Every day, billions of attempts are made to break into your digital space. It’s like an ongoing hide-and-seek game.

Concerning the number of people hacked yearly, around 2,220 cyberattacks are launched daily. This equates to 800,000+ attacks each year.

These hacking statistics aren’t just numbers; they’re snapshots of a digital battlefield where your personal information is the treasure and hackers are the pirates. And it’s not just about stealing secrets; it’s about disrupting your lives, finances, privacy, or everything else.

These facts remind us to be cyber-savvy adventurers, guarding our digital castles with firewalls and strong passwords. They encourage tech wizards to create new spells (better cybersecurity) to keep digital dragons at bay. Although these hacking statistics might shiver down your spine, they also nudge you to stick with your peers in this digital frontier. Let’s look at what the facts tell us.

Eye-opening Hacking Statistics

1. Negotiated Credentials Were Involved in 20% of the Cyber Attacks.

One out of every five cyber-attacks happens because someone’s digital keys got stolen. It’s like leaving your house key under the doormat—except it’s your sensitive information at risk instead of your house. These compromised credentials open the door for cyber intruders, giving them a free pass to wreak havoc on your digital life. These statistics remind you to strengthen your passwords, change them every few months, and stay vigilant because protecting your passwords is as essential as locking the doors to your home.

2. New and Small Businesses Report Attacked by Phishing Scams or Hackers Every 11 Seconds.

Within the blink of an eye, a small business somewhere is under siege by an online robber. It takes just 11 seconds for these cyber scoundrels to strike like clockwork, targeting the heart of someone’s entrepreneurial dream. It’s like a relentless game of digital cat and mouse, where these small businesses, often the backbone of communities, are left vulnerable. It’s a stark reminder that in this digital age, safeguarding these businesses isn’t just about protecting profits; it’s about preserving livelihoods and the spirit of entrepreneurship.

3. Human Mistakes or Errors Led to 95% of Data Breaches.

Almost all data breaches happen because of simple human slip-ups. It’s like misplacing keys to a treasure chest—except this treasure chest holds sensitive information. These errors, whether clicking on the wrong link or sharing info where it shouldn’t go, open the floodgates for cyber trouble. It’s not just about machines; regular folks unintentionally leave the back door open for digital intruders. It’s a reminder that behind every breach stat, there’s a missed step, a moment of oversight. But it also means we can tighten these digital locks through awareness and caution.

4. Identifying a Security Breach Takes More Than 206 Days.

Digital security breaches are the hidden leaks of the cyber world, often evading detection for extended periods while attackers operate unnoticed. According to statistics, identifying a network infiltration or data hack takes an average of 206 days. Rather than sudden, overt intrusions, cyber threats typically encroach through incremental, covert means. Hackers lurk in unseen server crevices and buried data folders like shadowy invaders, quietly stealing and unravelling from within. When their presence is uncovered, the confidential damage may already be done. This stark reality check underscores a key truth of the digital domain: an absence of visible threats does not equal safety.

5. Most Americans (Over 56%) Couldn’t do Anything When Their Accounts Were Hacked.

Life online has made all things tech second nature—until something goes wrong. We dread the whole “I got hacked!” nightmare. Shocking data says more than 50% of Americans have no clue what to do if their personal information or accounts get attacked. Can you blame us? It’s like getting lost in a terrifying digital maze with no map to guide you. Getting directly hit by hackers is bad enough. But not knowing where even to start fixing things? That helplessness can paralyze you just as much as the hack itself. Without anyone spelling out the next step options, you feel stranded, grasping for any lifeline to regain control. Even basic awareness around first-response choices could empower everyday folks when disaster strikes. But right now, too many of us are left in the dark.

6. Globally, 78% of Folks Generally Worry About Information Privacy.

You’re not the only one worried about your info floating around the digital universe. Almost 80% of people globally feel anxious about online privacy. Talk about a universal sentiment! It’s a giant, collective whisper questioning who has access to our data and what they do with it. And this isn’t just a random blip of paranoia, either. It’s more like a booming global chorus line echoing shared concerns over how safe our privacy is. These digital jitters cross borders and cultures, too! Billions of voices, different languages, and the same core issue resonate.

7. Almost Half of Individuals Worldwide Believe Their Personal Information is Worthless to Hackers.

Two out of five folks think their data isn’t even on a hacker’s radar. It’s like thinking your spare change isn’t valuable until you realize it’s the key to someone else’s treasure. These two out of five folks might believe their data isn’t gold, but in the hands of hackers, even the smallest puzzle piece can unlock a bigger picture. It’s a wake-up call that our information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, holds immense value in the eyes of those looking to exploit it.

Statistics on Current Hackings

8. 2.2 Million People Have Reported Internet Crimes and Cyberattacks to the FBI in the Past Five Years.

Can you believe the FBI got slammed with over 2.2 million internet crime complaints in the last five years alone? Talk about an unrelenting firehose of SOS digital distress calls! And each number represents a real person getting their online world rocked by hacks, frauds, or privacy attacks. This statistic drives home how inescapably huge the daily cyber threat landscape has become. Our digital lives need some serious extra guards and shields to weather this nonstop storm. And here’s the thing: The internet‘s evolution isn’t slowing down anytime soon, meaning the crimes and schemes mutating out there will get more advanced and relentless, too.

9. In the First Quarter of 2020, Security Breaches Soared by a Staggering 273% Compared to the Same Period in the Previous Year.

Securities breaches have become relentless, like witnessing a sudden avalanche of digital breaches, an alarming surge catching everyone off guard. They represent a sharp spike in cyber intrusions, signalling a growing vulnerability in our digital defences. The 273% rise in these breaches represents a stark wake-up call, underscoring the urgency to stay ahead in the ever-evolving battle against cyber threats. This exponential rise is a stark reminder that the digital landscape is constantly shifting, demanding proactive measures to safeguard against escalating risks.

10. Phishing Websites have Skyrocketed by 130.5% Over the Past Few Years.

The swarm of online trickery has suddenly multiplied, making it harder to spot the real from the fake. Cyber crooks are crafty, setting up these deceitful sites to lure folks in. Hackers are getting better at the game, dishing out more phishing sites, with a hike rate of 130.5% in the past year. 

11. Within Just Six Months in 2020, a Mind-blowing 36 Billion Records Got Exposed, Like Whispers of Secrets Suddenly Shouted Out.

Data breaches became overwhelmingly high in 2020, leaving over 36 million records vulnerable to bad players. This surge in breaches screams for better ways to keep our info safe and for everyone to be more aware online.

12. Cyber Thieves all have Price Tags for Our Digital Identities on the Dark Web, With a Social Security Number Going for $1, Passports Reaching up to $2,000, and Credit Card Numbers Selling for About $110. 

Your credit card digits can fetch a hacker up to $110, your financial life bundled in digits. Passports and gateways to our world cost up to $2,000—a hefty fee for someone else’s journey into our existence. These alarming values expose the grim reality of online black markets, where personal data becomes currency, emphasizing the dire need for stringent cybersecurity measures and heightened awareness to safeguard our digital identities from such commodification.

Statistics on Hacking Cost

13. The world’s bracing for a digital storm—by 2025, cyber-attacks are set to cause a jaw-dropping $10.5 trillion in damage. 

14. Surprisingly, small businesses, though they’re only hit 4% of the time, suffer the most financially, losing around $5.1 million per attack. 

15. Identity thefts suck $15 billion from folks’ pockets every year in the US alone. It’s not just money; it’s the turmoil it brings—disrupted lives and shattered trust in our digital systems. 

16. In 2019, healthcare took a $25 billion hit from cyber intruders, who breached patient privacy and shaken their faith in the system. Behind these numbers are real stories—heartbreak, financial ruin, and trust shattered into pieces. 

17. Each hacked account costs companies an average of $146, a constant drain on their money and reputation. Ransomware’s a cruel captor, demanding an average of $1.85 million per attack, leaving organizations scrambling to recover.

18. Phishing hacks are becoming the most prevalent of all cyber attacks, accounting for approximately 80% of complaints globally.

19. The majority (about 80%) of digital crimes go unreported, with only 5% of cyber criminals receiving punishment for their evil deeds.

However, strong cybersecurity, knowing the risks, and standing strong are your shields and can help you fight hacking. You’ve got to adapt, innovate, and strategize new plans against these digital villains. 

Statistics On Email and Social Media Hacking

20. Over half of hackers use big-name brands or companies to trick their victims. It’s like a wolf in sheep’s clothing—deceiving and playing on your trust. 

21. And can you believe it? Out of every 4,200 emails we receive, one could be a sneaky phishing scam. It’s like trying to spot a needle in a haystack, except the needle’s out to get us.

22. Those tricky emails often include attachments ending in .doc or .exe—about 37% and 19.5% of the time, respectively. It’s like they’re hiding danger behind innocent-looking files. 

23. 94% of the harmful stuff we get bombarded with comes through emails. It’s like a battlefield right in our inbox.

24. Ever gotten those pop-up surveys or requests online? Well, 1 out of every 13 might be hiding malware. It’s like trying to express interest in something and getting a virus as a ‘thank you’—not exactly what we signed up for.

25. Privacy concerns are hitting hard. Imagine this: around 11% of people have hit the ‘delete’ button on their social media accounts out of worries about privacy. 

26. And here’s the kicker—1 in 3 adults in the US don’t trust social media to keep their information safe. It’s like feeling exposed in a crowded room.

27. Also, about 30% of us unintentionally open phishing emails. Of those, 12% end up clicking on the links inside. It’s like stumbling into a trap without realizing it until it’s too late.

Statistics on IoT Hacking

28. Can you imagine? Every month, around 5,200 cyber-attacks hit IoT devices like smart home gadgets. It’s like a constant siege on our digital helpers, disrupting our everyday lives.

29. Surprisingly, nearly 3% of smartphone users have at least one risky app. It’s like having a small crack in our digital armour, leaving a door open for trouble.

30. Get this: on average, it takes just 5 minutes for hackers to break into an IoT device. That’s quicker than making a cup of coffee—a scary reality check.

31. If you’ve got cameras at home, listen to this: almost half of the hacked home devices are cameras. Losing control of our eyes at home is a major invasion of privacy.

32. You might be surprised to hear that most of these attacks come from just a handful of countries—China, the US, Brazil, Russia, and India. It’s like a digital game of tag with these places, each trying to outsmart the other.

33. Here’s a troubling fact: about half of all mobile phone calls are scams. It’s like dodging a barrage of unwanted sales pitches every time the phone rings.

Stats on Historical Hackings and Breaches

34. In 2013, over 3 billion Yahoo accounts were compromised, sending shockwaves online. 

35. In 2020, Marriott faced another blow, exposing personal data from 5.2 million guests, following a breach affecting over half a billion accounts just a few years earlier.

36. Equifax’s breach impacted nearly 148 million customers, costing the company $4 billion. 

37. Uber‘s 2016 breach affected 57 million users, and to cover it up, they attempted to pay off the hackers—a move that raised serious concerns.

38. But it’s not just about data—2020 marked a tragic turn when a hospital in Germany faced a cyber-hack, causing the world’s first cyber death due to an IT failure. It’s a haunting reminder of the real-life consequences of these cyber threats.

39. Facebook’s 2018 breach affected over 30 million accounts, leaving only a million untouched. It’s like a digital storm where only a fortunate few find shelter while others face the harsh fallout. These breaches aren’t just numbers; they’re stories of lives disrupted, trust shattered, and the daunting realities of our interconnected world.

Conclusion 

These hacking statistics aren’t just numbers on a page; they tell stories of trust betrayed, lives upended, and vulnerabilities laid bare. It’s a wake-up call to band together, step up our digital defences, and keep our online world safer. The urgency of beefing up cybersecurity couldn’t be clearer. It’s not just about saving billions for companies; it’s about shielding everyday users from the havoc of cyber assaults. Strengthening these defences isn’t just a financial move; it’s about safeguarding everyone’s digital world from ruthless attacks.

FAQs

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Online dating is the most common way to meet people, which unfortunately paves the way for scams and frauds, as the latest romance scam statistics show. The devastating figures and trends are a testament to how far malicious actors will go to get rich.

When we dove into these statistics, we were stunned to see how much money millions of people lost in the last few years as a result of romance fraud.

For our romance scam statistics investigation, we went through several law enforcement reports by authorities worldwide, as well as guides and reports by private companies, and news stories from around the world. We dive into romance fraud statistics by region, types of romance scams, and explore how you can avoid falling victim to this devastating type of fraud.

Key Romance Scam Statistics

Romance Scam Statistics by Region

Bad actors like The Tinder Swindler are praying on the vulnerable in every part of the world, and romance fraud is no exception. While many romance scams originate in Africa, such as Nigeria and Ghana, there are plenty of them in other countries as well.

In this section, we study romance scam statistics in different parts of the world, including the most common types of dating fraud and the financial side of the crimes.

USA & Canada

The number of reported romance scams in the US has been on the rise since 2017. In 2022, the figure reached 73,000 reported cases, which is more than double the number of reports filed in 2020.

The cumulative amount of reported financial losses resulting from romance scams in the US in 2022 was $1.3 billion, with the median amount being $4,400. These staggering figures demonstrate that financial losses from scams more than doubled since 2021, when consumers lost a total of $547 million to romance scammers in the US.

In terms of reported romance scams by US state, California saw the largest number in 2022 – 9,133, to be precise. Texas and Florida come second and third, with 5,642 and 5,472 cases, respectively. And, as you can see from our infographic, California was also the state with the biggest financial losses from romance scams in 2022, amounting to $193.7 million.

Florida victims bore losses of $85.02 million and Texas was at $80.65 million, according to Statista. Social Catfish stipulates that the average losses per victims in these states were as follows:

US vs Canada in Romance Statistics

A 2022 study by Social Catfish confirms these three states to be the states with the most romance scams. Vermont had the least amount of reported cases (28), with the fewest losses ($373,468). However, the New England state is in the minority, as it’s one of the only three states (including Wyoming and South Dakota) where romance scam losses were below $1 million in 2022.

The FBI reports from 2021 and 2022 also present a grim picture: the Internet Crimes Complaints Center received reports from almost 25,000 romance scam victims who lost over $950 million. In 2022, the number of victims was 19,021, and they collectively lost over $735 million to romance scams.

For Canada, the statistics are no less devastating. In 2021, romance scams were the second-most prolific scams in Canada, with Canadians losing over $41 million to them. In 2022, the number of romance scams went up 40%, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center, and the victims lost over $59 million. The figures for 2023, released recently, suggest that the losses in 2023 amounted to $41 million.

Demographics

Who is the typical victim of a romance scam?

Short answer – it can happen to anybody, regardless of age, gender, and sexual orientation. While it’s true that a significant proportion of victims of romance fraud (32%) are in their 50s and 60s, as you can see from the IC3 pie chart above, they’re far from the only ones.

In fact, FTC reports that the most common victims of sextortion in romance scams are aged 18-29, and they’re six times more likely to report the crime than people over 30.

As for gender, many reports stipulate that both men and women can become victims of romance scams. Statista tells us that, in 2022, there were more male (59%) than female (44%) dating app users in the US that believed they were victims of romance fraud.

UK

Romance scammers are also rampant in the UK. In 2021, there were almost 8,000 romance scams reported to Action Fraud. Also, 38% of Brits reported that someone they met online had asked them for money.

What’s more shocking, however, is that 57% of the Brits who were asked for money online sent it, proving how conniving romance scammers can be. These scams resulted in British people losing over £15 million to the fraudsters in the first six months of 2021 alone.

Figures from the UK watchdog Action Fraud are even more devastating: according to them, 2021 saw losses of £95.1 million to romance scams alone.

In 2022, romance scams made up 29% of all scams carried out in the UK, and the number of romance scams grew 30% compared to the year before. Some banks, like TSB and Lloyds, conducted studies of average losses of romance scams in 2022:

Demographics

Banks’ studies of romance scams in 2023 paint a similar picture. For example, research by Santander tells us that 31% of British people fell victim to a romance scam in 2023. And according to Lloyds, romance scams increased by 22% in 2023, compared to 2022.

Nationwide provides an even more staggering increase of 40% – although this figure specifically relates towards romance scams where the men are the victims. Indeed, British men reported more romance scams (52%) than women in 2023, according to Lloyds. However, women reported higher average losses of £9,083, compared to men’s lower average loss of £5,145.

In terms of age, an Action Fraud report from 2021 stipulates that victims aged 50-59 made up 20% of all romance fraud victims in the UK. People aged 40-49 and 30-39 made up 18% and 17% of victims, respectively.

However, the founders of LoveSaid fraud center said that the youngest romance scam victim they worked with was 16 and the oldest over 80, further proving that all age groups are at risk of romance fraud.

APAC

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region isn’t immune to romance scams either. For example, 2022 saw Australians report almost 3,700 instances of romance fraud to Scamwatch, with total losses of $40.6 million. A lion’s share of these losses ($13 million) was suffered by victims aged 65 and over.

As you can see from the infographic above, other countries are also suffering from romance scams. For instance, Singaporeans reported 868 cases of romance fraud in 2022, and in 2021, that figure exceeded 1,000.

In Hong Kong, law enforcement received 769 complaints in the first half of 2023, and they amounted to $52 million in losses. Many of these reports related to crypto romance scams (more on that later).

Dating App Romance Scams

In 2023, there were 381.48 million dating services users in the world, and that figure is expected to reach 452.47 million by 2028. With such a huge pool of potential markets, it’s unfortunately no surprise that romance scammers are making millions of dollars.

Studies tell us that 1 in 10 dating profiles is completely fake, and male profiles have a 21% higher chance to be fake than female ones. A lot of these fake profiles are often made with a nefarious purpose of fraud and extortion. 19% of romance scams in the US started on a dating website or an app in 2022, according to the FTC.

However, as we’ll see in the below section, scammers prefer social media to dating apps. That’s because dating services are increasingly introducing verification measures and fraud prevention measures to protect their users.

Social Media Romance Scams

According to the FTC, social media, rather than dating apps, is the most popular medium to perpetrate romance scams – 40% of victims were pursued via social networks in 2022. And in the UK, over 33% of all romance scams started on Facebook during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A 2021 study by Social Catfish confirms the popularity of Facebook for romance scams. Since many Facebook users today are aged 50 and above, it’s no surprise they’re one of the biggest target groups for romance fraudsters.

Many scammers also preferred Google Hangouts (Google Chat today), WhatApp, and Telegram, and often asked people they met on dating apps to move the conversation there.

Instagram is another perilous app in terms of romance fraud. Often, scammers steal photos of attractive people and love-bomb their potential victim with compliments. They commonly claim to be deployed overseas or be an oil rig worker and make excuses not to video chat or meet in person.

58% of American victims of romance scams that turned into sextortion named Instagram and Snapchat as the top offenders.

Crypto Romance Scams

Cryptocurrency is the second-most common form of payment demanded by romance scammers, after gift cards, and 19% of all romance scam losses in 2022 were in cryptocurrency. It’s also a common subject of romance scams.

Originally invented in China and known as “pig butchering,” the cryptocurrency romance scam involves building a relationship with a victim before convincing them to get involved in crypto trading. As they invest more and more into a bogus crypto platform, they encounter issues withdrawing the money, and fraudsters disappear by that point, along with the cash invested.

According to the FTC, cryptocurrency schemes were the most lucrative type of romance scams in 2021. With the median loss of $10,000 per consumer, the victims lost $139 million in crypto romance scams that year in total. That accounts for 25.4% of all the money lost to romance scams that year in the US alone.

12% of Americans who used dating apps have been exposed to pig butchering, according to Aura.

These staggering figures are a testament to the damage crypto romance scams can do. As recently as November 2023, the US Department of Justice seized nearly $9 million in Tether cryptocurrency tied to nearly 70 victims of the pig butchering scam perpetrated by an international network of criminals.

Some of the other prolific crypto romance scams are:

Military Romance Scams

Another common type of a romance scam is a military romance scam, where fraudsters pose as servicemen and emotionally manipulate their victim to extort money. Lying about being in the military was the third-most popular lie told by romance scammers in 2022.

Many romance scams a few years ago tended to feature one prominent figure from the US military who has no social media presence. And yet, photographs of the four-star general Stephen J. Townsend have been used to attempt to coerce people to give them money – either on Facebook or Tinder.

The scam got so prolific that the US army had to issue an imposter alert:

***IMPOSTER ALERT*** Gen Stephen J. Townsend, TRADOC CG, is NOT on Facebook, Twitter, Skype, Instagram, Google Hang Out, dating sites, chat rooms, etc. Below are examples of impostor accounts, these impostors attempt to harass & scam individuals. If you find one, report them! pic.twitter.com/PsPsAtfSVW

— U.S. Army TRADOC (@TRADOC) August 14, 2018

Of course, Townsend-related scams are far from the only ones. US military gets hundreds of romance scam alerts per month, and America is not the only country where they’re happening. Some of the most harrowing examples are below:

How To Avoid Falling Victim to a Romance Scam

These sobering statistics reveal the hard truth that anyone can fall victim to a romance scam, as the perpetrators are extremely smart and cunning. We at TechReport are conscious of that, which is why we put together this guide to how you can avoid falling for romance fraudsters.

Look Out For These Red Flags

A romance fraudster will likely try to build a relationship with you by sending you lots of compliments and moving very fast, even admitting they’re in love after only a few interactions. This is known as “lovebombing” and is a common tactic of abusers and scammers.

Another red flag, especially on dating apps, is them asking to move to other apps like Google Chat or Telegram very quickly – usually because “they hate using dating apps”. Scammers know that dating apps have increasingly strict verification and reporting tools, and using encrypted messaging apps is a way to bypass them.

Following that, scammers often refuse to use video chats or meet in person. Usually, that’s because they spoofed someone else’s attractive photos to get your attention. If that’s the case, run their photos through a reverse image search to see if they are who they say they are.

