecommunications sector, increasing regulatory mandates, and a surge in cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also emerging as promising markets, driven by growing digitalization efforts and heightened focus on cybersecurity resilience. As organizations across all regions prioritize proactive security meas

Written as part of a commentary on this PeerJ PrePrint: https://peerj.com/preprints/1266/

A focus on novel, confirmatory, and statistically significant results leads to substantial bias in the scientific literature. One type of bias, known as “p-hacking,” occurs when researchers collect or select data or statistical analyses until nonsignificant results become significant. Here, we use text-mining to demonstrate that p-hacking is widespread throughout science. We then illustrate how one can test for p-hacking when performing a meta-analysis and show that, while p-hacking is probably common, its effect seems to be weak relative to the real effect sizes being measured. This result suggests that p-hacking probably does not drastically alter scientific consensuses drawn from meta-analyses.

Usage Notes

Data from: The extent and consequences of p-hacking in scienceThis zip file consists of three parts. 1. Data obtained from text-mining and associated analysis files. 2. Data obtained from previously published meta-analyses and associated analysis files. 3. Analysis files used to conduct meta-analyses of the data. Read me files are contained within this zip file.FILES_FOR_DRYAD.zip

Hacker News posts and comments

This is a dataset of all HN posts and comments, current as of November 1, 2023.

Ethical Hacking-as-a-Service Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global Ethical Hacking-as-a-Service market size reached USD 2.87 billion in 2024, with a robust year-on-year growth rate driven by escalating cyber threats and regulatory compliance demands. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 18.1% from 2025 to 2033, projecting a value of USD 13.22 billion by 2033. This significant growth is primarily fueled by increasing digital transformation initiatives across industries, heightened awareness of cybersecurity risks, and the proliferation of sophisticated cyber-attacks targeting both public and private sector organizations.

The principal growth factor for the Ethical Hacking-as-a-Service market is the exponential rise in cyber threats and data breaches, which have compelled organizations to proactively assess and fortify their digital infrastructures. As businesses increasingly migrate to cloud environments and adopt advanced digital technologies, the attack surface for potential cybercriminals expands, making vulnerability identification and remediation imperative. Ethical hacking services, including penetration testing and vulnerability assessments, enable organizations to preemptively discover and mitigate security weaknesses, thus safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining customer trust. Furthermore, the growing sophistication of cyber adversaries, who now deploy AI-driven attacks and exploit zero-day vulnerabilities, has accentuated the need for continuous and comprehensive security testing, thereby driving market demand.

Another significant driver is the tightening regulatory landscape worldwide, which mandates organizations to implement stringent cybersecurity measures and demonstrate compliance with standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and ISO 27001. Failure to comply can result in severe financial penalties and reputational damage, incentivizing organizations to invest in third-party ethical hacking services. These services provide independent verification of security controls, support compliance audits, and generate detailed reports required for regulatory submissions. Moreover, the increasing frequency of high-profile breaches, particularly in sectors such as BFSI, healthcare, and government, has amplified the importance of regular security assessments, making ethical hacking an integral component of enterprise risk management strategies.

The rapid adoption of digital transformation initiatives across various industries is also propelling the growth of the Ethical Hacking-as-a-Service market. Organizations are leveraging emerging technologies such as IoT, artificial intelligence, and blockchain to innovate and streamline operations. However, these advancements introduce new vulnerabilities and complexities, necessitating specialized security expertise. Ethical hacking service providers offer tailored solutions that address industry-specific threats and compliance requirements, enabling organizations to innovate securely. Additionally, the shift towards remote work and hybrid environments has further expanded the threat landscape, prompting enterprises to prioritize proactive security assessments and invest in managed ethical hacking services for continuous protection.

From a regional perspective, North America remains the dominant market for Ethical Hacking-as-a-Service, accounting for over 38% of the global market share in 2024. The region’s leadership is attributed to the presence of major technology players, early adoption of advanced cybersecurity solutions, and stringent regulatory frameworks. Europe follows closely, driven by GDPR compliance and increasing cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure. The Asia Pacific region is experiencing the fastest growth, with a projected CAGR of 21.3% through 2033, fueled by rapid digitalization, expanding internet penetration, and rising awareness of cybersecurity best practices among enterprises. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also witnessing steady growth, primarily due to increasing investments in digital infrastructure and government-led cybersecurity initiatives.