A big red flag is when fraudsters start asking for things like money. By providing an elaborate scenario, like the ones listed below, they try to convince you to send them money. Common requests include gift cards (24%), cryptocurrency (19%), payment apps (15%) and bank transfers (14%).

Watch Out for These Common Lies

The FTC put together a list of the most common lies told by romance fraudsters. The most common one, told by 24% of scammers is “I’m sick or I’m in jail or someone close to me is.” The military or oil rig lies are also very common, told by 18% and 6% of scammers, respectively.

Other common lies are:

Never Send Money to Strangers

Exclusive: A romance fraudster posing as Hollywood star Nicolas Cage conned a woman out of thousands of pounds – as reports of online dating scams soar during the pandemic https://t.co/3HY0ani6ml

— David Mercer (@DavidMercerSky) January 20, 2022

Treat it as a golden rule: never send money to people you’ve met online and never met in person. Often, scammers ask for anonymous payment methods, making it harder for you to recover. So, if someone you met online asks you for money, treat it as a scam.

Don’t Be Fooled by the Promises of Crypto

Dating is no place for investments. If someone on a dating app or social media offers you an investment opportunity or asks you to download some app, treat it as a red flag. Cryptocurrency investments are not a get-rich-quick scheme and require expertise and due diligence if you want to benefit from them properly.

Our Concluding Thoughts

When we dove into the law enforcement reports on romance scams, we were shocked to see the devastating statistics and figures. The horrific stories of people who went through romance scams made it very clear to us that such things can happen to anyone, however savvy you consider yourself to be.

For that reason, we’ve done our best to put together a comprehensive guide to romance scam statistics around the world and the most common types of romance fraud, from social media and dating apps to military romance fraud and pig butchering. We also created a guide to how you can avoid becoming a victim of a romance scam.

It’s our hope that this horrible thing will never happen to you. But if you believe that you’re experiencing romance fraud, remember that this isn’t your fault, and report it to the authorities, such as IC3 and Action Fraud.

Sources:

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Though cybersecurity awareness grows, study after study indicates escalating data breach activities against individuals and enterprises—2022 saw this sinister trend continue its upward climb globally at a record scale.

Data breach statistics show that the average cost increased by 2.6% to $4.35 million in 2022 from $4.24 million in 2021. In critical infrastructure organizations, however, the average cost of a data breach is $4.82 million. As society progresses firmly into the digital age, safely navigating its benefits and risks proves paramount.

This piece offers readers insight by examining the latest data breach statistics for 2024 and beyond. Learn crucial details surrounding prominent breach events, from root causes to victim impact spanning multiple industries. Additionally, discover expert predictions around emerging cyber threats on the horizon, along with proactive security controls organizations and private citizens can employ right now to help turn the tide against the rising data breach epidemic. Let’s dive in.

Key Data Breach Statistics

1. Breaches that result from phishing take as long as 295 days to get resolved.
2. Phishing attacks account for almost 22% of all cases of data breaches that happen today. 
3. Cloud-based Data breaches take up a large chunk of 45% of cases.
4.  Hospitals are not left out of the loop, as 30% of all data breaches occur there.
5.  A whole lot of accounting records, up to 42 million, got into the hands of strangers from March to February 2022.
6. Yahoo experienced its share of data breaches when an identity thief crept into its database, carting away information affecting 1 million persons. 
7.  Quarter one of 2022 won’t be quickly forgotten as it recorded 817 breaches in the United States. 
8. Up to 19% of planned data breaches were successful because the bad players got help from an insider. 
9. Studies show that 77% of businesses do not have the skills to help them resolve data breaches. 
10. Most of Facebook’s breach issues in 2019 resulted from data leakage.

Major Data Breach Statistics

1. Malware Attacks Have Risen More Than Ever Before in 2023.

There has been a rise in malware attacks today more than ever before. This is true as data shows a 2% rise in malware attacks year after year. Many experts think this trend is due to the rise of crypto-jacking and the activities related to the Internet of Things. 

2. Taking Note of a Breach Can Take As Long As 287 Days.

Spotting a data breach took an average of 287 days back in 2021. The delay was because of the lack of security expertise and how complex IT has grown. The complexity at which cyberattacks have grown is also one of the reasons for the lengthy time. 

3. Healthcare Bears 30% Brunt of Cyberattacks.

Hospitals, which ought to be a place of relief for many, are not in any way spared from the risk of data theft. Healthcare in 2021 suffered a heavy blow when a data breach hit 51% of hospitals. As large as 337 breaches took place in the first half of that same year. This caused a major setback for 19,992,810 people and brought the need to tighten cybersecurity in the sector. 

4. A Large Percentage of Malware Comes in Through Email.

Verizon’s findings show that most of the cybersecurity issues we have seen in the past were 94% from Email. These findings stemmed from real-life situations of 41,686 incidents and data breaches, reaching 2,013 over the same period. 

5. Our Errors As Humans Rear Up 88% of Data Breaches.

As humans, we are not above mistakes. Many may forget to log out from their devices, mistakenly disclose their password, or absent-mindedly click on bad links. In one way or another, these errors open a window for bad actors to infiltrate the system and steal one’s data. A study made by Stanford University shows that human errors are what causes 88% of the data breaches we experience today. 

6. Ransomware Victims Doubled Between April 2022 and the End of March 2023.

Bad people often inject malware to lock an individual or organization’s system, hindering access unless they pay a ransom. Records show that the number of times bad people use this antic has doubled, especially between April 2022 and March 2023

7. Picus Security Sent Out a Message to the United Kingdom FCA on Cybercrime.

Freedom of information (FOI) was sent to the financial conduct authority of the United Kingdom, requesting the agency to look into the rising cases of cybercrime, which has been pouring in for a couple of months. The FCA had 55 cases of material cyber issues on its desk in the first half of the year 2022. Several cases of cybercrime, precisely 25%, that occurred in 2022 were from distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. This was quite startling as it was just 4% at the close 2021. 

8. Data About 200 Million Voters Was Leaked Out in 2017.

The year 2017 will remain in the minds of many citizens of the United States for a long time. Up to 200 million voter data went viral online, which brought a question mark to the whole process. 

9. eBay Was Not Spared From the Menace, As 145 Million of Its Records Got leaked. 

The 2014 records of eBay got exposed to the public, causing 145 million of its data to be laid bare before hackers.

10. TJX Companies Inc. in 2007 Had a Breach that Carted Away 94 Million of its Records.

TJX, just like many others, witnessed a security breach that affected many records. As many as 94 million of the company’s records went into the hands of hackers in 2007. 

Data Breach Cost Statistics

11. Solving An Issue of Ransomware Can Cost An Average of $5.13 Million.

Times are changing, and so has the cost of fixing data breaches, which has risen in no small way. Getting off a ransomware attack cost an average of $5.13 million in 2023. This is 13% more than what it had cost last year. 

12. It Now Costs $165 Per Capita to Resolve a Single Case of Data Breach.

The average cost per capita in handling one case of breach is now a dollar higher than in 2022.

13. The Cost of Taking off Data Breaches From the Necks of Hospitals has Risen to $10.93 Million.

Healthcare has not been the same since 2020, as the cost to settle data breaches reached $10.93 million. For 13 years and counting, it has taken the spotlight in terms of ridding of data breaches. 

14. It Cost a Huge Amount of $4.95 Million to Completely take Away a Data Breach that Lasted Up to 200 Days.

Casting away a data breach that lasts up to 200 days can swallow up to $4.95 million.

15. Over 50% of the Time Spent Solving a Breach Comes in the Next Year.

Most businesses can get back 51% of the money they had spent on solving a breach of data issue in the next year.

16. 2023 has Much to Bring to Mind As the United States Takes a Large Chunk of Data Breach Cases.

The country, standing at $9.48, has spent the most on clearing off cases of data breaches in just 2023. The Middle East has been following closely with the trend, with $8.07 million as its average cost. 

17. A Jumbo Breach that Hits 60 Million Records Costs As Much As $332 Million.

Mega breaches, which are as high as 60 million records in 2023, cost an average of $332 million. This is low; it was $401 million just two years ago.

18. Hospitals Habitually Spend 64% More Just on Advertising After a Breach Hit.

Most healthcare centers will spend money on adverts after lying low for two years. This they do to gather more clients after the dust of a data breach has settled down.

19. The Costliest Attack Standing on the Web is Phishing, With $4.9 Million.

Phishing is now high in 2023, with costs taking up to $4.9 million to resolve.

20. Companies that Are Carefree on Data Breaches Use Up An Average of %5.05 Million.

Defiance to the rise of breaches does cost a business an average of $5.05 million to attend to an issue. This is way higher, with 12.6% of what companies that are mindful of attacks spend. 

Ways by Which Breaches Happen

21. Persons Who Work Within the Scope of An Organization Are the Reason for 83% of Data Breaches.

Most breach cases in businesses are schemes plotted by persons in the system. Up to 83% of breaches in companies worldwide come from an insider.

22. Quite a Large Number of People Started Stealing Data for Quick Money.

Money is the sole reason why 95% of people take the risk of hacking into companies’ records.

23. A Total of 95% of Records that Were Breached Arose From the Retail, Technology, and Government Sectors in 2016.

Like the retail and technology sectors, the government was dealt a huge blow with attacks from data hawks in 2016. These sectors made up 95% of the attacks over that year.

Lifecycle and Average Time of Response

24. Picking Out a Case of Data Breach Takes An Average of 204 days.

Almost all companies around the globe spend an average time of 204 days sorting out cases of data breaches.

25. It is Much Faster to Identify Cases Using Threat Intelligence.

Spotting out cases can never be faster than when you use threat intelligence in our world today.

26. Solving an Issue of Data Breach With a 200 Lifecycle Can Cost An Average of $1.02 Million.

Nothing can be so frustrating as going around the case of a data breach. An organization spends an average of $1.02 million to get a data breach off its back.

27. It Takes An Average of 73 Days to Contain a Case of Data Breach.

Clearing off an issue of a breach in data takes most firms an average of 73 days.

Data Breach and Remote Workers

28. Experts Say That Remote Work Has Caused a Rise in the Number of Cyber Attacks.

Cases of cyber-attacks have skyrocketed since the rise of remote work. The remote work trend now has its downside, with 91% of experts stating a rise in cyber attacks.

29. As High as 62% of Businesses Saw a Rise in Cyber Attacks Throughout the Pandemic.

As businesses strove to get over the storm of the pandemic, data thieves heightened their means to make money for themselves. Having a statistic of 62% was indeed a cause for alarm as most saw this as a duel of the fittest. Companies were further put on their toes in securing their database as many hunts to lay hold of it. 

Finance and Data Breach

30. It Costs An Average of $4.45 Million to Solve a Case of Financial Data Breach.

The finance sector, like others, year in and year out, is hit by this peril called data breach. Clearing off a case costs as much as $4.45 million today.

31. Beanstalk Farms Lost $180 Million in April 2022.

A finance site, Bean Stalk Farms, lost $180 million to a crypto raid.

32. Payments Made by Crypto Players Rose to Hit $449.1 Million During the First Part of 2023.

Attacks by ransomware on crypto were not in any way friendly, resulting in the loss of $449.1 million at the beginning of 2023. 

Conclusion

Data breaches are problems that have caused many companies to lose not just money but also the public’s confidence. It has become a cause of concern to many experts looking for the best ways to curb this menace. Many people have been victimized and left to bear the brute of these attacks. None can be said to have been spared from healthcare, delivery, or social media companies. Almost all facets of life have felt the hard blow from data breaches today. The world will see less of this menace in times to come when all hands are placed on deck.

FAQs

References

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Cybercrime is spreading like wildfire, and the digital economy is fueling these hackers more than ever before. As per the latest estimates, expert projections estimate cyberattack damages will grow 15% over the next three years.

Companies are panicking and spending insane amounts of money to protect themselves. They put over $150 billion towards security just a couple of years ago! Unchecked, attacks and losses continue to increase. Honestly, the full scale of this issue is scary, and the numbers likely underplay it. We need to talk about the cybercriminal explosion threatening everything we do online. Staying silent won’t help.

So consider this an invitation to get informed! We’ve assembled 2024’s latest cybercrime statistics and facts so you can finally understand these threats. Together, we’ll break down the most dangerous hacking techniques, map out high-risk scenarios, and unlock simple tips to protect yourself better.

Stick with me to avoid becoming their next victim. Let’s shed light on this creeping cybercrime wave before damage is done.

What Actions or Activities Fall into the Category of Cybercrime

Like a Cameleon, cybercrime can take different forms. The bad players come camouflaged in different ways and actions to confuse people and steal their funds. But here, we’ll look at the main kinds so you understand what they truly are. In simple terms, cybercrime is illegal digital activities that compromise online security. The most common examples are hacking into private systems, sharing computer viruses, or scamming innocent people online.

Even harassing someone online is also considered a cybercrime. We know it now, but it seems like the list is neverending. However, focusing on typical cases makes it less overwhelming. In all, cybercriminals take advantage of technology to cause harm or make money from innocent folks. Some other examples of cybercrime you need to be aware of:

• Hacking sensitive or important accounts to take people’s info. This happens mostly to large companies, where hackers try to steal important information from the enterprise.
• The next common type of cyberattack is through malware. This software is developed specifically to disrupt, destroy, or gain access to a victim’s company.
• Identity theft or impersonation is another huge one. This works when the scammers pretend to be real companies or someone to trick and steal your cash.
• There’s also another kind of cybercrime that involves crypto-jacking, crypto mining, etc.

The primary thing to do to avoid these online scams is to stay alert against shady online activity and guard your accounts, devices, and information.

Important Cybercrime Statistics

1. Ninety-five percent (90%) of online attacks happen because of natural human mistakes. These mistakes are things like weak passwords/pins or clicking suspicious links you don’t know about.
2. In 2016, nearly all the stolen records came directly from three sectors. These sectors are government, technology industries, and retail. So, if you’re in any of these fields, you must apply extra security measures.
3. Spies carry out ten percent (10%) of breaches, but 86% want money. This means that cybercrime pays crooks more than some other sectors do.
4. Since the Coronavirus pandemic, the FBI says that complaints concerning online crimes have tripled. According to the FBI, the cybercrime reports increased from one thousand to four thousand. Remember, this happens daily.
5. By 2025, according to Cybersecurity Ventures, cybercriminals will go home with over $10 trillion annually. The damages caused by cybercrime will be higher than the ones inflicted by natural disasters. Also, by then, online crime will be more profitable than the sales of illegal drugs globally.
6. Out of all companies’ files, only five percent are protected properly. No wonder data breaches spread faster like wildfire within the organization. Many of these enterprises fail to keep up with top security measures.
7. Nearly two-thirds of Americans don’t care about checking their devices to know if it’s being hacked. That’s a very risky move, as your devices are exposed to attacks.
8. The worst malware, virus, or worms is when a hacker attaches an executable file to emails. A victim can get this virus by clicking the link attached to an email message. Sometimes, when you open the mail, your computer system will get infected with these viruses.
9. Almost half of malicious email attachments disguise themselves as Microsoft Office files. This is the perfect Trojan Horse.

Stats About Online Crimes and Personal Information Leakage

As mentioned earlier, tons of cybercrime exists in today’s digital world. But, among all these crimes, data breaches are the most common. When we hear the word “data breaches,” what comes to mind is big companies sharing how hackers stole users’ information. But that’s not the case. Data breaches can affect any business. Whether hospitals, small entities, or even schools, they all have tasted a pound of flesh from online criminals. To understand the extent of this problem, let’s show you some important numbers on data breaches.

1. Over 500 Million Online Gamers Have Had Their Data Stolen in the Last Five Years.

As the gaming industry keeps expanding, hackers are creating more methods to milk victims. Also, with time, the industry will likely turn to hackers’ perfect playground to attack innocent gamers. Unfortunately, these hackers can steal anything, be it users’ credit cards or passwords. They do anything they can to get their hands on the target.

And the worst part is they even get away with these acts, which makes it too bad for gamers. But this is just a quarter of the gaming breaches that have happened before. So, how massive has this issue affected the industry? Ultimately, the gaming industry has become an easy target for hackers because of the amount of money entering nowadays. And the security method can keep up.

2. In 2019, Companies Spent Over $5 Million for Just One Data Breach Incident.

The amount is far bigger than the amount spent in 2018. Many organizations flush millions of dollars yearly to clean the mess caused by hackers. The average breach expense hit $8.64 million in 2020. This is almost double compared to 2019.

You might think the tech sector is the most affected, but no, it’s the banking and manufacturing that suffer badly. One out of five industries have had their data breached three years ago. Meanwhile, some users might worry about why this huge amount was spent on online crime damages. Well, the amount goes to legal fees, & IT security upgrades. But don’t forget the days that the affected businesses or companies have to go offline for clean-up.

3. Over 56% of Americans Don’t Know What to do When Their Data Gets Breached, to be Exact, 56%.

To those in the IT industry, this might seem surprising to them. But common, many of us in the real world ain’t trained on cyberattack protocols. We just hope not to become victims of these attackers. Meanwhile, some individuals inside America (about 44%) have taken it upon themselves to research what to do after being hacked. But that’s still under half of the country’s population. Spending at least 30 minutes Googling how to respond to data breaches will help protect your laptop. Making our devices or accounts free from hacking should be the #1 job for everyone within or outside an organization.

4. Uber Tried Keeping its Massive 2016 Data Breach Secret.

It’s among the 5 percent of companies that tried to hide their data breach from the public. That isn’t good for a company of such capacity. We’re discussing how cyber thieves swiped 57 million rider and driver records. This is a gold mine for identity theft. Instead of Uber admitting its security failure and giving its customers some assurance, it chose to pay off the crooks to keep quiet. It thought it could sweep the act under the rug, but it was quite unfortunate for them. The breach still surfaced online, and Uber’s stock and reputation dropped.

Uber spent millions out of its pocket to save its face, yet it looked worse. This shows that honesty is the best policy for keeping your customers and staff. Data breaches can hit pretty much any company out there, both the big and upcoming. This is not the company’s end if they could come out boldly to address the issue.

Comprehensive Cybercrime Reports Statistics

This section covers information on different cybercrimes and the affected industries or sectors. Also, we will provide in-depth facts on cybercrime, which everyone is supposed to know:

5. 95% of Cyberattacks Only Succeed Due to Normal Human Errors.

You must understand that hackers are the bad guys and that most company workers aren’t tech experts. So they target this everyday employee who doesn’t know ways to safeguard themselves from being hacked. These hackers are looking for someone who will accidentally click a bad link or file.

That one mistake alone will give them full access to steal your private data. Companies spend huge amounts on IT teams and fancy firewalls to fight attacks. But hackers still find their way through because of careless staff who don’t know better. And it only requires just one click from the employee. Boom! The next thing you know, major data is stolen and held for ransom. Therefore, companies shouldn’t train just the IT squad alone. All staff are expected to have a basic knowledge of cyber safety. That is the best defense against hackers trying to speak into systems.

6. Hacker Launches Cyberattacks Every 39 Seconds.

A recent study from the University of Maryland validates this fact. This means that hackers are so committed to stealing and attacking people that they take no time to rest. Out of three Americans, these attacks affect one each year. One of the key reasons these hackers keep getting access is how simple some people’s passwords are. A simple password makes things very easy for these bad actors. The research from Maryland highlights that stronger authentication practices can curb this rampant hacking. Any internet user must take its safety very seriously. 

7. Small Businesses Suffer the Most From Cybercrimes – Specifically, 43% of All Attacks Target Small Companies.

It’s too bad for small businesses that these attacks come from all angles. A recent report unveils that 64 percent have battled attacks over the web, with hackers forcing their way into networks and servers. In addition, 62% of these small businesses fell victim to crafty phishing scams and social engineering ploys. Meanwhile, malware and botnet attacks impacted almost six out of ten organizations.

These stats have made it clear that companies need to strengthen online defenses and educate employees to recognize the warning signs of cyber assaults. These hackers may disguise themselves as legitimate emails, links, and attachments, and employees without knowledge will fall victim. By upgrading barriers and protocols across devices and networks, enterprises can fight against cyber crimes.

8. Nearly Four Million Records Get Swiped Through Data Breaches Every Day.

Do you think your data is safe online? Take some time to think again. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, this act has been going on since 2013. Breaking this gigantic figure down, you’ll find that over 150,000 records are missing every hour. Also, if it’s in minutes, about 2,600 records are gone. Surprisingly, for every second that passes, we lose 44 records. Now, are your data safe online? Cyber insecurity has impacted people globally while we go about business as usual. This is because you don’t know that your information is being auctioned to the highest bidder on some dude in the dark web marketplace.

9. Cyberattack Damages Will Hit a Head-spinning $10.5 Trillion in the Next Two Years.

Some folks think cybercrime is already out of control. But, unfortunately, this is just the start of the bigger game. Analysts at Cybersecurity Ventures, closely examined the major uptick in hacking attacks year after year to land on these scary projections. This means that things are expected to get even messier by this time. Companies and individuals must prepare desperately to fight, as things will not get easy. Organizations can see through the smoke by training employees against phishing tricks, upgrading software, and more.

10. Cybersecurity Jobs are on the Rise – Right Now, Over 11,000 Jobs in Cybersecurity are Open in Georgia.

Based on how the cyberattack is going, companies desperately need skilled talent to protect their data. These organizations need all hands on deck to prevent hacking or data breaches, which could make the headlines. And that isn’t good for their reputation. Impressively, the unemployment rate in the cybersecurity field is zero percent. Individuals interested in this sector can fly in now and make good money. But know that work can be complex most times.

11. 75% of the Healthcare Industry Fell Victim to Malicious Malware Last Year.

A comprehensive study conducted by SecurityScorecard delved into the cybersecurity of 700 healthcare entities. This alarming revelation shows the need for cybersecurity measures within the healthcare sector. Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT concern; it’s a matter of public health. As we enter into an era where our medical records are digitized, the need for cybersecurity becomes paramount.

Types of Cyber Mischief

We’ve already said a lot about how to notice and prevent cyberattacks. But this section will show you the different types of cybercrime you should know. Some of the more prevalent cybercrimes you’ll likely encounter nowadays are ransomware, spear-phishing, crypto mining, viruses, malware, and more:

12. In 2019, the Average Amount Spent by Companies to Clean up the Aftermath of Ransomware Attacks was About $133,000.

Unlike what most people think, little businesses often suffer the most from the aftermath of cyberattacks. According to research, these smaller companies pay an average of $713,000 after ransomware hits. Zooming to the global stage in 2021, the collective price tag for ransomware attacks is $20 billion.

That’s not just a number. It shows how ransomware has affected businesses globally. The average ransomware payment climbed dangerously in 2020, reaching $233,817. Now, that’s enough to put most organizations in serious financial issues. Thankfully, companies lowered the average payout to $154,108 during the last quarter. But don’t smile yet. Sure, it shows that companies are improving the measures used in fighting ransomware.

13. 48 Percent of Malicious Emails Came as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Files in 2020.

It seems cybercrooks have their eyes on Microsoft Office users. These common formats enable hackers to put dangerous files right into systems. Many phishing attacks targeting companies use weaponized Microsoft Office documents to trick people. This is likely no confidence since we use Microsoft Office almost every day. Notably, the kind of files that these hackers usually use in phishing attacks are compressed .zip and .jar extensions. The bottom line is that before using any unexpected Office files, carefully inspect them.

14. 69% of Companies Doubt Their Antivirus Software Blocks the Threats They Face.

Nearly 7 out of 10 businesses believe their so-called protection gets outmatched regularly. If the majority doubts these security tools work as advertised, business leaders should take notice. We think it’s high time businesses bring in experts to evaluate if their defenses protect against hacking attempts. Businesses should go above and beyond to shield clients proactively.

15. One Out of Every 13 Website Requests Results in Malware.

This is a concerning threat that can quickly escalate with time. New harmful websites can last for about a week. This will allow attackers to harm people who visit during that time. So, while browser settings help you block suspicious sites, many malicious domains still get registered as seemingly legitimate. This means that users should be very vigilant instead of depending on some companies. Individuals can be less vulnerable if they can spend more on training, firewalls, network monitoring, or updated antivirus software. This applies to both companies.

16. 1 Out of Every 36 Smartphones Contain a High-risk App.

These apps are usually disguised as generic utility or gaming apps, evading detection. Even if Apple and Google usually check apps, some sneaky ones with regular names still manage to get the green light. So, users must be careful because harmful stuff might hide behind normal features. For example, around September 2021, Android users had no choice but to delete 16 harmful apps manually. This highlights the need for ongoing vigilance, even in official stores. The main issues come from apps that hide bad things by pretending to be simple. Users are advised to use security tools, read app reviews, and check permission carefully. Also, do yourselves the good to update your devices regularly.

17. Over 90 Percent of Tricky Remote Code Execution Attacks Nowadays Tie Back to Crypto Mining Schemes.

Hackers love using this web-based tactic to hijack servers to mine cryptocurrency. This works when the hacker injects the harmful code. Once these codes are in, they gain free access to raid data, spread to another system, or have bots mine cryptocurrency undetected. With how many employees love to access the company’s servers from home, these attacks pose a serious threat. Just one dumb mistake from a worker clicking a phishing link, the hacker will have the keys to information. The best way to safeguard the company is by applying multi-factor authentication, VPNs, endpoint detection tools, etc.

18. Based on the 2020 Figures, Around 19 DDoS Attacks Occur Every Minute.

DDoS stops people from accessing networks and devices legitimately by overloading systems. China initiates the most DDoS assaults, while the US is the second. In 2019, more than half of companies had trouble with DDoS attacks. These attacks made their services stop working properly. This is because their internet has been crowded. Besides traditional systems, Internet of Things (IoT) devices now draw frequent hacking.

As smart gadgets with network connections are getting more popular, they attract attention. This made them to become potential targets. On average, cyber attackers targeted IoT products two years ago, with over 5,200 monthly attacks. The primary issue is that hackers get more leverage as more devices connect online. But to solve these problems, users or companies can use firewalls, monitor internet traffic, and block threats. Proxies can also help by absorbing attacks. However, it’s crucial for companies that make devices to focus on security from the beginning when creating their products. This will help in fighting against these problems.

Conclusion

Cybercrime threats show no signs of slowing down in 2024 despite the damages they have caused already. Meanwhile, hacking attacks are expected to inflict over $10 trillion yearly global damages by 2025. According to a report, the majority of these attacks come from China. And as more gadgets are created, the hacking rate will likely increase. The situation remains serious, but we can beat it if we address the issues faster. Cybercrime thrives on weak defenses, so closing doors to hackers greatly matters.

FAQs

Sources

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Social media scams have been seriously out of control lately. As per the data, over $2.7 billion dollars was lost to social media fraud in the US between 2021 and mid-2023. According to the FTC, that surpasses losses from regular web scams and email phishing COMBINED. Wild, right?

These crooks keep honing in new tactics to sucker us in and steal our cash. One nasty trick is targeted ads built off our personal info, buying habits, age – anything that gets us to click. Teens and young adults especially got slammed, with FTC reports skyrocketing every year. As online safety guru David McClellan says, our social addiction makes us vulnerable. However, we uncovered some eye-opening facts about how these scams operate. If knowledge is power, it’s time to tackle this issue head-on!

Join us on a hard-hitting dive into current social media scamming statistics. Together, we’ll unpack the psychology behind these dodgy attacks, break down the latest cunning techniques, and arm you with tools to outsmart the scammers. Stick with me – your bank account will thank you later.

Basic Social Media Scamming Statistics

1. Roughly 90% of data breaches are caused by Phishing scams.
2. 30% of respondents in a survey reported falling victim to job scams on social media.
3. Also, 12% of folks reported clicking on phishing URLs on social media platforms. 
4. Of teenagers and young adults, about 85% fell prey to shopping scams.
5. Victims of inheritance scams lost more than $200,000 in 2022.
6. Roughly 16% of social media victims fall for imposter scams (account cloning).
7. Lottery scams are also common among older people (aged 50 and above), as 75% of victims belonged to the age group.
8. Many investment scams (up to 50%) happen via social media platforms like Instagram, telegram, and Facebook.
9. Civil Society UK indicated more than 44% was lost to charity scams in 2022, higher than the previous year.
10. Romance scams (25%) are a popular method scammers utilize on social media.
11. According to organization reports, $1.5 billion was lost due to influencer scams.

Types of Social Media Scams and How They Ask for Money or Important Data

1. In a Good-firms Survey, 30% of People Reported Falling Prey to Online Job Scams Via Social Media.

Individuals looking for employment are at high risk, as they’re every scammer’s target—especially those willing to get the job by any means. The scammers exploit vulnerable job seekers by deceiving them into paying for sham employment opportunities. Sometimes, they ask them to pay under the guise of helping with job searches. They come with many illusive tactics to steal money, which include application fees, purported security deposits, and payment for non-existent high positions.

Also, these fraudsters can use fake email addresses that mimic legal communication from employment agencies. This adds a layer of deceit to their schemes. They pose as employers or recruiters, aiming to extract money and personal information from their victims. Later, they will use the information they acquired for fraudulent activities, such as applying for credit cards or securing loans in the candidate’s name. Furthermore, the high demand rate for the work-from-home trend following the COVID-19 outbreak has provided scammers more opportunities to exploit job seekers. Using this trend, they disseminate fake job postings, worsening the risks naive employment seekers face.

2. 12% of Victims Clicked on Phishing URLs on Social Media.

In social media, scammers arrange phishing scams, enticing unsuspecting individuals to click on suspicious links that either steal their information or infect their devices with harmful viruses. These deceptive links redirect users to external websites or webpages, designed to closely resemble legitimate sites with subtle visual alterations, thereby tricking the visitor. While social media serves as just one avenue for phishing attacks among several others, it accounts for approximately 12% of instances where victims fall prey to phishing URLs. 

They target those who are unaware of using URLs. This happens most times via text messages, emails, etc. Scammers use these phishing schemes to dupe customers and trick them into revealing sensitive data like usernames and passwords. As a result, the scammers can access the customers’ personal or financial credentials. By employing keyword-based marketing strategies, numerous phishing scams strategically heighten the likelihood of visitors clicking on malicious links, thereby escalating the risk to individuals encountering such schemes.

3. Victims Lost Over $200,000 to an Inheritance Scam in 2022.

Numerous social media posts entice users with grand promises of inheritance, and 98% of these posts are scams. Scammers often pose as lawyers or attorneys, claiming to be representatives of wealthy foreigners who died without willing their wealth to their families.

According to the purported lawyer, the estate’s executor must share the same last name as the deceased. After formally transferring property ownership to the victim’s name, the scammer demands a hefty portion of the supposed inheritance. In reality, there is no inheritance or valuable property. They pressure their victims into paying upfront legal fees (their intention) for the promised funds.

With this, numerous folks will contribute money, hoping to claim this alleged estate, which causes them to fall into the scammer’s set trap. Operating under the guise of inheriting substantial wealth, including valuable items like gold or money, the con artists coerce victims into covering purported legal expenses to access these assets. By maintaining contact via phone calls, emails, and social media, the scammers continue communicating with the victims until the funds are transferred. Once the victim sends the agreed-upon money, the scammers vanish. Reported incidents in 2022 indicated that victims collectively lost over $200,000 due to these fraudulent schemes.

4. About 16% of Victims Also Reported Falling Prey to Imposter Scams on Social Media.

Social media scams frequently involve imposters posing as trusted entities like government agencies, friends, or businesses. With this, the scammers deceive individuals into revealing their bank details/ personal details or sending money to them. This scamming tactic is commonly called account cloning or impersonation. Afterward, the scammers will imitate their victim’s identity, utilizing their name, profile picture, (passport) and personal data to create a social media account (fake account). With these cloned accounts, they will send friend requests to the victim’s network of friends, family, and acquaintances.

Once accepted, the scammers will start a conversation, pretending to be the victim. These scammers plan to borrow money under the victim’s name or learn sensitive information they might utilize for wary financial activities. Many Celebrities usually fall victim to imposter scams.

Scammers create cloned accounts using handles like @official or @fanpage, mimicking the official profiles. A reliable precautionary measure involves checking for verification badges (such as the blue tick on Facebook or Twitter) to confirm the account’s legitimacy and prevent interactions with imposters. Currently, Imposter scamming is increasingly prevalent. Government impersonators, false acquaintances posing as family or friends, and business-related scams constitute a significant portion of these scams. Collectively, it contributes to around 16% of social media scams.

5. Over 84% of Young Adults are More Liable to Fall Prey to Shopping Scams Than Older Folks.

Scammers are taking advantage of the surging popularity of social commerce to exploit people, especially teenagers and young adults. They use discounts or cost savings on purchase promises to win their victim over. Also, the fraudsters pose as a reputable business with an online store to reach social media users. They deceive folks by accepting only’ payments before delivery’ without fulfilling the orders. Essentially, swindling customers rather than conducting legitimate sales transactions.

As per the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), teenagers and young adults face an 85% higher likelihood of falling victim to these scams than older demographics. Furthermore, the creation of social commerce and the development of trust in online shopping platforms indirectly give online shopping scams more grounds. Therefore, it’s important to note that numerous fraudulent websites and sophisticated techniques exist online. Consequently, consumers find it challenging to discern between genuine and fraudulent sales. 

6. 75% of Lottery Scams Were Reported by Older People (50 and Above).

Lottery scams are another popular scam on social media. It’s a different type of social media deception. This scam involves scammers luring people with promises of prizes or lottery winnings. Making them mistakenly disclose their details to them or probably pay a fee to collect the prize. The main concept here revolves around convincing individuals to purchase fake lottery tickets, purportedly offering huge cash rewards.

Once the money gets into the scammer’s pocket, it vanishes, leaving the purchasers with empty/fake promises. Also, the fraudsters can show the victim counterfeit lottery tickets that resemble an authentic scheme. They deceive such a person into believing they’ve won huge money. Moreover, these fraudsters are very smart; they add numbers or barcodes to tickets to enhance the authenticity of their deception. Compared to younger folks, various older folks have become prey to this scam. The FTC report stated that roughly one-third of scams reported by people over 50 were related to lotteries or sweepstakes.

7. Over 50% of Investment Scams Often Occur Via Social Media Platforms via Direct Message Alternatives.

Frequently, investment scams exploit social media direct messaging platforms, especially when the targets are susceptible people with pitches that boast doubtful claims. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram are gateways to investment scams (according to 50% of victims). The scammer lures victims by showing a “get-rich-quick” set-up, especially by promising unusually high investment returns.

Ponzi schemes, one of the most widespread investment frauds, cunningly masquerades as legitimate investment prospects. They mainly target new investors searching for speedy and substantial profits. They also target folks aiming to grow their retirement or savings. The scammers showcase promises of extensive rewards or remarkably high returns, but they’ll vanish once they receive the victim’s deposit. They remove all traces or links to their social media accounts, making them utterly inaccessible and leaving the victims confused and devastated.

8. The UK’s Civil Society Said There Was a 44% Increase in Money Lost to Charity Scams in 2022 Compared to the Previous Year.

The charity scam antics performed by scammers on social media don’t target only legitimate companies trying to make a good impression. They also trick folks who want to contribute to a good cause. Fraudsters perpetrating these scams often act as agents of respected charities on social platforms.

They convince people to donate for noble purposes. However, the money ends up in their own pockets. In 2022, over $2 million was lost to charity scams. This figure marked a 44% increase from the prior year, as disclosed by the Civil Society, UK. The scammers employ various dubious tactics to mimic genuine charity homes. Some of their methods include utilizing visually appealing designs and logos and acquiring tax exemption certificates that make them appear more legal.

They rapidly circulate across social media, which exposes them to various potential victims. Moreover, these charity scams have tarnished the image of legitimate organizations that rely on public trust and support to fulfill their missions. You might be wary of all charities if you’ve fallen victim to such a scam. Also, genuine assemblies couldn’t raise the funds for their crucial work. For safety purposes against social media charity fraud, individuals should research and verify a charity’s legitimacy before donating. Also, highlight the well-known, reputable organizations and exercise caution, especially when they start demanding instant donations.

Type of Indirect Scams on Social Media

9. Over 25% of Scams on Social Media are Romance Scams.

Romance scams are getting popular on social media platforms. In this scam, fraudsters target folks desperately searching for love and commitment. The scammers use their desire for affection to steal from them.

With a fictitious profile on popular social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, the scammers captivate gullible people into relationships. Once the victim falls in love with them, the scammer will convince the victim to send them gifts or money as a sign of commitment. According to a report, 25% of victims preyed on romance scams. Some respondents in a survey said that the scammer posed as an affluent woman on social media and initiated contact with them. She claimed inheritance from departed guardians and needed money to go abroad for safety. 

Other respondents said the scammer wanted to settle down with a sympathetic folk outside their home country. They came with reasons like war, an abusive spouse, or threats to their safety. Additionally, romance scammers primarily target lonely or divorced men. They lure their victims into paying fees for transferring money between banks, insisting that the charges must be in the destination country’s currency. They utilize psychological tactics, like building emotional connections before cunning stealing significant sums from the victims. Typically, romance scams link with religion and passion. Scammers present themselves as earnest people, portraying religious beliefs so victims believe they’re trustworthy.

10. Globally, Organizations Fell Prey to Influencer Scams in 2022 and Lost $1.5 Billion.

Influencer scam is very unanticipated. Many individuals and companies fall prey to this type of scam. The self-declared influencers (scammers) on social media draw victims’ attention through many methods. They usually disguise themselves by living a fake/stylish lifestyle.

The scammers also buy likes, comments, and fake followers to deceive people. They ask their victims to purchase products using a personalized URL, enticing them with massive discounts. Also, followers can misguidedly purchase counterfeit or replica products via a URL redirection to fickle product sites. 

This social media scam can affect individuals, genuine influencers, and companies. In 2022, companies universally lost nearly $1.5 billion to influencer scams. This encircles losses to fake ad traffic, scam influencers, and phony leads. Nowadays, it’s very easy to buy fake followers on social media. It makes it easy for scammers to magnify their surface popularity. On the other hand, scammers with many fake followers have made it challenging for victims to detect their genuineness.

Additional Social Media Scams Statistics and Facts

11. Young demographics, like teens and adolescents, are more prone to job and get-rich-quick scams. 

12. Equally, technology-supported scams usually aim at older folks, manipulating their susceptibilities.

13. A dominant form of treachery includes scammers posing as social media influencers, defrauding or stealing from numerous people yearly. 

14. Furthermore, inheritance scams lure people into paying entrée fees to access a made-up inheritance.

15. A recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report discloses that social media scams aggregate an overwhelming cost of roughly $117 million in 2020. 

16. Moreover, the average financial loss per person due to these scams reached $200, with the most extensive single loss surpassing $1 million that year.

Conclusion

Given these statistics on social media scams, it’s crucial to note that this distressing trend is causing financial and psychological harm to individuals and organizations. Scammers utilize social media platforms as leverage to defraud folks (both old and young). They fool people into donating money to fictional worthy causes by assuming fake identities. As social media grows in popularity, it provides scammers with sufficient prospects to function and harass gullible people.

FAQs

Sources

The post The Must-know Social Media Scamming Statistics 2024 appeared first on The Tech Report.

Cybercrime is a growing headache for society and families worldwide. Sadly, advancements in the internet have handed more power to bad elements, enabling them to steal from internet users. As technology improves, fraudsters craft new strategies for their criminal activities.

So, it is no longer easy for victims to escape the grip of these dark actors. Spam SMS is one of the vehicles most fraudsters rely on. These messages are rising in number and usage. Sadly, it has resulted in several people losing money to fraud. 39.3% of spam recipients in 2021 were female, while 59.4% were male. The first half of 2023 saw Americans receive 78 billion automated spam texts alone.

Are you looking for a way to avoid spam messages? Do you want to know how much damage they have caused? This article will reveal eye-opening spam text statistics and figures. Also, you’ll find a technique below that could effectively control these spam SMS. Keep reading.

Key Spam Text Statistics

1. Deliveries sector records the most victims from spam texts.
2. Spam text jumped to 58% in 2022.
3. 1 in 3 Americans has received a spam text.
4. The spam text rate dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. California tops the chart in America for the most scammy texts.
6. 59.4% of victims ever recorded were male.
7. Interestingly, young people are more likely to fall victim to bad players using scam texts.
8. China tops the chart among the regions with severe incidents of these messages.
9. 16% of people have patronized a scammer’s text to purchase service.
10. An estimated 1 million spam texts are sent every minute globally.
11. An estimated 180 billion malicious texts will be sent by the end of 2023.

What is Spam Text?

Fraudsters often employ various tactics to collect these details from a user. These tactics include clicking on a link to receive a reward, which is quite popular. Alternatively, they could approach the victim from a banking issue angle, claiming a problem exists. In such cases, they often prompt users to contact them using an attached link. After clicking this link, the user can fill in personal details to access the desired information.

This setup is a scam; the story is just a hook or clickbait to attract the user. Unfortunately, some unsuspecting users supply these details, exposing themselves to great risks. Armed with these personal details, the scammers can access the victim’s account and steal their money or identity. Also, they could blackmail the victims or damage their reputations. What started quite harmlessly could lead to serious problems and drive victims into depression or suicide. Spam texts often originate from an email address and do not provide a reply path to users.

Top Spam Text Statistics in 2023

1. Spam Texts Moved up by 58% in 2022.

These texts continue to be a pain since the creation of mobile devices. The average American resident received 16.9 spam SMS within April 2021. A survey in April of the next year revealed that these residents got 41 texts. 

2. One Out of Three Americans has Fallen Prey to Scam Texts.

1 out of every 3 resident in the country has communicated with fraudsters through spam texts. Victims are often devastated after such losses, feeling that they should have spotted it earlier. However, statistics reveal it is quite a common occurrence, as one target out of every three has fallen victim to these fraudsters in America. Also, 65% of these victims do not realize they were scammed until later. So, the severity of the attack depends on what information the scammers gain access to.

3. The COVID-19 Pandemic Forced a Decline in Spam Calls.

The global pandemic took the world by storm, altering regular modes of work and interaction. So, remote work took center stage, with people applying more caution while communicating with each other and applying personal space restrictions. Also, as the world adopted the pandemic’s demand on society, scammers altered their mode of operation.

Before the pandemic, scam calls were quite popular and common among fraudsters. However, by mid-2020, the spam call rate had declined by 50% and has not risen since. Notably, 2020 marked the rise of spam texts to exceed spam calls. Since 2020, criminals preferred text messages, placing them at a higher level than other tools. So, in 2022, around 87 billion malicious texts were recorded, showing a scary increase.

4. California is the Area Most Affected by Spam Texts in the United States.

Did you know scammers always improve their tricks with different tactics? So many times, these bad actors focus on places where they had more success in the past. In the US, California tops the scam text hit list. A July 2022 survey disclosed that about 945 million malicious texts were sent there. Texas follows closely with 926M menacing messages documented. Georgia takes third spot with nearly 800M in the same period. 

5. Deliveries are The Top Category Used by Text Spammers.

Spam texts vary in format based on the fraudster’s preference and target victims. However, the goal is to convince a victim to provide sensitive information quickly. Unfortunately, deliveries are one of the most popular methods of these texts. This is because most people order products and services. So, sometimes, the message claims that an order has an issue, thereby requesting sensitive details.

It is also important to know that these messages rose suddenly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lockdown period was the ideal opportunity for fraudsters since the movement of people and goods was limited. Also, in 2021, 6.5% of spam texts recorded were based on Covid-related content. So, deliveries are the most preferred category used by cybercriminals. 

6. 59.4% of Text Spam Victims Were Male.

Men are often more targeted in text scams than women, probably because they dominate the work environment. A 2021 survey revealed that 59.4% of these texts were sent to males. Also, it showed that 38.3% were shipped to females. Meanwhile, the spam text rate differs based on age bracket. So, women between 18 and 34 are often soft targets. On the other hand, men between 35 and 44 usually fall victim to text scams. This does not mean that different age ranges do not experience such issues. On the contrary! They encounter fewer issues.

7. Younger People are Easy Prey for Text Scams.

The common assumption is that older people are more prone to be victims of fraud. This belief stems from the fact that they might be easily manipulated or are more generous. However, this assumption is a misconception, as young people who are more tech-savvy are more likely to fall for scams. The fact that younger people rely on more digital concepts and technologies makes them more vulnerable. Older generations have a harder time trusting these technologies than younger people, who might not thoroughly question the process.

Statistics reveal that people aged between 20-29 are more likely to lose money 41% of the time. In comparison, those above 80 only lost money to fraud in 17% of the total cases. However, it does not negate that older people are more generous. Statistics reveal that young people, on average, lose $500 to text scams. On the other hand, older people are more likely to forfeit $1,500 to a single text scam. Generally, the amount lost to these text scams is increasing significantly. In 2020, the average loss was $351; however, this average will rise to $502 by 2021. These figures confirm the losses to scammers are increasing over the years. 

8. 16% of Individuals Have Purchased Something From a Spam Texter.

Text scams are increasing worldwide, and anyone can fall victim to these fraudsters. Sadly, scammers constantly refine their texts and methods to bait their victims. This makes it possible for previous victims to slip into these scams again, even if they have been scammed. For instance, statistics reveal that the same scammer has previously targeted victims targeted by scammers. An estimated 16% of individuals scammed previously are often targeted by the same scammer. Despite repeated attempts to curb scam messages, it seems impossible to prevent these scams from occurring.

9. China Struggles With the Biggest Spamming Problem in the World.

The United States struggles with text scams, with many individuals falling victim. However, even the United States is surpassed by China. Scams are increasing fast there. So, it is difficult to get the actual number of scam texts sent out and the number of victims. The country ranks number one among nations that struggle to beat the malicious text menace with incredible numbers. Remarkably, on February 6, 2023, it noted over 17,500 spam cases. Meanwhile, the US faced 9,000 similar cases in the same timeframe.

10. Over One Million Spam Texts are Sent Every Minute.

Cybercriminals use a numbers game. They send multiple messages, hoping to catch a few victims out of hundreds. Also, modern tools like chatbots make it easy for messages to be sent out in shorter periods. So, fraudsters rely on these tools. A survey in November 2022 revealed that over 1.57 billion spam texts were sent daily. This is the scary reality facing law enforcement agents.

11. Spam Texts Will Likely Exceed 180 Billion in 2023.

Malicious messages are a pain to most nations and users worldwide, especially former victims. Experts estimate that robot-created texts will likely rise above 180 billion in 2023, growing at 10% annually. Also, scammers will likely realize over $15 billion 2023 through text spam. This confirms how deeply this menace has eaten into society.

How to Quickly Identify a Spam Text

Learning to decode and identify ill-intention texts quickly is vital to escape fraudsters’ tricks. Also, these methods will help a user protect themselves and their details. Some common traits of these texts are listed below:

1. Urgency

Scammers execute their plans in the shortest possible time to prevent their victims from thinking rationally. So, spam texts and all types of scams seek to provoke a reaction from the target so they can provide the required information. Note that a genuine business rarely needs an instant response from a receiver. So, any text that urges the recipient to respond urgently with a deadline attached is likely a spam message.

2. Strange Timing

Since most of these messages are sent using software, they can be transmitted at odd hours or night. However, spammers often prefer to send their messages at night when the network is quieter. Also, they could target the morning hours to create stress and force a rash decision to benefit them. So, whenever a text comes in, it is quite helpful to look at when it was sent. Also, businesses requiring urgent action seldom send messages late at night. If an individual receives such suspicious messages, proceeding cautiously is best.

3. Link Attached to Text Message

It helps to be wary of opening links from untrusted sources as they may instantly compromise your device accessing sensitive data. Even if the link is from a trusted source, proceed with caution. But, if the link originates from an unknown source, it is probably a scam. Also, look closely at the link. It is likely a scam link if it is short or does not look like a normal URL. So, for your safety, avoid clicking links embedded in texts.

4. Phone Number With Abnormal Length 

Also, closely examining the phone number that sent the message will reveal more vital details. Spammers do not want their targets to know where their text messages originated. So, the number will most likely be fake and one digit longer than usual in most cases. Also, it may have an unusual dial code that is uncommon with your local area code. Therefore, if the details call for concern, it is best to assume that it is spam text. The next line of action is to block it and report it to the network provider. Using a mobile device is easy and might limit similar activities from the same scammer.

How to Protect Yourself From Spam Texts

The best way to protect yourself is to study and understand how these scammers operate. The more you learn about these spam messages, the easier it will be to overcome these scams. Here are some steps that could be quite helpful:

1. Register a Profile With Do Not Call

Do-not-call services help to prevent or reduce the number of spam calls a number receives. Also, adding your number to a Do-Not-Call list will greatly limit the spam texts users receive. So, your number will be blocked from intrusive calls within reasonable limits, making it difficult for scammers to find it or send a message. However, this list will not create a user immune to receiving spam texts or calls but could block a significant number.

2. Block Numbers to Safeguard Your Phone

Utilize the blocking option on your phone to reduce the rate of spam messages. However, you cannot block a number until you have received a text message. If you obtain an unsolicited text message, refer to the phone settings and click the block option. Blocking a number will list it under spam. So, the phone will stop all messages and calls from the recorded number, and you won’t even hear the phone ring. Also, a user can block all unidentified numbers calling their phone directly from the phone settings.

3. Consider How Urgent the Message Is

Consider the message before reacting or responding to a message, especially from an unknown sender. Note that spam messages create a sense of urgency as the scammer hopes for a quick reaction from the recipient without giving it thought. Often, they attach a time limit to a special offer or claim something bad could happen if the victim does not react quickly. For instance, they could insinuate that your bank account could be compromised if you do not provide details. Also, they will claim that these details must be delivered in a few minutes to prevent loss of funds or some other negative event. Therefore, it is important to proceed cautiously and avoid a knee-jerk reaction. Anyone trying to rush you into making a quick decision is probably a scammer.

4. Weigh Your Options Carefully Before Responding

The most effective way of outsmarting these scammers is to pause and consider the message received. If the message is unexpected or pitches an offer that is too good to be true, these are often the hallmarks of a scam. Sometimes, a slight pause for consideration could spare you the pain of falling victim to a scam. Carefully consider the offer and get clarity if it is genuine or not. Take your time. Don’t be in a hurry to comply with what you know little or nothing about. Also, remember, no matter how juicy an offer looks, there is always a catch. It is probably a scam if you cannot find the attached terms and conditions.

5. Never Open Links Attached to a Text

Be wary of text messages or emails with links unless you are certain of their source. Preferably, type the address into the internet and then confirm the information. However, do not copy and paste the link into your browser. For instance, if the message is related to your bank, do not click on the link. Rather, access your bank account directly from your app or the internet and confirm if there is an issue. Also, the same rule applies to delivery services; rather than clicking on the link, type the delivery service to research it on the internet. Additionally, look up the company online to confirm whether it is genuine and if such a message exists.

6. Use a Spam-blocking App

Thankfully, technology has also provided a measure to reduce the exposure to spam messages and calls. You can use a spam-blocking app like Verizon’s Call Filter or T-Mobile’s Scam Shield. Also, clicking on Spam Protection from the app settings menu on your mobile device could do the trick. There are also premium spam blocking apps such as SMS Spam Stopper 9 $2.99) and Truecaller, which has free and paid options. Following the precautions listed above will safeguard users from spam messages and fraudsters.

Conclusion 

The numbers speak for themselves – scam texts and emails are flooding more inboxes by the day, their claims growing craftier and more convincing to the undiscerning eye. Behind the data lies a disconcerting reality about our fast-paced, tech-driven times.

Armed with sophisticated tools like AI, fraudsters now mimic corporations and contacts with frightening authenticity. Meanwhile, in our hurry to push through overflowing inboxes, it becomes dangerously easy to skim right past the red flags. That simmering sense of urgency they instill leaves hardly any room for questioning as our thumbs tap and data transfers before we can blink.

But whether hastily clicking or cautiously considering, preventative measures bear repeating – never trust unsolicited links or attachments, no matter how credible the design appears. Verify suspicious claims manually on official sites. Keep device protections and filters updated. And, of course, flag rather than forward any message aiming to scam.

By taking a breath and proactively safeguarding our communication channels, we deny scammers the power to infiltrate and exploit them for their gain. We are responsible for locking down those pathways and keeping data thieves at bay. Together, we can reverse these troubling statistics and secure the channels that connect our lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

The post Spam Text Statistics (Growth and Severity of Fraud in 2024) appeared first on The Tech Report.

It is no longer news that internet users face numerous dangers by clicking on links from anonymous sources. These dangerous links could come from social media, websites, and emails. The usual way it works is for the link to redirect the unsuspecting user to a website where their details will be extracted and used to either empty their bank accounts or hold them for ransom. This act is called phishing. LookOut’s Global State of Mobile Phishing Report 2022 estimates that over 30% of users will be attacked quarterly.

But cybercriminals are now carrying out their devious action through text messages. Unfortunately, most users are unaware of this new trending development known as Smishing. Don’t fret; we are here to enlighten you on the existence of Smishing statistics to ensure you don’t become a victim. Let’s take a look.

General Smishing Statistics

1. The black and white communities in America were targeted more with smishing than the Hispanic environments.
2. Unfortunately, the age group that knows how bad smishing is is those aged 55 years and above. This means that many people don’t know about it yet.  
3. Judging by what 58% of the people who responded to a survey in the US said in 2021, there were more spam calls and text messages in this period.
4. Also, according to what was reported by KeepNetLabs, the average amount lost by victims of smishing all over the world was $800 per individual. If we combine all the losses from pharming, phishing, smishing, and vishing, we will look at more than $54 million. 
5. The year 2020 was remarkable because the smishing attacks rose very high due to the pandemic. Hackers used COVID-19, and many people feared sending text messages with malicious links.
6. Within that year, up to 76% of businesses worldwide saw smishing texts alone, not counting other phishing methods. 
7. Spam text messages and calls saw a noticeable rise in frequency from the first two weeks of quarantine in the US.
8. Perpetrators of such crimes use either programs that are malicious in nature or websites to compromise a user’s data. 
9. $54.2 million was lost to smishing in 2019, according to a report from the FBI in 2020.
10. The hackers used local numbers to make the dangerous text messages appear legit.

General Smishing Statistics for 2023

11. Victims of this sort of attack lost $86 million in America as of 2019. 

12. Such malevolent SMS reached mobile devices belonging to 17% of users involved in one enterprise. 

13. Spain was the most vulnerable country to smishing attacks by 100% as of 2019.

14. Gen X and millennials were more informed about the threat of nasty SMS than any other age group in 2019. 

15. More than 1 billion unwanted SMS are sent per minute.  

16. 65% of people questioned in the US said they would delete a text message that came from an anonymous source, not necessarily because they suspected smishing. 

17. Hackers have deviated from using unknown numbers to using those recognizable by the user to send malicious SMS.

18. More than 320,000 people in the US were successfully preyed upon with fraudulent text messages back in 2021, judging from a report by TheSmallBusiness. 

19. Only about 23% of users know what smishing is and the threat it poses. This is a disappointing reality, bringing the need to create more awareness of this new phishing development. 

20. More than 300 customers received compensation of eight hundred thousand euros from the Bank of Ireland. 

21. A report from TechJury shows the percentage of people who regrettably click on malicious links from text messages fluctuates between 8.9% and 14.5%.

22. 32% of companies allege that they conduct training tests to help prepare their employees for possible smishing situations. This was obtained from a report by IncrediTools.

23. Most people, about 27 to 42 years old, know everything they should about smishing. A comparison survey showed that they knew more than others in different age ranges. According to researchers, folks at least forty-three to fifty-nine years old (43-59) knew many things about the subject matter in 2019.

Global Data About Spam Texts and its Proportion

Health 

24. 1.2% of fraud-related messages on people’s health were distributed globally on October 19, 2023—this proportion of test messages accrued to 1,060,272,839 when rated in figures.

25. In 2021, records proved that billions of junk mail were also sent globally.

False Schemes on Apple Devices and Hardware

26. Approximately 2,601,735,612 false SMS tests, equivalent to 3%, were connected to winning Apple equipment. 

27. In 2020, there was a case of smishing where some criminals demanded the victim’s credit card data to get a free-of-charge iPhone 12. 

28. According to Kaspersky’s report, once a receiver clicks the link, they will see other steps before claiming the prize. This process makes the victim give away vital data that the criminal will use against them.

Bank 

29. Text messages related to bank issues were sent to 3 million with bad intentions. This was about 3.5% of the global smishing in 2020.

COVID-19

30. Hackers used the pandemic period to send out 5.7 million SMS, discussing the disease and vaccines but with evil intentions.

31. There was even a set of texts claiming to come from the US government, demanding the recipient to take a compulsory COVID-19 test with malicious links attached to deceive the receivers. 

Delivery

32. More than 23 million spam text messages on delivery were issued worldwide, topping the list in the most frequently used spam category. This resulted in 26.3% of smishing texts, as reported in Text-Em-All. 

33. Online criminals used false USPS to create a FedEx delivery text scam reported in September 2020. The attempt was to access the user’s credentials and banking information. 

34. As of 2022, 83% of businesses in the world admit to having fallen victim to phishing scams. This is because emails and SMS are how they frequently communicate, thereby falling into traps by clicking on messages that seem to be official. 

35. Spam SMS on delivery package deception comprised over a quarter of smishing in 2021.

Statistics of Mobile Phone Smishing Victims by Age and Gender

36. Women between the ages of 35 to 44 years accounted for 32% of female victims.

37. Younger ladies aged 18 to 34 summed up 34% of the female gender who fell into the net of cybercriminals. 

38. For the men, 46% were between 18 and 34. 

39. The older age group from 35 to 44 years happened to be 51% of the male gender.

Hackers’ Mode of Operation

40. The first step for the attacker is to compose a compelling text message that will lure the receiver into taking some action. 

41. The fraudster wants the recipient to click on the link that came with the SMS. Once this is done, the unsuspecting victim is directed to a program known as the phishing tool, designed to ask the potential victim to give away information.

42. Of course, these programs are tailored to look like websites or can be masked as apps that are relevant to the subject at hand. 

43. Just as brand owners have target audiences, hackers also have them, and they frequently select their targets based on their association with an organization or a geographical location where a remarkable event is taking place. These events are what they use to compose a malicious text message. 

44. Cybercriminals hide their phone numbers with “Spoofing.” It allows the attacker to mask their phone numbers with any other number, specifically numbers the potential victim is familiar with. The same method is used in VPNs to either hide or mask IP addresses. 

45. Some criminals use cheap and disposable phones to perfect their smishing schemes. 

46. The moment the hacker gets the desired sensitive information, they use it to compromise the data of the victim, which could be a direct theft of funds, have access to company information, or hold the victim to ransom by demanding a specific amount of money from them.

Frequency of Phishing SMS in America 2023

47. The average number of daily fraudulent texts in the US is 415,172,654. 

48. Within a week, the number had climbed to 2,906,208,576 malicious SMS.

49. On weekends alone, we look at about 665,100,057 texts to receivers. 

50. To give a clearer picture of the horrors of smishing in the States, 288,314 texts from this category come in one minute! Alarming.

51. An individual got an average of 47 spam texts, with 429,406,658 sent out in a single day. 

52. About 4,970 of such “Robotech” occur per minute in America. 

53. Weekends had a surprising 2,299,126,399 smishing texts sent to people. This is attributed to more people being at home and more prone to fall into the traps set by hackers via smishing. 

54. 3,005,846,605 phishing texts occurred in just one week, making it the most popular phishing scheme.

Comparison of Smishing With Other Phishing Tools

55. A part of the phishing scheme that operates on the gaming platform is 11.3%. 

56. The productivity industry records 10.2% of the phishing market.

57. Smishing from emails is very popular, with 15.4% of such scams coming from where most victims (about 75% or more) are corporate institutions rather than individuals.

58. Social media takes it to another level for hackers by 16.4%. Attackers turned their attention to this platform because 59% of the world’s population is on social media, according to Statista as of 2023.

59. The sports group of smishing constitutes 6.3% of text phishing, according to a report by LookOut. 

60. Malevolent texts relating to dating sites are trending by 6.1% compared to the rest.

61. With the rise of e-commerce as a convenient way to trade in today’s world, cybercrime is on the rise. However, it’s the least targeted category of the phishing business.

62. California, popularly called the City of Angels, makes the top list with an outrageous 1,315,688,592 fraudulent text this month, making it the most vulnerable state in America in this period. 

63. Texas comes second with 1,199,835,804 spam SMS. 

64. Georgia has recorded 975,473,480 smishing texts in the same month.

65. The state of Florida is number 4 on the list, with 756,018,915 phishing text messages. 

66. In September, having 534,341,450 such SMS to recipients makes New York the least vulnerable of America’s five most vulnerable states.

Final Thoughts

Having gone this far in statistics, you can see smishing has a far outreach than most phishing or any category of cybercrime. This is because it doesn’t just apply to folks with smartphones but people with mobile phones or devices. Ironically, as much as it ranks as one of the most common phishing methods for decades, it has only come to the limelight recently during the pandemic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

• Keepnet Labs
• IBM
• EM360 Tech
• LookOut
• Kaspersky
• Text-em-all
• Kroll
• Statista

The post 60+ Smishing Statistics in 2024 (SMS Phishing Attacks) appeared first on The Tech Report.

Password is an entry point to everything we do online. It protects internet users from third-party interferences and exposure to security compromise. As such, having a strong password is so much more important than you can ever imagine. It is like using a strong security key to lock up the doors of your house. Surprisingly, we all know the importance of having a secure home, yet we use simple terms and words for our passwords. In a typical month, employees type out their login credentials 154 times. The average employee reuses passwords 13 times.

Notably, many use simple words and letters because they are easy to remember. While this might be convenient to you now, there is danger ahead. Look at the password reuse statistics below to better understand the gravity of this practice and why you should not do it. Let’s dive in.

Main Password Reuse Statistics 

1. Up to 65% of people use the same password for multiple accounts.
2. Virtually 13% of folks will use one password for every single one of their accounts.
3. More than 50% of workers worldwide like to use the same password for all work-related accounts. 
4. Poor passwords can be pointed out as the reason for almost 81% of company data breaches. 
5. The word “Password” is used by more than 4 million people as the code word for their account. 
6. Using one password over 13 times across various accounts comes naturally to the average worker. 
7. 49% of workers will either create a new password or add something to the existing one they are updating.
8. To rectify a data breach problem can cost a whopping sum of $100 million.

General Statistics (Password Reuse)

1. Up to 65% of People Use the Same Password for Various Accounts.

Using the same password for multiple accounts is a norm for 65% of password owners. Most persons in this category reuse their password for almost the same reason. Being forgetful is why 40% of people use the same password repeatedly. “I am not bothered if my account is hacked” is the thought pattern of 27% of people who reuse passwords. The adage “it is better to get it done yourself” is applied by 65% of people. These persons will rather create a password themselves than use a password manager.

One could wonder why an individual opts to personally create a password when there are tools that guarantee cybersecurity. A percentage of persons still use percentage generators to create a password. Even with the ongoing awareness, 30% of people have the same password for personal and work accounts. This act of using one password to serve multiple home and personal accounts is done by 20% of password owners. However, among all internet users, data shows that 34% have a distinct password for each account.

2. Nearly 13% of Folks Will Use One Password for Every Single One of Their Accounts.

Studies show that one-fifth of internet users have just a single password. Yes, there is a reason behind the act, but is it worth the danger it can pose? One can say the percentage is low, but the resultant effect from this small group can have a large impact. Users who use a single password for every one of their accounts put themselves at risk. 

They make themselves an easy target for internet monsters to devour. Cyberattacks are not new today, and those who fail to use a new password for each account usually fall easily into the attacks. When a hacker gets access to one account with your password, he will greedily gain access to others.

3. More Than 50% of Workers Worldwide Like to Use the Same Password for All Work-related Accounts.

Studies show disturbing statistics of 54% of employees who repeat the same password for several work accounts. This act of employees is a cause for worry to many security experts. Moving ahead to business owners (44%), pen down their passwords on a notepad. C-level executives are not free from this act, as 32% pen down their passwords. 

42% of persons researched use work devices for self-needs while working from home—29% work from their homes, shop, and bank with a work device. Not to forget the 7% that use illegal streaming services with a work device. Moreover, 44% of entrepreneurs in a survey and 39% of those in top executive positions comprise the largest part of workers using work devices for personal use.

4. Poor Passwords Can be Pointed Out as the Reason for Almost 81% of Company Data Breaches.

Verizon gathered data that showed that 70% of employees are in the habit of reusing passwords. This act has caused many workers to fall into the hands of cyber hackers. Verizon report highlighted that 81% of hacking comes to those who have weak passwords. Even with the knowledge of the risk involved, 65% continue using the same password for all accounts. Interestingly, millennials between 18 and 31 years old are the highest offenders. Importantly, 87% of millennials practice password reuse.

5. The Word “Password” is Used by More Than 4 Million People as the Password for Their Account.

Despite the advice from experts and websites not to use overly easy passwords, many still do so. One of the major benefits of a strong password is that it prevents unauthorized access to your account. Reports from NorPass show that many people continue to use weak passwords. Some persons use passwords in numbers like “123456” or just a simple word like “quest.”

Like reading the ABC, a password like “Password” is easy to crack. Unfortunately, this password, cracked within minutes at the snap of fingers, is used by more than 4 million people. Some other persons use the number ‘123456″ as a password. It is so easy for hackers to crack such a password. Strangely, this is the choice for over a million people who use a password. Even with this awareness, many remain in the dark about the importance of strong passwords.

6. Using One Password Over 13 Times Across Various Accounts Comes Naturally to the Average Worker.

To the average worker, there is no big deal in reusing a password for different accounts. This negligence, or the unconcerned attitude of many workers, has delivered information into the wrong hands. Cyber hackers are always looking for persons who throw caution to the wind. One area that especially falls prey to hackers is small business employees.

According to research by Lass Pass, these persons will use the same password not once but multiple times. Another sector fond of password reuse is the advertising and media industry, with an average reuse of 22 times. Canada takes the top position as the country with the highest password reuse. This report can be tied to Canadians using one password for up to 15 accounts. Countries like Australia and Belgium are not left out of this risky practice, boasting an average password reuse of 14 times. 

7. 49% of Workers Will Either Create a New Password or Add Something to the Company Password They are Updating.

Passwords are vital to our lives but can cause sorrow when breached. With this in mind, HYPR worked alongside 500 employees in Canada and the United States to see the password reuse rate. It was discovered that 72% of these persons reuse passwords when it is for personal purposes. For 49% of workers, adding a symbol or digit is as good as a newly updated company password.

8. Rectify a Problem of Data Breach Can Cost a Whopping Sum of $100 Million.

One could say, why not prevent an issue rather than applying cost control? The above question best suits the case of anyone who chooses not to pay heed to password reuse. Data breach control can be tiring and cost up to 100 million dollars. As the experts say, avoid damage control and create a strong password for all accounts.

Password Management Statistics

9. Barely Over 30% of People Try to Use a Password Manager.

Data released by BitWarden show that barely 34% of people try to use a password manager. Among this group are 25% who do so because it was an order from bosses above. The adoption of a password manager by people is not the same in numbers across various locations. For Americans, 44% solely rest on the security of password managers, and in Japan, we have only 22% who use it.

When asked, the majority said they were unsure of the password manager’s ability to protect their information. For 34% of the people, there are concerns about possible hacking of the password manager. And for the other group of 30.5 % in the survey, it was more of an issue of no trust in a password manager. However, 20.1% of all the people asked said they had no idea what password manager stands for.

10. Over 50% of People Change Their Password Due to Being Forgetful. 

A report by ZDNet proves that more than 50% of users need to change their passwords every month of the year. The reason is that most people in this category find it difficult to keep their passwords in their memories. Among this group are 6% of people who use passwords to authenticate accounts. Notably, just 51% of persons who partook in the survey changed their password every month. Out of them, 15% are committed to doing so weekly.

 Asia Pacific region, by all indications, has quite a good number of people aware of the importance of password management and security. 41% of users change their password every new month, and around 10% do the same each week in Asia. When it came to the issue of preference between password or biometrics, 75% of respondents went over to biometrics. This meant that over half the survey participants opted for biometrics, and a third chose passwords. However, a small percentage of people who decided on biometrics, representing 16%, expressed concern about the support system of their device.

Consequences of Password Reuse

11. About 50% of People Have Recorded Experience of Account Hacking.

Statista was able to analyze, to a good extent, the volume of accounts hacked in October 2018. The research institute was able to dig out some information revealing that 14% of people in its survey have had their accounts fell a couple of times. Notably, 51% of the surveyed group claimed their account was never hacked. However, 12% of the respondents did not know whether their social media accounts had been tampered with.

12. Resolving a Data Breach Issue Will Cost an Average of $4.35 Million in 2022.

IBM reported that the average number of data breaches globally will cost as much as $4.35 million in 2022. This was on the high side as it represented an increase of 2.6% of the global cost in 2021. It was also way higher than what it was in 2020 by 12.7%. The research also found that 83% of companies have experienced cyber breaches a couple of times. Also, just 17% of companies in the survey had a single violation.

It is another ball game for finance, healthcare, and transportation companies as they spent an average of $4.82 million on a data breach fix. Firms with well-developed AI security systems face less expense on data breaches and can save up to $3.05 million. Saving costs have driven the number of companies that adopt AI security and automation support systems from 59% to 70% by the end of 2022. 

13. Solving One Data Breach Issue Can Cost Up to $100 Million.

The growing attention to data breaches has skyrocketed the cost of resolving a data breach. We believe spending $100 million on a data breach is enough to make any company cautious of password security. Such an expense has an immediate and ripple effect on an organization’s finances. Therefore, a company should integrate appropriate cybersecurity policies and detect any form of cyber invasion. All of these are to keep a company in check and perfect financial health. 

14. It Takes Most Companies About 197 Days to Discover a Breach.

Data breaches cause much harm to a company as it takes days for management to discover them. Taking a cue from an IBM report shows that it takes 197 days for companies to detect a data breach and another 69 days to solve it. A company that can contain a breach within 30 days can save over $30 million compared to firms that take longer. Customers can go as far as suing a company for losses when disclosing a breach takes longer than necessary.

15. Just a Single Case of Identity Theft Can Cost as Much as $20,00.

A lot of people are not aware of how expensive it is to solve one case of cyber breach. ITRC says it can cost as low as $500 for some persons or even more depending on the level of damage. For FTC, an average identity theft cost $800, but this wasn’t the case for 21% who lost over $20,000 in 2020. The younger generation is the easiest target but not the ones who suffer the most financially. We can’t say for certain that age comes with more money, but those who are over 60 years old face the harshest financial loss in identity theft. They can lose up to $1,100 on average, while those below 60 lose $300.

Conclusion

Every year, experts tell the public how important it is to create a strong password. Researchers try to be a step ahead of the game to reduce the rate of cyber hacking. The question that remains in the hearts of many cybersecurity experts is why there is low usage of password managers. Several reasons, which may seem like lame excuses, are the rationale behind multiple accounts using one password. These include a lack of trust in a password manager, forgetting, being too lazy to create, etc. However, we believe that the available data on the financial loss to individuals and firms will help reduce the incidence of password reuse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Source

• Techradar
• Google
• Help Net Security
• Verizon
• Dhaka Tribune
• LastPass
• IBM
• Reuters
• Harris Poll
• YahooFinance
• Insurance Information Institute
• Statista

The post Password Reuse Statistics: Over 60% Have a Password Problem appeared first on The Tech Report.

Password breaches have become common, a worrying trend today. Cybercriminals devise novel means of accessing people’s accounts and records, which many people do not want to encounter.

One password should not be used for multiple accounts. Most people now have multiple passwords to protect their account records and identity. But that doesn’t seem enough. In 2022, hackers exposed over 24 billion passwords. Identity theft is three times more likely to occur in 2023 among internet users without password managers. Let us look closely at the password breach statistics you must know about today.

General Password Breach Statistics

1. About 336 million subscribers on Twitter were affected by a bug that saved passwords as plain text.

2. Two or more verification factors have a success rate of 99.9% in stopping unauthorized entry. 

3. A third of malware-induced breaches are done by password malware. 

4. It is easier to compromise a 6-digit password but extremely difficult to crack a 12-digit password. 

5. The number of passwords one person can use for multiple accounts is up to 85. 

6. The strongest passwords are 16-digit ones from a 200-character set.

7. The default recommendation for the number of digits for a password is 8 digits. Having more digits creates a stronger password. 

8. 70% of people who use the internet are worried about being potential victims of cybercrime.

9. About 62% of companies admit they have not done a thorough job of securing information on mobile devices.

Statistics on Password Security

10. Training on the management of passwords is conducted more than once by 63% of Internet security leaders annually.

11. 93% of Internet security outfits admit they need password maintenance protocol on their platform.

12. According to a survey by Duo, two-factor authentication (2FA) is gaining traction in popularity. 79% of account owners stated they use 2FA as a measure to protect their accounts in 2021. Awareness of the importance of two-factor authentication has improved since 2019, when just 53% of account owners used it.

13. Most organizations (about 67%) have a policy on passwords for their employees but rarely enforce it. Only about 34% adhere to enforcement of such policies.

14. 60% of non-professional folks actively use two-factor authentication, whereas in the world of professionals, 79% are familiar with its use.

15. Despite most Americans not needing password protocols in their workplace, three out of four (73%) believe their company should provide one.

16. 85% of respondents admit they prefer using text messages for the two-factor authentication.

17. From a global point of view, Americans are more inclined to use password management (40%) than the rest of the world (31%). This shouldn’t be a surprise when considering that the US tops the chart as the most hit country by cybercrime. This has created fear among the average American who doesn’t fancy becoming a victim. Some were victims and wouldn’t want a part two of the unfortunate experience.

Statistics on the Use of Weak Passwords

Despite many folks knowing it’s a bad practice to reuse passwords, the practice is still trending amongst most people. Let’s see what the stats have to say about this:

18. According to a report by GoodFirms, 30% of professionals have admitted to experiencing some form of security compromise. This is because most companies have yet to take the threat of a password breach seriously.

19. A third of American residents are more concerned about the convenience of reusing a password on multiple accounts. However, they are less concerned about the possible security breach. More awareness is needed to ensure most account owners know the imminent threat to their accounts. This will propel them to take the necessary steps to secure them and avoid using weak passwords.

20. About 18.8% of compromised passwords had only lowercase alphabets. It has been proven that a password with a different combination of characters makes it more secure and difficult to bypass.

21. Among people with the habit of reusing passwords, about 36% of them are convinced their accounts hold no significant value to hackers. Such online users are found on social media, especially when they have few friends and aren’t active users. They assume no hacker will be interested in their accounts due to the small number of followers they command.

22. Password changes are done by 62.9% of users online only when requested. Despite the growing threat of cybercrime, most online users tend to be calm about it.

Statistics on Data Breach

23. 64% of users admit they use at least 8 digits when creating their passwords. This has become the standard number of digits for password creation.

24. 62% of employed folks wrote their login information in a journal or notebook. This increases the risk of such information being seen by a third party, which could pose a serious security threat.

25. According to a report by SecurityOrg, 79% of account owners create passwords using a combination of numbers and words.

26. About 88% of compromised passwords comprise no more than 12 characters.

27. 37% of professionals have used the name of a colleague when creating a password. 

28. 24% of global internet traffic is used by malware and malicious bots.

29. Scary statistics in 2022 from a survey by PRNewswire show that about 24 billion passwords and usernames are available on the dark web and marketplaces.

30. Despite being victims of data breaches, 53% of IT professionals say their companies took the necessary steps to ensure such infringements don’t occur again.

31. According to a survey by Verizon, About 80% of unauthorized access to data was done through bypassing passwords.  

32. Account owners with weak passwords are about twice as likely to be breached (by 62%), whereas those with stronger passwords are less likely to be hacked (29%).

33. Cybercriminals use the most common phrase when hacking an account or network: “password.”

34. The most common words used for most password breaches are “p@ssw0rd”, “welcome,” “admin,” and “password.”

Statistics on Password Reset

35. Despite experiencing password breaches, 45% of account owners failed to change passwords a year after the infringement.

36. The human element accounts for about 80% of all password breaches that could involve either human error, phishing, or the use of credentials.

37. Astonishingly, among the breached passwords recovered in 2020, 60% of account owners of such passwords used weak passwords across other accounts.

38. A fifth of account holders forget their passwords and must reset them to regain access to their accounts.

39. 48% of account owners admitted they are likely to leave a website when they try to change their passwords using the same password and are told they can’t use the same password.

40. In a survey by BeyondIdentity, 45% of online users admitted to changing their password at least once annually because of incorrect login information.

41. Interestingly, about 25% of online users are likely to leave their cart of $100 when required to reset their password at a checkpoint.

42. After resetting passwords, 57% of people who do so are likely to forget their new password, according to a survey by OnePoll.

43. In 2020, 18% of account owners said they had to reset their passwords five or more times.

44. When prompted to reset their passwords, about 12% of people will likely use a variation of the old password.

Password Breach Statistics in the Workplace

45. 51% of professionals use mobile phones to access work-related issues.

46. 39% of professionals in America did not need to reset their passwords because their current password is strong.

47. Due to password-related problems, business owners spend an average of about $480 on an employee.

48. 49% of IT professionals will likely share passwords with a colleague while accessing a business account.

49. About 51% of professionals share their passwords with fellow employees when sharing work.

50. At least 59% of Information Technology professionals admit their company relies mostly on human memory for their password protocols.

51. 5% of IT security units are confident in not allowing sacked employees to leave the firm with company passwords.

52. 44% of remote professionals admitted sharing passwords with colleagues for work-related issues.

Password Breach Statistics by Industry

53. According to a survey by NordPass, the most frequently used password in industries is “password.”

54. About 50.1% of people, on average, share three of their passwords with other people via video streaming, while 34.2% do so through their smartphones. 48.8% do this through music streaming. These are the most popular medium passwords are shared with others.

55. In the healthcare sector, one of the most popularly used words for password management is “vacation.”

56. Most people who engage in online banking (68.6%) strongly believe the passwords used on their accounts are secure.

57. about 34% of people are inclined to reset their passwords at least once a month for apps that deal with money transfers. However, 44% are likely to do so once a year.

58. On passwords that do not expire, 59% of financial institutions have above 500 such passwords. 

Statistics on Password Breach Trends

59. According to a survey by SecurityOrg, 18% of password management involves using a pet’s name.

60. In order of ranking, The most commonly used words or phrases for password management in America are 123456, password,12345, 123456789, and Password1.

61. Birth years are used by 21% of respondents.

62. A report by OnePoll revealed that the average user in the US has been locked from at least 10 accounts online in a month.

63. The word “dolphin” was the most frequently used phrase related to an animal as of 2021.

64. In a scenario where passwords have been forgotten, 64% of account owners are likely to leave the platform without returning to it.

65. After closely examining 4.6 million subsets of passwords frequently used to target remote desktop protocols (RDP), 24% of password digits used were 8 in length.

66. From zero to 99 in numbers, almost half of the 10 million passwords scrutinized by VPEngine had at least one of an 8-digit password range.

67. “I love you” is a phrase frequently used by female respondents (222,287) when compared to their male counterparts (96,785).

68. The most frequently used superhero names for password protocol are Superman and Batman.

Predictive Statistics on Password Security

69. As of 2022, the projected market value of multiple-factor authentication in that timeline was $17.9 billion. It’s expected to hit the $53 billion mark in 2030.

70. 42% of account owners prefer a biometric authentication system (usually fingerprint) to measure enhanced security for their accounts on some apps with those options.

71. Data considers MFAs without passwords to give the best authentication protocol by at least nine out of ten from the closely examined 500 IT security units on the internet. This translates to almost 90% of them having this opinion.

72. Generally, 65% of US users think biometrics will improve their company’s security protocol. However, 55% believe that any security authentication that doesn’t require passwords is more secure. Notably, an average American account owner is losing faith in passwords with the current trend in password breaches in the country.

73. 96 percent of IT security units have more faith in security authentification protocols that don’t require passwords. They believe such a security approach would create a more convenient experience for their workers.

74. In the second quarter of 2023, the listed five countries suffered the most unauthorized access to accounts globally. Interestingly, they are also the top five countries with the most breached accounts in the first quarter of this year. 

75. From its position as the second most hit regarding account breaches in the previous quarter, America emerged the first in the second quarter of 2023. Its number of compromised accounts amounted to a mind-boggling 49.8 million. According to a report by SurfShark, this figure makes up 42% of the total compromised accounts globally. 

Global Password Breach Statistics Trend Review

76. The table below gives us an overview of countries most hit by password breaches. 

77. With just 5.4 million compromised accounts in the first quarter, the new trend spiked by almost 830% in the second quarter of 2023. This made the US the most vulnerable country in the world for cybercrime. 

78. Russia took the second place in the second quarter of 2023. Like the US, it experienced an alarming increase from the first quarter, with 6.8 million hacked accounts to approximately 15.3 million. This amounts to roughly 14% of the total compromised accounts worldwide. 

79. For Spain, the country went from number five in the first quarter to third in the second quarter of 2023. It recorded 3.1 million and 3.7 million breached accounts in the first and second quarters respectively. Fortunately, the increase in the second quarter was little compared to the countries aforementioned. 

80. The French fared better by maintaining the fourth position in both quarters despite slightly increasing the number of breached accounts. The breached accounts scaled from 3.2 million in the first quarter to 3.4 million in the following quarter. 

81. Turkey went from number 25 in the first quarter of 2023 to number five in the second quarter. While the first saw 120,000 breached accounts, the second quarter recorded 2.8 million compromised accounts, representing a 22 times quarterly increase.  

Regional Password Breach Statistics Trend Review

82. North America tops the number of breached accounts in the second quarter of 2023. This is not surprising, considering that America is the most vulnerable country within the time frame.

83. North America recorded about 51.3 million hacked accounts, an alarming figure compared to 5.7 million data of the previous quarter. This means the region experienced a spike in breached accounts by a whopping 806% in the second quarter. 97% of the total accounts hacked in this region came from America. 

84. South America and Oceania experienced significant growth in breached accounts by quarter measure in 2023. South America went from 854,000 compromised accounts to 1.6 million, representing a growth rate of nearly 90%. Oceania grew from 287,000 compromised accounts in the first quarter to 2.4 million accounts the next quarter, showing a massive growth of 730%. 

85. The European region also saw a relative increase in hacked accounts within the same timeline. The French region increased by 12%, while the Spanish grew by 13%. 

86. The cumulative number of breached accounts in the European region hit 28 million in the second quarter and 17.9 million in the previous quarter. This reflects a growth rate of 56%, with almost half of all the breached accounts in this region coming from Russia. 

87. In the first quarter, Asia had the second-highest number of breached accounts, with a record of 10.9 million compromised accounts. But the value dipped to 5.8 million in the second quarter. 

88. Africa slightly reduced breached accounts between the two quarters, from 1 million to 980,000. 

Password Breach Density Statistics and Review by Country

89. The table below gives us an idea of the password breach in terms of density at a glance. Here is a list starting from the highest in the second quarter of 2023.

90. The density calculation for each country is the total number of breaches divided by the country’s population. The record provides clarity on the chances of password breaches that occur in a country. 

91. For instance, if two countries have an equal number of hacked passworded accounts, the one with a smaller population will be more prone to cyber-attacks than the country with a larger population size.

92. For more elaboration, Finland is a classic example of this scenario. The table shows that Finland is not in the top five list regarding the number of compromised accounts. 

93. However, its small population makes it among the top four countries most likely to experience password breaches. This places Finland at par with Spain in terms of density despite the latter having an overwhelmingly bigger number of breached accounts. 

94. Russia and the US top the list of countries with the highest density regarding breached data in the second quarter of 2023. In America, the density record was at its highest in the second quarter of 2023.

Conclusion 

Information on statistics for breaches in passwords reflects the importance of more sensitization on the right attitude towards password management. This move goes beyond having the right policies in an institution and their enforcement. The more people use stronger passwords, the less occurrence of password breaches. 

Developers of apps both on Android and IOS platforms should endeavor to use biometrics as a standard authentication. This offers more security than ordinary passwords. With the current trend, biometrics will become the norm, and it’s just a matter of time. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Source:

• VPEngine.com
• SecureFrame.com 
• FinanceOnline.com 
• UsNorton.com
• GetAstra.com
• ExplodingTopics.com
• IBM.com
• EmBroker.com
• TrueFort.com
• CyberSecurity.asee.com

The post 90+ Key Password Breach Statistics in 2023 appeared first on The Tech Report.

In today’s digital world, knowledge is at our fingertips – but at what cost? Internet doors swing both ways, granting access while exposing us. Our personal details dot cyberspace, ripe for taking. Enter doxxing: the disturbing practice of weaponizing private info.

Doxxing has evolved into a preferred tool for harassment, its reach expanding across the web. The numbers paint an unsettling picture. According to a 2022 survey, 1 in 5 people have been doxxed, their names, addresses, and even financial data have been released into the wild. Of those doxxed, 40% received death threats. For women, the vitriol intensifies – 63% were stalked or harassed post-doxx.

The trauma extends beyond the initial violation. Nearly half of doxxing victims lose trust in humanity. Over a third suffer from paranoia. Insomnia, anxiety, depression – all hallmarks of this cruel crime. The ripples touch even bystanders; over 80% of respondents worry they’ll be next.

While laws lag, we needn’t wait idly. We can advocate for protections, strengthen privacy practices, and reject vulnerability normalization. The voxxing statistics are sobering but fuel for changing what we accept online. With vigilance and care, we can stem this tide of evil.

Doxxing Key Statistics

• Approximately 43 million individuals in the United States have faced the unsettling issue of doxxing.
• 90% of doxxing incidents contain the victim’s residential address.
• Statistics reveal that doxxing has affected 13% of men and 21% of women on a personal level.
• A significant 52% of doxxing cases are a direct result of online interactions with unknown individuals.
• The United Kingdom considers doxxing a criminal offense, taking it seriously under the law.
• Back in 2019, a study found that over 10% of students in secondary education were involved in doxxing activities.
• Doxxing remains an offense in Germany and Australia.

Doxxing Statistics for 2023

1. Approximately 43 Million Individuals in the United States Have Faced the Unsettling Issue of Doxxing.

Recent data revealed that an alarming 43 million Americans have fallen victim to personal doxxing. This figure reflects a significant 21% of the total United States population. Aside from this, 62% of respondents reported knowing a friend, colleague, or family member who had experienced such an incident.

2. The United Kingdom Considers Doxxing a Criminal Offense, Taking It Seriously Under the Law.

The United Kingdom has deemed doxxing a criminal offense, setting up a Computer Misuse and Data Protection team to regulate the practice. This means that anyone found guilty of perpetrating this act, depending on its gravity, will face any of the series of consequences. Among these penalties are imprisonment, paying fines, or a combination.

3. Back in 2019, a Study Found That Over 10% of Students in Secondary Education Were Involved in Doxxing Activities.

Data from a 2019 study revealed startling statistics on the prevalence of doxxing among adolescents. Based on the study, approximately 1 in every 10 students in secondary education between ages 10 and 19 engaged in doxxing activities.

4. 90% of Doxxing Incidents Contain the Residential Address of the Victim.

NYU revealed a surprising trend in its extensive 2017 study that engaged over 5,000 doxxing cases. According to the data, 90% of the cases contain the victims’ residential addresses. The data showed that 61% of the cases contained the victims’ phone numbers, while 53% included their email addresses. 

5. A Significant 52% of Doxxing Cases Are a Direct Result of Online Interactions With Unknown Individuals.

Another data analysis from doxxing cases revealed that a significant 52% of these attacks occurred because the victims initiated an online chat with a stranger. This highlights the risks of engaging online, particularly with unknown individuals.

6. Doxxing is a Crime in Australia.

Doxxing is a crime in the UK and a big red flag in Australia. Notably, the nation has placed this act among the laws that address unauthorized access to people’s private info, stalking, and harassment. In line with these laws, defaulters will face a penalty of paying fines or getting imprisoned.

7. About 40% of Doxxing Cases Exposed the Victims’ Usernames.

A recent study at NYU shed light on the alarming extent of doxxing. According to their findings, 40% of doxxing victims had their usernames exposed to the public eye. Even more concerning, another 40% had their IP addresses revealed.

8. The Study Revealed That Over 80% of U.S. and EU Adolescents Have a Social Media Account.

A substantial number of adolescents in the United States and the European Union have social media accounts, totaling over 80%. This widespread presence on social platforms makes them susceptible to the prying eyes of doxxers and other malicious individuals.

9. 51% of Individuals Engaging in Doxxing Face Criminal Charges.

An in-depth study of the doxxing cases has shown that 51% of those involved in it face criminal charges. These charges encompass activities such as identity theft and threats of violence. Consequently, doxxing is far from a victimless act, as it has real consequences beyond damaging reputations and emotional well-being.

10. Nevada, a State in the U.S., Passed a Law Prohibiting Doxxing.

Although the United States lacks specific federal laws against doxxing, it does prosecute the predators when it leads to other unlawful activities. At the state level, Nevada took a notable step in 2022 by passing a law specifically prohibiting doxxing. This law empowers victims to pursue civil actions against their perpetrators.

11. The German Government Considers Doxxing a Punishable Offense.

Joining the ranks of countries with a tough stance on doxxing is Germany. This European nation boasts strict privacy laws prohibiting collecting and exposing unauthorized personal information. Similar to the UK and Australia, doxxers in Germany could face fines or imprisonment due to their actions.

12. Data Reveals 8.8% Exposure of Financial Information in Doxxing Files.

Examining the contents of doxxing files at NYU revealed a more positive finding. According to these findings, only 8.8% of the files contained exposed financial information. Additionally, a mere 2.6% of these files disclosed Social Security numbers. While these percentages are relatively low, the exposure of such sensitive data must ideally be non-existent.

13. 21% of Women and 13% of Men Have Fallen Victim to Doxxing Cases.

Pew Research conducted a study in 2021 that shed light on the prevalence of doxxing. Their findings indicate that 21% of women and 13% of men personally experienced some form of doxxing act. Based on these findings, women clearly face most of the attacks from doxxers compared to men.

14. A Significant 31% of Online Harassment Targets Young Adults Aged 18 to 29.

A 2021 study from the Pew Research Center examined the activities regarding online harassment, including doxxing incidents. Their research unveiled a concerning statistic, showing that 31% of adults falling within the age group of 18 to 29 found themselves targeted by doxxers. This data underscores that younger adults represent the primary demographic in the crosshairs of doxxing.

15. Severe Harassment Takes Place in 25% of Doxxing Victims.

Doxxing incidents vary in severity, but a troubling 25% of those affected reported enduring severe harassment. These distressing acts include persistent threats of violence, harassment, and cyberbullying.

16. 75% of Doxxing Victims Reportedly Experienced Emotional Distress.

Much like the emotional toll of cyberbullying and online harassment, doxxing victims often experience emotional distress in the aftermath. 75% of doxxing victims reported experiencing this distress. The same source also noted that 43% felt physically threatened.

17. A Critical Doxxing Case in Singapore Was Reported in September 2020.

In a newsworthy incident dated September 2020, a social media influencer in Singapore, Ms. Koh Boon Hui, faced accusations of doxxing individuals who allegedly sexually assaulted or harassed her friends or herself. The information revealed that she exposed the complete names and National Registration Identity Card numbers of the alleged offenders on her Instagram account.

18. 12% of Hong Kong’s Secondary School Students Admit to Doxxing.

According to research in Hong Kong, up to 12% of secondary school students openly admitted to participating in doxxing. Furthermore, the study gave a gender difference among the participants, revealing that more girls admitted to social doxxing, while boys focused on being hostile in doxxing activities.

19. 73% of Doxxing Victims Changed Their Online Behavior.

Importantly, 73% of doxxing victims felt the need to change their approach online after being victimized. These victims increase their privacy settings and restrict their social media engagement. Ideally, such changes should be preventive rather than reactive.

20. Authorities Received Reports of Up To 66% of Doxxing Incidents.

Unlike some cases of cyberbullying and harassment that go unreported, victims present a significant 66% of doxxing attacks to authorities. While this may be positive, it leaves a notable 34% of victims who choose not to report their doxxing incident.

How Doxxing Begins?

The initiation of doxxing often stems from a close relationship, frequently involving an intimate partner. Whether within online or offline dating, the main element is establishing trust. Notably, the catalyst for doxxing may arise during a breakup, leading the individual to contemplate releasing personal information that could potentially jeopardize her safety. 

On the other hand, strangers on the internet, media entities, and hackers may also uncover your personal details, typically harboring preexisting grievances. The person undertaking the doxxing begins by detecting seemingly inconsequential details, such as your real name or place of residence. This initial information often paves the way for further research.

They may subtly verify this information without alerting you, subsequently expanding their knowledge through various means. This might involve hacking into your accounts or examining shared documents to identify the author or editor.

Additionally, they could track your IP address, even though tracing it to a physical address isn’t always feasible. Intercepting the IP address, however, can provide access to your Wi-Fi network, potentially enabling it to intercept data transmitted to and from online destinations.

Protecting Yourself from Doxxing

In the digital age, everyone must shield themselves from the potential dangers of doxxing, ensuring their online safety. That said, here are some key strategies to consider:

Erase your Identity

Numerous websites claim to offer public information services, such as phone number lookups and public record searches. Unfortunately, these platforms can reveal sensitive data about you, including your address, marital status, criminal history, and more, to anyone who wishes to remain anonymous. Take control by requesting that your data be removed from these databases individually. Alternatively, use a data removal service to streamline the process, as many platforms require re-submission every three months.

Use a VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be seamlessly integrated into your existing setup for a small monthly fee.  Essentially, it can safeguard your online identity across multiple devices and allow you to choose your virtual location, making it exceptionally difficult for anyone to trace your IP address.

Remove Photo Metadata

Before posting any image online, it’s essential to be aware that every photo carries metadata, revealing details like the date it was taken and GPS coordinates. This information can even expose the type of camera and device used. Remove this metadata from your photos to protect your privacy, making it considerably more challenging for anyone to track your location.

Strengthen Your Passwords

Strong passwords are a fundamental defense against potential hacks. Ideally, your passwords should consist of a minimum of 10 characters, incorporating a random mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Regularly updating your passwords is also advised to minimize the risk. Consider using a password manager to enhance your security further.

Monitor Your Google Results

Take the initiative by regularly searching your name on search engines like Google. If you discover excessive personal information, contact the involved websites and request the removal of your data.

Exercise Caution With Online Quizzes

Online quizzes can be enjoyable diversions, but they can also be used as tools to gather information about you. While it is better to avoid these programs online, you can engage in them, provided you don’t reveal your personal details. Also, ensure you’re connected through a VPN for added protection.

Examine App Permissions

When you download apps, you often grant permissions without a second thought, which could expose your personal information. As such, you might want to take the time to review the app permissions and adjust the settings to maximize your privacy. Remember that app providers can change settings, so revisiting them periodically is essential.

Minimize Personal Details

One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of doxxing is to limit the personal information available online. Be cautious when opening accounts and conducting activities on the internet, sharing only the bare minimum required. By following these measures, you can significantly enhance your online security and reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of doxxing.

Conclusion

The reality is that doxxing is a significant concern, and law enforcement frequently finds itself with limited options to address it. While social media is universally popular and often necessary in people’s lives, it also exposes individuals to doxxing risk.

But there’s no need for this to be your case. Just follow the precautions mentioned above, keep a vigilant eye on your online accounts, and if you fall victim, report it. Importantly, with proactive measures, doxxing incidents might decrease rather than increase.

FAQs

Sources

• Social Media Victims Law Center
• Besedo
• Pew Research Center
• Privacy Savvy
• Cyberbullying Research Center
• SafeHome
• NIH
• Garbo
• CBS
• Data & Society

The post The 20 Doxxing Statistics You Can’t Afford to Ignore in 2023 appeared first on The Tech Report.

Beware of the siren call of vishing schemes out to sink your organization. Vishing, or voice phishing, uses the power of persuasion over the phone to manipulate and exploit. Savvy social engineers are getting scarily skilled at posing as trusted associates to hook sensitive data. Don’t take the bait. As per 2021 data, 59.49 million Americans (23% of the total population at that time) lost money to fishing. That was only the US data and 2021.

Arm yourself with facts – we’ve rounded up crucial vishing statistics to shed light on this underhanded hack. You’ll uncover how vishing sinks companies to the tune of millions and compromises their data big time. Forewarned is forearmed. Spread awareness now to help your organization steer clear of the turbulent cybercriminal waters ahead. Let’s proceed.

Key Vishing Statistics

• 33% of America’s population fell victim to scams at least once.
• Americans lose around $39.5 billion in 2022 and $29.8 billion in 2021.
• The 2019 survey reveals that the 18-22 demographic recorded the highest awareness of vishing.
• Trellix reports a 142% increase in growth of vishing attacks in Q4 2022.
• Vishing attacks are resurgent and shockingly on the rise by 550% in 2022.
•  American men are more susceptible to vishing attacks than women.
• 68.4 million people lost to phone spam in the US in 2022.
•  Organizations in Spain experienced 99% vishing attacks in 2019.
•  Neighbour Spoofing Vishing grew to 51% in the US in 2022.

General Statistics on Vishing 2023

Visitors may call victims pretending to come from a legitimate company to deceive them into exposing personal information. The statistics below will show the rate of vishing scams, especially those done using phones. It would reveal intriguing general statistics on vishing, preventive measures, and how it affects the global population.

1. The Number of People Who Have Lost Money To Phone Scams in the United States of America in 2022 Accounts for 68.4 Million.

According to TrueCaller Insights 2022 US Spam & Scam Report, 68.4 million US citizens lost money to phone scams. This figure indicates a 23% increase in Americans lost to phone fraud in 2021 (59.4 million). 26% of Americans (about 56 million) reported falling victim to phone scams in 2020. Individuals lose lots of money to phone scams as scammers use various ways to extort your money over the phone. Some habitual phone scams include imposter scams, business and investment scams, tech support scams, charity scams, and loan scams, amongst others. 

2. Out of 3 Americans Who Have Fallen Victim to a Scam at Least Once, They account for 33% of America’s population.

According to the TrueCaller Insights 2022 report, Americans who lost money to phone scams account for 33% of the population in America. 1 out of every 3 Americans confirm falling victim to vishing carried out by spiteful scammers at least once. About 20% of Americans acknowledged falling victim to phone scams more than once, which is high for a fraudulent act. Although the rate of vishing distends, not all vishing cases are reported.

3. Around $39.5 Billion in 2022 and $29.8 Billion in 2021 Were Lost to Vishing in the United States of America.

Over the years, fishers devised modern schemes to attack individuals and companies’ employees, resulting in more losses for US citizens. TrueCaller Insights US Spam & Scam Report shows $39.5 billion lost to phone scams by US citizens. This figure points to a 32.5% increase in the loss from 2021, amounting to $29.8 billion. The figure above signifies a 49.7% rise on the $19.7 billion lost in 2020. The average financial loss resulting from a vishing attack by an individual was $502, indicating a 43% rise from 2020.

4. Only 53% of Global Workers did not Know About Vishing in 2020, But Are Eight Times More Enlightened in 2023.

Since there are many reported cases of vishing in the US, only a few people know about vishing and its dangers. Some global workers, when asked what vishing is, gave a negative response, while some knew vishing. The 2020 report from State of the Phish by Proofpoint shows that 53% of global workers are unaware of vishing. The report reveals only 42% of international workers take precautions to protect themselves against fishers.

State of the Phish 2023 report reveals users are eight times more informed of vishing dangers across 15 countries than in the past years. The report is from a survey of 1,050 IT professionals and 7,500 global workers across 15 countries. The information also discovered there are specific measures organizations and individuals should take to protect themselves against vishing attacks. Some steps are educating employees on ways to identify vishing, implementing multi-factor authentication, and reporting vishing attacks to the authorities.

5. Young Adults Between the Ages of 18-22 Recorded the Highest Awareness of Vishing in a 2019 Survey.

According to a survey by Proofpoint in 2019, the early adults were most knowledgeable about the term vishing. People within 18-22 age groups were the most informed and accounted for 34%, while the 27% fell between 41-56 years. Also, 20% of people over 55 and 26% between ages 27-42 knew about vishing.

6. Vishing, Among the Top 5 Types of Phishing, Ranks Third Most Prevalent By 27% In 2020.

Vishing is one of the most ubiquitous cybercrimes ever reported, with 27% records among other crimes resulting from data breaches. This was according to a survey done by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society in 2020. The Cost Of A Data Breach Report by IBM in 2022 confirms the average vishing loss grew to $10.10 million. The report also recorded the highest data breach cost in the past 12 years.

7. 142% Disturbing Growth in Vishing Attacks Recorded Towards the End of 2022 Revealed by Trellix Report.

In a report realized by a cybersecurity company, Trellix, vishing attacks grew by 142% towards the end of the year. Vishing attacks were significantly high and overwhelming compared to the third quarter. The report also indicated that phishing emails with malicious URLs were the form of phishing with the highest attacks.

8. Trellix Confirms that 85% of Vishing Attacks Are From Free Email Services in 2022.

Although vishing is primarily tied to voice communication rather than email, a greater percentage of vishing emanates from free email. These statistics came from a Quarter 4 2022 report. According to a Trellix report, 85% of vishing attacks came from free email services, especially in the final quarter of 2022. Below are the companies with the most impersonations in the vishing campaigns in the fourth quarter of 2022;

• Amazon
• McAfee
• PayPal
• Norton
• Geek Squad.

9. AI Tools Are Overrated For Vishing Menace Compared to Other Vishing Schemes.

New emerging tools like AI tools are helpful in vishing campaigns. Standard robocalls and human impersonating companies are more threatening than AI tools. AI tools have been overestimated for vishing plots. Although the AI tools are smarter, more convincing, and more accurate than you know, they can’t be compared to other vishing schemes. The director and principal engineer of Trellix, Steve Povolny, revealed that the effectiveness of AI tools for vishing attacks is inadequate.

10. Malicious Vishers Deployed Vishing Techniques to Deceive Victims into Installing Malicious Malware on Their Mobile Devices in the Third Quarter of 2022.

Statistics from worldwide news in October 2022 exposed the latest schemes by attackers. It revealed that fishers get individuals to download malware camouflaged as an Android banking app through their tactics. Analysts have stated that Italian banks and their account holders were the primary targets for anglers in vishing campaigns. Several people fell victim to many phishing sites impersonating Italian banking services as the campaign was sophisticated. ThreatFabric Mobile Threat Intelligence Team said in an interview with The Hacker News that the attacks require more resources. Recent fraud attacks have introduced new schemes like the Android malware campaign, unlike the old methods like Google Play Store. 

11. Vishing Attacks Are Resurgent and Shockingly Rising by 550% in 2022.

Hybrid vishing is the type of vishing with the highest percentage rise from 2021 to 2022, indicating a 266% rise. Hybrid vishing involves both voice and email communication as the method scammers deploy to carry out vishing attacks. The Federal Trade Commission says over $1.2 billion to voice phishing scams with the rate of attacks increasingly high. According to the Quarterly Threat Trends & Intelligence Report, vishing cases between 2021 and 2022 increased by over 550%. The reporters Agari and PhishLabs discovered thousands of phishing threats and ways to shape the landscape of the threat.

12. Around 58% of Americans Received Spam Calls in 2022, More Than the Previous Year.

TrueCaller Insights 2022 US Spam and Scam Report indicates that 58% of Americans received more spam calls in 2022. This implies that 3 out of 5 Americans received more spam calls than in 2021, while 14% acquired fewer calls. In 2022, a monthly average of 31 spam calls was received, with an average of 21.5 calls being robocalls. About 86% of Americans attempted to pick up calls from numbers they could identify. 67% of people in the US would not take spam calls from unidentified numbers, while 41% of Americans never got spam calls. Meanwhile, 65% would ignore spam messages. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 was an opportunity for visitors to target victims.

13. Monthly Average Spam Calls Received by Americans Above 65 Years is Estimated to Be 50.4 In 2022.

The average number of spam calls received by US citizens aged 65 and above in 2022 is 50.4. This number is relatively high compared to the 20.3 average monthly spam calls received by those aged 18-34. 

Below are the average monthly spam calls received by Americans in 2022 and the age groups.

Vishing Statistics by Country

The statistics below unveil fascinating vishing statistics by countries:

14. Vishing Attacks Were Estimated to be 57% In Australia In 2019.

A notable 83% of all organizations admitted to experiencing vishing attacks in 2019. A survey by Proofpoint on over 3,500 employees across seven countries, Australia inclusive, shows the vishing attacks rate estimated at 57%. Over 600 IT security experts participated in the survey to unveil the impact of cybercrimes, such as smishing. Aside from vishing attacks, Australian organizations were exposed to cybercrimes like social attacks, smishing, and other cyber attacks.

15. Spanish Organizations Experienced a Shocking 99% Viral Attack in 2019.

Proofpoint 2020: The State of the Phish report says organizations in Spain experienced 99% of vishing scams in 2019. The survey focused on seven countries, including Spain, which experienced social cyberattacks like vishing and smishing. The report points to various factors of phishing developed to carry out cybercrimes.

16. About 60% of UK Organizations Are Most Likely to Create Awareness Training, tools, or Resources on Vishing.

The reason most organizations do not offer training, resources, or tools on vishing awareness is a lack of reporting vishing cases. Only about 60% of global organizations educate their users formally on fishing. According to the 2020 State of the Phish report, 98% of international organizations invest about 30 minutes in training on vishing. 15% of organizations dedicate more hours yearly to enlighten people on vishing attacks. Additionally, organizations in Australia offer vishing awareness training and tools for their users at least once a year.

Vishing Demographics

 17. Men Are More Vulnerable to Vishing Attacks Than Women in America.

There is a disparity in gender drawing from the vishing attack statistics. The statistics uncover the vulnerability of different genders, not negating the fact that anyone can fall prey to vishing attacks. Some statistical data shows that 59.4% of men got scammed through spam calls, and 38.3% accounted for women. However, a small percentage of 2.3% did not disclose their gender.

18. The 18-44 Age Group is the Most Affected Age Group by Dubious Vishing Attacks.

Although the older age groups (65+) are the most targeted, the 18-44 group is the most affected. The younger generation is more vulnerable to scams, but some percentage falls in the 55-64 age group. The table below shows a breakdown of the rate of vishing attacks by percentage, gender categorization, and age group;

These statistics show the 18-44 age group is the most affected by vishing attacks.

Bonus Vishing Statistics

19. Neighbour Spoofing Vishing, A Form of Vishing, Experienced a Growth Estimated to 51% in the US in 2022.

Neighbour spoofing, the new crafty vishing tactics, involves using local area codes to heighten their chances of attacks. Due to awareness of individuals not taking unknown calls, vishers introduced neighbor spoofing. According to TrueCaller Insights 2022, 51% of respondents to a survey admitted the rate of neighbor spoofing increased. Additionally, 35% more responses stated the number was the same, while 7% concurred to a decrease in the act.

20. Speculations Arise As 60% of Americans Have Distrust in Taking Strange Calls As Robocalls and Vishing Campaigns Have Left Them With No Option Than Using Alternative Communication Channels.

Many believe the high rate of vishing attacks and robocalls has created much distrust in American citizens. About 60% of Americans would text or communicate on social media messaging applications rather than phone calls. Conflictingly, as a result of the widespread spam calls, 63% of Americans believe they could miss important calls.

Conclusion

Vishing is undeniably a catastrophic attack for individuals, companies, and businesses. Visitors (voice scammers) use mischievous tactics to lure companies or individuals to give them confidential information. It is not a new scheme but a greater reoccurrence with fishers applying new advanced concepts to prey victims.

Statistics show that people have billions of dollars in vishing attacks over the years. While these numbers may not decrease, understanding vishing statistics could help understand the impact and threat of these schemes on victims. The statistics represent individuals, businesses, and companies that have suffered several losses, identity theft, and more dangers associated with vishing. Notably, in this digital age, awareness is paramount in helping people identify vishing scams and guard against them.

FAQs

Sources

• FTC
• TrueCaller
• Proofpoint
• Proofpoint
• Trellix
• Tech Target
• The Hacker News
• Threat Fabric
• Phishlabs
• VPNAlert
• Increditools

The post The Most Alarming Vishing Statistics You Need to Know in 2023 appeared first on The Tech Report.

As the internet continues to evolve, many people use it for different purposes. Some internet users steal data, wrongfully exploit it, maliciously attack it, and cause problems for others. So, we must follow security measures driven by current cybersecurity statistics to stay protected online.

Cybersecurity defends computer systems, servers, electronic systems, networks, mobile devices, and data from cyberattacks and malicious software. It helps individuals and businesses protect vital information from cyberattacks. Over the years, reports have been made of the heightened rate of cyber threats, especially to companies. Statistics show that 88% of security threats occur due to human error, which results from ignorance of data security and cyber threats.

Therefore, businesses of every size and scale should fully equip themselves to face cyber threats and protect themselves against these attacks. Providing adequate data security and training to today’s workforce can help abort cyber threats. In some organizations, some employees have access to over 12,000 files, making them vulnerable to data network breaches. Given the magnitude of these threats, we have compiled essential cybersecurity statistics to inform you about online security.

Key Cybersecurity Statistics

• The damage caused by Cybercrimes globally is expected to reach $10.5 trillion per year by 2025.
• In 2022, global organizations detected 493.33 million ransomware attacks.
• The most applied cyber-attack technique globally is phishing, with about 3.4 billion emails sent and received every day.
• Data shows that 2,2200 cyber-attacks occurred every day in 2022.
• In 2022, 800,944 cybercrimes were reported.
• Only about 5% of company folders had adequate protection from threats.
• An enormous 60% of organizations need more governance and oversight within their security front.
• Microsoft successfully mitigated an average of 1,435 daily DDoS attacks in 2022.
• Due to the issue of data breaches, 51% of companies have made plans to increase their security spending.
• It can take up to 277 days to discover, identify, and contain data breaches.

Important Cybersecurity Statistics

1. The Damage Caused by Cybercrimes Globally is Expected to Reach $10.5 Trillion Annually by 2025.

Cyber threats cause organizations and individuals to lose money. The potential damages include financial costs, data recovery costs, productivity costs, and downtime costs. Recent predictions show that the global figure of damages caused by cybercrimes is estimated to reach $8 trillion. The yearly growth rate of cyber threats is 15%. Hence, the expected global estimation for damages due to cyber threats by 2025 is $10.5 trillion.

2. In 2022, Global Organizations Detected 493.33 Million Ransomware Attacks.

According to SonicWall’s cyber security threat report for 2023, experts discovered $493.3 million in ransomware attempts in 2022. This showed a decline in ransomware attacks in 2022 compared to 2020 and 2021, when there was a ransomware surge. Despite the decline, it is still essential to be aware of these insider threats and implement protective measures for the future.

3. The Most Applied Cyber-Attack Technique Globally is Phishing, With About 3.4 Billion Emails Sent and Received Daily.

Phishing refers to attacks that come through fraudulent emails or text messages designed to deceive users into downloading malware. Bad players use this attack to perpetrate identity theft and other malicious activities. Nearly 3.4 billion spam emails are received daily, accounting for many phishing attacks. Phishing aims to gain access to a person’s system without permission to steal sensitive and confidential data.

4. Data Shows That 2,200 Cyber Attacks Occurred Every Day in 2022.

According to Statistics, an attack from a hacker comes in every 39 seconds, which proves the above statistics about the daily cyber-attacks in 2022.

5. In 2022, 800,944 Cybercrimes Were Reported.

According to the data in the FBI Internet Crime Report of 2022, there were about 800,944 cybercrime threat complaints in 2022. According to the report, this value represents a 5% decline from the 2021 records. However, the potential losses outweighed that of 2021 by $3.3 billion. The potential losses recorded in 2021 were $6.9 billion. This figure will now rise to $10.2 billion in 2022.

6. According to Data, Only About 5% of Company Folders Had Adequate Protection From Threats.

Statistics show that 95% of company folders are unsecured and are highly vulnerable to threats or data loss. Only 5% of the company network folders have adequate protection against threats. As stated earlier, some employees have access to so many company folders, leaving critical company data exposed to criminals’ activities.

7. An Enormous 60% of Organizations Need More Governance and Oversight Within Their Security Front.

So many organizations do not have much structure regarding their data network and security. This is a wake-up call to organizations to embrace tighter cyber security measures. The number of organizations still in the dark concerning the trends in cyber threats and cyber security is too high at 60%.

8. Microsoft Successfully Mitigated An Average of 1,435 Daily DDoS Attacks in 2022.

DDoS attack is an acronym for Distributed Denial of Service attack, which refers to an attempt to disrupt the regular traffic of its target’s server. It could also disrupt the traffic of its network or service by frustrating its target with a high flood of traffic from the internet. Microsoft reduced about 1,435 daily DDoS attacks on average in 2022, which signifies success in fighting off cyber threats.

9. Due to Data Breaches, 51% of Companies Have Made Plans to Increase Their Security Spending.

The 2023 IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report data revealed that 51% of organizations plan to increase their cyber security budget because of a breach in their network. This budget will cover employee training, Incident response, planning, and testing. It will also handle the purchase of tools for response and threat detection.

10. It Can Take Up To 277 Days to Discover, Identify, and Contain Data Breaches.

Data breaches are so devastating that it could take a company an average of 277 days to identify and contain. 277 days is around nine months, about 75% of the year. That is a dangerous time for a company to remain helpless in the hands of its cyber attackers. This much time is capable of crippling a business.

11. Organizations With Fewer Than 50 Employees With a Specific Budget For Cybersecurity Are Only 8%.

More than half of Small and medium-sized enterprises do not work with a budget for cybersecurity. These SMEs are businesses with less than 50. Most of these businesses are aware of the significant threats to their security. They also know that the pandemic caused an increase in their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. However, most still need to be more adequately protected and prepared to handle these issues. As data security issues have increased, SMEs worldwide will likely top their budget on data security solutions. The budget is expected to grow from $46 billion to $72 billion by 2026.

12. 60% of Businesses Do Not Survive Above Six Months After a Cyberattack.

Research has shown that about 60% of businesses file for bankruptcy within six months of experiencing a cyber-attack. Small businesses struggle today because they lack money to secure their networks and need more funds to recoup. The cost of setting up cyber security and recovering from a data breach will only increase in the years to come.

13. About 28% of Companies Applied AI Security Comprehensively For Cybersecurity.

AI has advanced beyond writing improvement solutions, art generation tools, or marketing tools to become useful in cyber security. AI plays a significant role in cyber security by helping investigate, prioritize, and report high-fidelity security alerts. It performs these functions based on the credibility, relevance, and seriousness of risks in systems and networks. Despite all these, only about 28% of companies have adopted it as a cybersecurity solution.

14. About 300,000 Malware Events Occur Every Day.

Data reveals that between 2022 and 2023, 300,000 different malware events take place daily. 92% of these malware instances are spread through email, and it takes an average of 49 days to be detected. The principal activity that hackers carry out with malware is identity theft, which becomes more accessible if they can gain access to your systems. Also, they gain access to enable them to gain unauthorized access to networks, databases, or information that could be useful to them.

15. In 2021, 6 Ransomware Groups Breached and Destabilized 292 Organization’s Data.

When hackers stage a ransomware attack, they get hold of a company’s data and restrict access until the firm pays a ransom. These hackers could either erase or sell the data on non-compliance with the company. According to the eSentire Ransomware Report, these groups earned at least $45 million from these incidents.

16. In 2021, Hackers Breached More Than 50 Million Healthcare Records.

There is a greater need for more proactive measures to ensure proper patient privacy monitoring. Threats are much more intrusive these days than in the past and can be from several sources. A review of the significant healthcare data breach in 2021 showed that in about two-thirds of the attacks, the breached data was found in one or multiple network servers. A sophisticated hacker can gain access through a random, unsuspecting employee.

17. Arkose Labs Network Documented the Highest Online Fraud Attacks on Their Company in 2020.

Due to the global pandemic called COVID-19, the first quarter of 2020 was a period of heightened online fraud and data breaches. Arkose Labs network noted that 26.5% of all their transactions were attempts to defraud and abuse them. An increase in the rate of remote work and telehealth services sprang up, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This brings about a need for increased cybersecurity measures to protect patient privacy.

18. Small and Medium Businesses Lose Over $2.2 Million Yearly to Cyberattacks.

Cyberattacks cost businesses a lot. Most small businesses can’t afford an adequate cybersecurity solution, so they often fall prey to hackers. Their various issues might lead them to close down as data recovery solutions are also expensive.

19. The Healthcare Industry is At High Risk of Cyber Attacks.

The healthcare industry recorded about 100 million cyber breaches in a year, which is surprisingly very high. Financial institutions would have been the most targeted. Although financial services are the second most targeted industry, manufacturing comes next. For cyber attackers, the more customer data there is the more revenue potential.

Other Statistics

Here are some Cyber security statistics about Industries:

Healthcare

20. A data breach in the healthcare sector in 2022 cost an average of $10.10 million.

21. In the first quarter of 2022, ransomware attackers caused about 125 breaches in the healthcare sector.

22. Over 1.9 million cyberattacks have been launched in the healthcare sector.

Education 

23. In the last months of 2022, there were about 7.2 million registered cases of malware.

24. A report by IBM on the Security Cost of a Data Breach showed that the cost of a data breach in the education sector was $3.86 million.

25. Nine hackers from Iran launched a massive cyberattack on more than 300 universities worldwide in March 2018.

Finance

26. Cybercrime-related issues cost the financial services sector $18.3 million in 2018.

27. The Trojan horse virus Ramnit attacked the banking sector, resulting in 53% of the cyberattacks in 2017.

Small Businesses

28. Human errors have contributed to nearly 52% of confirmed cyberattacks on small businesses.

29. In 2022, there were about 35,400,000 cyberattacks on small businesses.

30. Only 26% of small businesses place the highest importance on cybersecurity.

Government

31. In 2019, the US government invested about $15 billion, which indicated an increase in their spending on cybersecurity by 4% from the previous year.

32. Industry experts explained that the American government lost around $13.7 billion to cyberattacks in 2018.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is securing computer systems, servers, electronic systems, networks, mobile devices, and data from cyberattacks and their malicious software. Cyber threats occur daily, putting businesses at risk of data loss and account takeover. 

Knowing that 60% of businesses do not recover from a cyberattack, more businesses have planned to increase their budget on cyber security. Also, we may want to treat cyber security as a serious matter, considering that it can take up to 277 days to discover, identify, and contain data breaches. This time duration is long enough for a business to wind up. Your best bet would be to train your staff on cyber security practices to stay ahead of cyberattacks in the rapidly developing world of cyber threats. Always ensure to backup data as recovery after a data breach is usually expensive. 

FAQs

Sources

• Cloudflare
• PrivacySavvy
• Strategic Market Research
• Analysis mason

The post Startling Cybersecurity Statistics for 2023 You Need to Know appeared first on The Tech Report.

In July 2023, Microsoft spilled the beans that Chinese hackers had busted into their cloud servers and swiped a crap ton of emails from US government peeps. We’re talking about 60,000 messages exposed! Crazy right? The kicker is that Microsoft didn’t even realize they’d been hacked until months later. Talk about slow reaction time! They finally fessed up publicly in September, but who knows how long those sneaky hackers had access?

This wasn’t the first time Microsoft slipped up, either. Turns out they’ve had a string of security snafus over the years, leading to breaches left and right. It’s like their servers are made of swiss cheese with all the holes hackers have found. So now we’ve got the Chinese probably reading up on all kinds of confidential stuff about our government. Who knows what kinds of shady plans they’ll hatch with that kind of insider intel?

Anyway, it’s a big mess for Microsoft. If you use Microsoft products, you should be aware of the Microsoft data breach timeline for several reasons. We cover 50+ statistics in this article so you can learn and stay proactive.

Chinese Adversary Used Microsoft Cloud to Enact Data Breach

1. In July 2023, Microsoft revealed that a group based in China had breached the email systems of multiple U.S. government agencies. This breach impacted around 10,000 organizations and almost went unnoticed. However, it is still unclear whether the company has resolved the violation since Microsoft presented its knowledge of the case. 

BlueBleed Data Leak Exposes About 548,000+ Users in October 2022

2. Microsoft’s Azure Blob Storage service had a misconfiguration in October 2022 that led to the exposure of personal data from more than 548,000 users. This data included names, email addresses, and phone numbers. However, to dismiss the entire scare, Microsoft said that the exposed information was not sensitive enough to require notifying the affected users. 

The Lapsus$ Group Breach of March 2022

3. The Lapsus$ Group breach is the latest in Microsoft’s history. It happened on March 20, 2022, when the Lapsus$ group shared proof of breaching Microsoft’s system. The proof was a snapshot they had taken of Azure DevOps, a collaboration software of Microsoft. 

4. The snapshot showed evidence that Bing, Cortana, and other projects got compromised. Microsoft didn’t deny the proof immediately and even made a statement two days later, on March 22, to confirm the breach. 

5. However, they made it clear that there was no exposure to any consumer information and that they had rectified the hack before any spread. This statement was an exception for one threatened account but received immediate attention to clear it off. 

6. To Microsoft, the attack meant a lot of things, and it queried their security policies. Lapsus$, on the other hand, did what they did for the financial access it would grant them. 

Breach due to Misconfiguration in Power Apps – August 2021

7. A big data leak happened because of a mistake in Microsoft Power Apps. The online portal settings were incorrect, leading to the exposure of about 30 million records. These records were from more than 47 different companies that had put their data on platforms that anyone could access. Some of these companies were well-known ones like Ford Motors, New York MTA, and American Airlines, which is why the kind of data and its appearance were different. 

8. Some data was about employees, while others were about COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and tracing. Also, personal details got leaked, like social security numbers, where people live, their full names, and when they were born.

9. The company UpGuard, good at keeping things safe on the internet, found this problem. However, the company did not clarify whether bad people got to the information before it fixed the leak. Then, after investigation, they discovered that third-party companies were the ones who made the mistake, not Microsoft. 

10. The discovery didn’t stop Microsoft from being the main face of the attack, seeing that they made instructions to prevent people from seeing the data. 

Microsoft Azure Database and Customer Accounts Leak in August 2021

11. Security experts from Wiz claim they successfully breached Microsoft Azure’s database and customer accounts in August 2021. They were mainly exploring the system to find weaknesses in Azure’s database, and during their research, the experts could gain full access to various data. 

12. This data included customer account details and multiple databases. However, it’s unclear whether any other third parties accessed the data apart from the Wiz researchers.

13. This data breach in Microsoft Azure was solely the responsibility of Microsoft, as vulnerabilities in Cosmos D.B. created a gap that allowed access to the database. 

14. Additionally, the researchers could delete, modify, and download the information stored in the database. Hence, the incident highlighted the importance of addressing and fixing security issues promptly to protect sensitive data. 

LinkedIn Users Data Scrape

15. Another Microsoft-related data breach was when bad players scraped the personal information of over 500 million LinkedIn users and offered it for sale. It is worth noting that the point of sale was a hacker’s forum, and the information was placed on auction.  

16. This data included details from public LinkedIn profiles, such as contact numbers and email addresses. The breach raised concerns about the security of user data on popular social media and professional networking platforms. 

17. Data breaches like this serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding personal information. However, there’s a need for continuous efforts to enhance online security and privacy.

Glitches in Microsoft Exchange Server

18. This hack attack was one of the most extensive security incidents, involving over 60,000 hacking attempts on Microsoft Exchange servers. These attacks affected more than 30,000 American companies and 60,000 global companies. 

19. The breach was first detected in January 2021 when a security specialist noticed unusual activities on Microsoft Exchange servers. Someone was downloading emails from the server, and further investigation revealed more attempts to access confidential files and emails.

20. The breach exploited four zero-day vulnerabilities, allowing unauthorized access and enabling malicious parties to enter through system backdoors. Also, the breach helped to hijack servers and execute malware attacks. 

21. Microsoft swiftly released patches to fix these vulnerabilities, but the system’s security depended on the server owners applying these updates. When the server owners failed to apply updates, the risk of hacking persisted, resulting in more hacking attempts. 

22. It is worth noting that the total damage caused by this Microsoft data breach remains unspecified. However, the Biden administration attributed some of the attacks to China, particularly those from Hafnium, China. 

Microsoft and SolarWinds Customers Received Malicious Threats

23. The SolarWinds data breach was a significant security incident in December 2020. Russian hackers exploited vulnerabilities in SolarWinds, a well-known infrastructure management and monitoring software. They gained access to the SolarWinds system and used its built-in features to deploy malicious updates. 

24. These updates were sent to more than 18,000 customers, constituting a supply chain attack. This attack paved the way for hackers to infiltrate customer data, networks, and systems.

25. Once inside customer networks, the hackers used these systems to launch additional attacks. They also impersonated users to access files. Microsoft was among the targeted customers, leading to security breaches in Microsoft’s systems. The attack also had wide-reaching consequences, affecting various government agencies, including the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, FAA, and Department of Defense.

26. In the end, Microsoft acknowledged the breach, revealing that the attackers used specialized malware to steal data from the computers of customer service agents.

250 Million Customers Had Their Records Exposed

27. Microsoft had news in late 2019 and early 2020 that their customer support database got misconfigured. The breach would lead to the exposure of over 250 million customer records. 

28. Notably, this issue arose because the database remained unprotected by passwords for over a month, allowing anyone with a web browser to access the data. The exposed information had email addresses, I.P. addresses, and geographical and demographic details.

29. There were several concerns, but the top priority was that this Microsoft data breach made customers vulnerable to scammers. The exposed data made it easier for scammers to impersonate Microsoft customer support personnel when targeting these individuals. 

Credentials of Support Agent Breach

30. The Microsoft data breach in April 2019 occurred when hackers acquired the credentials of customer service agents. With these credentials, they accessed webmail accounts, including those with @hotmail.com, @outlook.com, and @msn.com domains. 

31. The compromised credentials allowed the attackers to access a limited dataset, which included folder names, subject lines, and email addresses. Although the number of compromised accounts remains uncertain, Microsoft stated that the breach affected a limited number. 

32. Notably, Microsoft assured that the breach did not expose login credentials, attachments, or the actual content of the emails. While the violation had an impact, it was limited in scope and did not compromise sensitive data like login information or email content.

Skype Accounts Got Hacked After Spam Messages

33. In November 2016, reports emerged of spam messages sent through Microsoft Skype accounts, even when two-factor authentication is active. Microsoft clarified that the breach did not occur on their side. Instead, the attackers used stolen login credentials from other sources to access Skype accounts. 

34. However, the fact that two-factor authentication failed to prevent unauthorized access made Microsoft indirectly involved in the breach. This Microsoft data breach heightened due to the sign-in system that enabled users to link their Skype and Microsoft accounts. The issue also had ties to the storage of previous Skype passwords, which allowed hackers to sign in to Skype from other devices. 

35. The aftermath of this incident emphasized the importance of robust security measures and the need for strong authentication protocols.

Hotmail Credentials Listed for Sale

36. Microsoft’s security experts discovered a data cache containing 272.3 million credentials. Most of these credentials were linked to a Russian email service, but approximately 33 million were related to accounts under Microsoft Hotmail. 

37. This Microsoft data breach became one of the most significant breaches of its kind and garnered public attention. Initially, this came to public attention when a Russian hacker discussed the data cache on an online forum. We are yet to say if Microsoft has completely survived this incident, but it was years ago, so most likely, yes. 

Microsoft Got Compromised Through Its Internal Bug Trackers

38. A compromised internal database at Microsoft surfaced in October 2017. This database was primarily used to track bugs and errors in Microsoft’s catalog.  

39. The attack occurred in 2013, but no one knew the extent of the breach as the firm didn’t disclose it to the public. However, some Microsoft employees have indicated that the database contained details about weaknesses in Microsoft’s operating systems and their products.

40. The information within the database was substantial and could enable hacking tools to exploit vulnerabilities. 

Xbox Users Had Their Credentials Exposed

41. Three thousand active Xbox users had their login credentials, including names, emails, gamer tags, and birthdays, exposed when they participated in a prize draw poll. This information was published online and was inaccessible through hacking methods. 

42. However, it remains uncertain whether the attackers managed to capture this data. This incident also raised concerns about the security of user information on games. It also follows through on the importance of strict measures to protect sensitive data, even in seemingly harmless activities like prize draws. 

Malware was Delivered to Several Computers as a Microsoft Update

43. The infiltration came to light in June 2012. The news was that hackers had managed to breach hundreds of computers by distributing malware disguised as a legitimate Microsoft update. 

44. They also created a fraudulent certification that exploited Microsoft’s algorithm for establishing remote desktop connections. 

45. However, the extent of damage was minute, as when security experts analyzed the facts, they discovered the breach affected less than 1,000 computers. Microsoft was not directly responsible, but this case is among the list of breaches made via their system. 

Microsoft Experienced Repeated Hack Exploitations by Xbox Underground

46. Xbox Underground, a hacking group, successfully infiltrated Microsoft’s systems multiple times from 2011 to 2013. This group gained access to computer networks and the credentials required to enter development kits and secure buildings. One outstanding case was when they also breached developer systems, including those belonging to Zombie Studios. 

47. Subsequently, legal action was taken against several group members, with David Pokora becoming the first hacker and the first foreign hacker to receive a jail sentence in the U.S. 

48. For his involvement in the Microsoft data breach, he served time in prison from 2014 to July 2015, wadding off potential successors. 

Microsoft BPOS Data Leak

49. In December 2010, Microsoft announced the BPOS (Business Productivity Online Suite) leak. This incident enabled users to access the data of other customers due to a configuration error. 

50. The error allowed customers to access offline address books, which contained the contact information of employees. Then, Microsoft took the reins to clarify that the error only affected a few customers. They resolved the case within the next two hours, but it didn’t cover the already revealed flaw. 

51. Hackers exploited a zero-day flaw in Internet Explorer to breach American companies, including Google and Adobe. 

52. The hackers were able to use this flaw to gain the privileges of an authorized user, effectively taking complete control of the system. This exploit allowed them to view, delete, and modify data, as well as create new accounts. 

53. Using this vulnerability, the hackers downloaded malware onto Google’s computer system, granting them access to proprietary information.

54. The concerning aspect is that Microsoft was already aware of this security loophole and had planned to address it in a future Internet Explorer update. 

55. However, this breach prompted the release of the update against the time planned. 

How to Avoid Security Breaches

The details in this article are about Microsoft, no doubt, but on a personal level, individuals should have protection against security breaches. Here are some common ways to avoid them. 

• Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for each online account. Your password should include uppercase and lowercase letters, special characters, and numbers. Consider using a reputable password manager to help create and store complex passwords securely.
• Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enabling 2FA wherever possible strengthens your device security. You must provide additional information, such as a one-time code sent to your phone, to access your accounts.
• Update your Device’s Operating System Regularly: Keep your operating system, applications, and software updated with the latest security patches and updates. Cybercriminals often target known vulnerabilities, so staying current is crucial.
• Phishing Awareness: Be cautious about unsolicited emails, links, or attachments, especially from unknown sources. Phishing attacks are a standard method for hackers to access your information. Verify the legitimacy of requests for personal or financial information.
• Firewall and Antivirus: Install reputable firewall and antivirus software and regularly check for updates. These tools can help prevent and detect malicious software or intrusions. Run regular scans to identify and remove potential threats.

Conclusion

Microsoft has experienced several data breaches and security issues throughout its history, leading up to 2023. These breaches exposed vulnerabilities and exposed sensitive information. They ranged from early problems like the BPOS leak in 2010 to more recent breaches like SolarWinds, Lapsus$, and the Chinese.

These incidents have highlighted the ongoing challenges of safeguarding user data and digital systems. Although Microsoft has taken steps to address these problems and improve security, they serve as a reminder of the constant cybersecurity threats in today’s world. Therefore, it’s clear that maintaining strong security measures, promptly addressing breaches, and staying vigilant are essential to protecting our data and privacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

• Firewall Times
• Digital Trends
• Microsoft
• IT Governance
• PurpleSec
• Onestop IT
• Business Wire
• Reuters
• Forbes
• The Register

The post 2023 Microsoft Data Breach Statistics: A Comprehensive Overview appeared first on The Tech Report.

Not all that glitters is gold on the internet’s modern matchmaking platforms. Catfishing – the act of creating a false persona online, particularly for romantic gain – has surged in recent years, leaving broken hearts and a trail of deception in its wake. According to 2020 data, catfishing incidents increased by a whopping 33% between 2018 and 2020. Of these reported cases, 40% originated on dating apps like Hinge, Match, and Plenty of Fish. While catfishing may stem from boredom or cravings for attention rather than malice, its effects can be deeply damaging.

The currents of isolation, longing for intimacy, and technological advancements have propelled catfishing into dangerous new waters. We must be vigilant stewards of our deepest desires in the digital realm, where things are not always as they appear. This page unveils alarming catfishing statistics everyone must know. Let’s dive in.

What is Catfishing?

The theory of catfishing is drawn from a different stream of online crimes. The act is prevalent based on the significant spread of technology, meet-up sites, and social media. The world is turning digital, and it’s no news that people are constantly searching for meaningful relationships online. Sometimes, the answers they seek come, but in worse cases, they expose them to catfishers. 

However, since there can’t be any limitations on the growth of the internet and how much people connect, it can be tricky to get rid of this risk. Nevertheless, there are a few effective practices to aid the process. This 190+ web catfishing statistics has a lot to unveil.

What are Catfishers Seeking?

There is no tangible reason why a person might want to indulge in catfishing, yet many individuals dive into the act. So, what are catfishers seeking? Here are some reasons why any perpetrator would like to get involved in catfishing.

To Harass Their Victim

There are various ways by which catfishers harass their victims. They might coerce their victims into doing something via blackmail or even use some force over the internet.

To Defame the Victim

Scammers create fake accounts of real people, intending to destroy and discredit their reputations. 

For Revenge

In some situations, scammers create a fake profile to take revenge on an ex-romantic partner. This could be through various forms of blackmail or threats. They might try to damage your reputation or dishonor you. 

To Defraud Their Victim

Catfishers often request money from their victims through means, who usually fall for their tactics. For example, in 2021, in the United States, individuals lost $547 million to catfish scams.

General Catfishing Statistics

These statistics aim to show how persistent the spread of catfishing is becoming and the depth of its roots worldwide. However, for accurate facts and pointers, the United States is a crucial example for most scenarios. It is also worth noting that the possibility of finding out you’re a victim of catfishing is high compared to the catfisher’s revealing their true identity.

1. 20% of Men Admit to Falling for Fraud Related to Catfishing More Than Five Times.

This suggests that these men had a difficult time abstaining from online communication but constantly fell into the hands of the felons. It also implies that while some learned their lessons after the first or second time, others didn’t. 

2. One Out of Five Millennials has Communicated With a Catfisher Online.

This is up to 20% of this category, which is relatively high compared to other generations of individuals. Gen Z is the closest to this number, reaching 18%, and baby boomers are the least at 6%. 

3. In 2022, 47% of US-based Adults Were Aware of Catfishing.

This shows the amount of exposure in 2022 and how many adult Americans have been directly involved. Although 35% were still ignorant of what catfishers do, most went to those with knowledge, forcing the verdict that catfishing was a big issue. 

4. 22% of Victims Have Sent Adult-rated Photos to Catfishers.

This percentage was drafted after a known catfisher opened up about using adult-rated pictures in businesses. The images were usually sent and collected as a gesture of love, loyalty, admiration, etc. Then, they are sold to people who desire them, after which the sender may regret their actions. 

5. 55% of Catfishing Perpetrators Felt No Remorse for Their Actions.

In most cases, they enjoyed the act, and some would do it again if they had the chance. This leads investigators to believe that their victims could be specifically targeted.

Catfishing Statistics: Demographics

6. Women are Often Susceptible to Distorting Their Age Online.

The case here is accurate, as women tend to be more attractive when seen as younger. So, the first instinct is to modify their age to drive companions in search of younger women before solidifying interest. 

7. Men are the Most Common Targets of Catfishers on Social Media, Accounting for 43% of Victims.

Men would be more likely to fall, as these catfishers use their most significant weaknesses to get them to spill information. Although there may be other reasons, research would confirm that a man is more susceptible to a woman demanding something from him than vice versa. 

8. In 2014, 79% of Women With Financial Losses Due to Catfishing Were Over 40 in the United States.

Above 40, most women find themselves at different points in their life. Some may be unmarried, searching for spouses; others could be single moms, divorced, and wanting a relationship. They could be widows with a need for companionship or a friend. At this point, they are easily accessible and vulnerable to falling for catfishing antics. 

9. 15.8% of Those Losses Came From Men Over 40.

The percentage is lower in the same age range for men, as most men find their stability and experience around this range. They become more logical and try to own up to their immediate responsibilities. 

10. Oklahoma Reported the Highest Cash Loss Per Victim, Averaging $70,288.

This doesn’t go anywhere to say that Oklahoma has the most significant spenders; rather, catfishers would constantly milk a person until they were completely drained. In this case, they either continued till their target sum was achieved or the victim was suspected. 

11. 20% of Women Use Outdated Pictures of Themselves.

In line with women reducing their age on social platforms to look younger, they also upload obsolete photos. This aligns with their age range and makes them more appealing to the opposite gender.  

12. 40% of Men Have Been Known to Falsify Their Earnings and Occupations.

Men do this to look the part or back up their false stories since there is the fact that women are tuned by what they hear, falsifying earnings stories, occupations, and even geographical locations.

13. Individuals Who Romanticize Relationships are Most Prone to Catfishing Attacks.

Most successful catfishing attacks are based on a romantic relationship where feelings have taken control of the mindset of both parties. In those cases, the logical part of thoughts has been romanticized.  

14. In the United States, Roughly 20,000 Individuals Become Catfishing Victims Yearly.

This relatively high number shows how much people fall prey to such online practices. In 2020, the percentage of victims summed up to about 41%.

Catfish Statistics: Location

15. The Philippines Recorded the Largest Catfishing Incidents, With an Average of £2,506 (or $3,060) Per Trade.

This implies that the Philippines has suffered the most attacks and severe losses. However, the impact of catfishing is quite powerful in other regions. 

16. In 2020, Nigeria Ranked the Second-largest Number of Catfishing Scams, With 1,129 Reports.

With a population of approximately 216 million, Nigeria is a hotbed of catfishing activities. With its third-world status, this activity is rising rapidly. 

17. American Samoa Ranked the State With the Least Possibility of Having a Catfishing Cybercrime.

American Samoa is least likely to record catfishing cybercrime. This is likely due to its low population of approximately 45,000 people. 

18. Minor Outlying Islands, Virgin Islands, and Guam Follow After American Samoa on the List of Areas With Minimal Catfish Activities.

These regions are mostly island areas that serve as tourist attractions. Notably, catfish activities are quite minimal in these areas.

19. In 2020, Texas Reported the Highest Number of Fake Social Media Accounts.

Texas reported the highest number of fake accounts, with 1,238 incidents proving the activity of scammers. 

20. 4% of US-based Users Admitted Having at Least Four Fake Social Media Accounts to Add to Their Original Ones.

In other words, some people in the US create multiple fake profiles on social media to go along with their genuine accounts. This could be for various reasons, such as pretending to be someone else or for other purposes.

21. Maine Recorded the Lowest Average Losses From Romance Scams in 2021.

On average, people in Maine lost less money to these types of scams than people in other states. Romance scams involve tricking people into romantic relationships to steal money from them, and it appears that in 2021, Maine had the lowest average losses in such scams among all the states in the US.

22. North Dakota Experienced the Highest Average Losses for Each Romance Scam.

Romance scams involve deceiving individuals in the context of a romantic relationship to steal their money, and it seems that North Dakota had the highest average losses in these types of scams among all the states in the US.

23. Rhode Island Followed, Averaging $62,773 in Losses.

After North Dakota, Rhode Island had the second-highest average amount of money lost to scams. On average, people in Rhode Island lost about $62,773 to these types of scams. So, while North Dakota had the highest losses, Rhode Island came next.

24. The UK has the Largest Cost of Romance Scams, Amounting to £24 Million.

This means that people in the UK lost a substantial amount of money to these deceitful romance scams.

Catfishing Statistics: Reasons Why People Catfish

25. 41% of Catfishers Indulge in the Act Mainly Out of Loneliness.

Catfishers are people who pretend to be someone else online, and this statistic suggests that a significant portion of them do it because they’re experiencing strong feelings of loneliness. They might create fake profiles and engage with others to combat their feelings of being alone.

26. One-third of Catfishers Engaged in Catfishing Out of Dissatisfaction With Their Physiques and Other Features.

These individuals may create fake online personas to feel better about themselves or hide their insecurities related to their appearance and other characteristics.

27. Over One-third of Perpetrators Wanted to Confess Their Actions to Their Victims.

This suggests that some may feel guilty or regretful about their actions and want to come clean to those they’ve misled.

What Do Perpetrators Gain from Catfishing?

28. In 2019, in Oklahoma, Catfishers Looted an Average of $70,288 for Each Victim.

This means that people in Oklahoma deceived by catfishers lost about $70,288 on average to these deceitful individuals. It’s a significant amount of money taken from each victim.

29. Catfishers May Also Entice Their Victims Into Sharing Nude Videos and Photos, Which Can Easily Be Used for Blackmailing.

This means they might persuade people to send intimate or sensitive pictures or videos and then threaten to reveal or misuse these personal images to force the victim to do something they want. It’s a harmful and manipulative tactic often used by catfishers to control or manipulate their targets.

30. While Most Victims Transfer Below $20, 13% Have Transferred Up to $500, and 6% Have Sent Between $1,000 and $10,000.

This data shows that while many lose only a small amount of money to catfishers, some send much larger sums.

31. 20% of Individuals are Motivated by Coaxing Nude Videos or Photos, While 22% of Victims Fall Prey and Send Their Nudes.

On the other side, 22% of victims of catfishing end up falling for this manipulation and sending their explicit pictures or videos to the catfisher. So, a significant number of victims send these intimate images as a result of the catfisher’s coaxing or manipulation. 

32. In the UK, 2016 had the Highest Number of Online Romance Scams, Leading to Losses of up to £39 Million ($50 Million).

During that year, there was a significant increase in the number of romance scams, and it had a big financial impact on the victims, collectively losing that much money.

33. 9% of Catfishing Victims Encounter Severe Mental Issues.

This means that a small but significant portion of people who catfishers are deceived face severe emotional or psychological challenges due to the deceit and manipulation they have gone through.   

34. Emotional Responses Vary Among Victims: Humor, Humiliation, Heartbreak, and Distress.

20% of victims considered the situation humorous, 25% found it humiliating, 13% were heartbroken, and 13% encountered notable emotional distress after such encounters.

Messaging Apps Catfishing Statistics

35. WhatsApp is the Most Popular Messaging Application for Scammers, Followed by Telegram, Kik, and Signal.

WhatsApp is the messaging app that scammers use the most for their activities, followed by Telegram, Kik, and Signal. Scammers commonly use these apps for deceptive actions and fraudulent schemes. Staying cautious and aware of potential scams when using these messaging platforms is essential. 

36. On Average, Losses Resulting From Catfishing on Messaging Platforms Were $2,000.

On average, losses caused by catfishing on messaging platforms amounted to $2,000. This means that people who fell victim to catfishers on messaging apps typically lost around $2,000 each. 

37. Like Online Dating Apps, Women are the Most Likely to be Scammed on Messaging Apps.

Women are often the primary victims of scams on these platforms, and they need to be especially cautious and vigilant to avoid falling prey to scammers and fraudsters.

38. In 2022, Catfishing on Messaging Platforms Increased by 25% Over 2021 Figures.

This means there was a significant rise in deceptive activities and fraudulent actions carried out by catfishers on messaging apps during 2022 compared to the previous year. 

39. Catfishing Over Social Media Platforms Can Have a Devastating Influence on Victims.

Deceptive actions by catfishers can lead to emotional distress, financial losses, damage to one’s reputation, and even harm to mental well-being. 

40. Catfishing on Messaging Platforms is Targeted at More Vulnerable Individuals.

Scammers and catfishers may prey on people who are trusting, lonely, or in search of emotional connections. Their feelings push them to the extent that they can only survive on long-term commitment, which these catfishers promise them.

Social Media Catfish Statistics

41. Since 2019, 50% of All Catfishing Frauds Have Occurred on Social Media Platforms, Specifically Instagram and Meta.

This data indicates catfishing has become a significant digital and social media issue, especially Instagram and Meta. These platforms have become a primary playground for individuals who create fake personas to deceive, manipulate, and defraud others.

42. Tinder is the Most Popular Dating Website for Catfishers, Followed by Bumble, Plenty of Fish, and OkCupid.

Tinder is the most popular dating website for catfishers, followed by Bumble, Plenty of Fish, and OkCupid. This is because Tinder is a very popular dating app with a large user base, which makes it easier for catfishers to find victims. Tinder is also a relatively anonymous app, which makes it easier for catfishers to create fake profiles and identities. 

43. Catfishers Often Use Fake Profiles or Fake Photos.

This is because they want to create a false sense of security and trust with their victims. They may also use fake profiles and photos to make themselves seem more attractive, successful, or well-traveled than they are. 

44. The Main Goal of Catfishing on Online Dating Platforms is to Gain the Person’s Trust and Then Ask for Valuables or Money.

This statistic reveals why catfishing engages in this fraudulent act. It’s either they want to ask for money or other valuable items.

45. 22% of Individuals on Tinder are Already in Committed Relations.

According to a study by Erasmus University Rotterdam, 22% of individuals on Tinder are already in committed relationships. This suggests that many people use Tinder for reasons other than finding a romantic partner.

46. 21% of Catfishing Scams Emerged From Meta (Facebook).

According to a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report, 21% of catfishing scams occurred from Meta (Facebook) in 2021. This makes it the most popular platform for catfishers, followed by Instagram, which accounted for 11% of scams.

47. Over Six Months, Facebook Eliminated 1.3 Billion Fake Accounts.

Facebook attributes the increase in fake account removals to its improved ability to detect and remove fake accounts. The company has invested heavily in developing new tools and algorithms to identify and remove fake accounts, and it is also working with law enforcement agencies to track down and prosecute catfishers. 

48. Counterfeit Accounts Frequently Have Over Six Times More Friends on Social Media Platforms than Real Users.

According to a study by the University of California, Berkeley, fake social media accounts have an average of 6.4 times more friends than real accounts. This is because catfishers often use fake accounts to target many potential victims. They may also use bots to generate fake friends and followers. 

49. 83 Million Facebook Accounts are Counterfeit, With 97% Posing as Women.

A recent report indicates that approximately 83 million Facebook accounts are fraudulent, with a staggering 97% of them impersonating women. These counterfeit profiles raise concerns about online identity theft and fraudulent activity on the platform. Facebook is actively working to combat this issue.

50. Social Media Platforms Experience More Catfishing Fraud Than Dating Platforms.

According to a 2022 report by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), social media platforms accounted for 21% of catfishing scams in 2021, while dating platforms accounted for 16%.

51. Within Q1 of 2020, Romance-related Scams Resulted in an Overall of $170 Million.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), romance scams resulted in $170 million in losses in the first half of 2020. This is a significant increase from the $113 million in losses reported in the same period in 2019.

52. 85% of All Catfishing Scams Emerge From Facebook.

According to the Anti-Phishing Working Group report, Facebook is the most popular platform for catfishing scammers, accounting for 85% of all catfishing scams in 2022. 

53. 50% of Individuals Posing as Single are Committed Somewhere Else.

There are many reasons why people might pose as single when they are not. Some people may be looking for casual encounters or affairs. Others may be trying to catfish people for financial gain. Still, others may be lonely and looking for companionship. 

54. 51% of Internet Daters Posing as Single are in a Relationship.

Another study cited supporting this statistic is a 2016 study by the University of Notre Dame, which found that 26% of online daters had lied about their relationship status. However, this study was also limited in its scope. 

55. In 2022, 27% of Internet Daters Reported Being Scammed.

According to a 2023 Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report, 27% of internet daters reported being scammed in 2022. This is a significant increase from the 23% of internet daters who said they were being scammed in 2021. The FTC report also found that the median loss for victims of online dating scams was $650 in 2022, up from $500 in 2021.

56. In 2021, Social Media Platforms Were Found to be the First Point of Contact for Catfishing Romance Scams.

Social media platforms are a popular way for scammers to initiate contact with potential victims of catfishing romance scams. According to a 2022 report by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), social media platforms were the first point of contact for 21% of catfishing scams in 2021. 

57. 42% of Tinder Customers are Already in a Committed Relationship, While 30% are Married, and 12% are in an Existing Relationship.

A significant portion of Tinder’s customer base raises concerns about relationship status, with 42% of users already in committed relationships, 30% being married, and 12% currently involved in other existing relationships. These statistics highlight the complexity of intentions among app users in dating and connections.

58. In 2022, 73% of Web Users Voted for Social Media Platforms to Ban Catfishers.

According to a 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center, 73% of internet users believe that social media companies should do more to remove catfishers from their platforms. This demand is likely due to the increasing prevalence of catfishing and its negative impact on victims. 

59. 24% of Romance Scammers Claimed They Were Ill or Someone Related to Them Was Sick.

This is a common tactic used by romance scammers to gain the sympathy and trust of their victims. They may claim a serious illness, such as cancer or a heart condition, or argue that a loved one is ill and needs money to pay medical bills.

60. On Dating Sites, Most Victims Believe Their Dates After They Claim to be Ill, as This has Emerged as a Common Lie.

Scammers often use the illness tactic to create a sense of urgency and pressure their victims to send them money. They may claim that they need money to pay for surgery or other medical treatments, or they may claim that they need money to help their loved one who is ill.

Catfishing and Internet Dating

61. In 2020, California Topped the List of Most Heavily Impacted States by Romance Scams, Accounting for a $120 Million Loss.

This surge was due to the increase in mobile devices during the lockdown. An online dating statistics report showed that over 3,110 victims were affected, with a loss totaling over $120m. Texas, Florida, Michigan, and New York rounded out the top five states most affected by these scams.

62. Romance Scams are an Existing Online Epidemic, as Most Occur on Social Media Platforms Like Instagram and Facebook.

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat are prevalent atmospheres for catfishers. However, Facebook and Instagram are the most common social media platforms for romance scams. Social media gives catfishers more chances to target would-be victims with fake identities and profiles.

63. In 2020, Attempts to Recover Funds Lost to Romance Scams Experienced a 40% Growth.

Recovering lost funds from scammers has never been easy, but it has been possible over the years. The reported losses from romance scams are estimated to be $304 million, indicating a 40% rise from the previous year. Victims who were quick to fall for romance scams were unaware of such scams or believed the scammers’ tactics quickly.

64. Individuals Aged 20 to 29 Encountered the Highest Increase in Romance Scams.

Individuals who are most likely open to romance scam attacks fall between the ages of 20 to 29. Scam reports from the vicenarians grew between 2019 and 2022 by 40%, recording the highest percentage amongst different age groups.

65. People Between 40 and 69 Were the Most Prone to Romance Scams.

Sexagenarians are the most susceptible age category for romance scams for specific reasons. This may be because of loneliness due to being divorced or widowed. Another reason could be their good financial standing, which makes them more prone to romance scams. 44% of people in this category fell victim to romance scams in 2022.

Catfishing Consequences Statistics

66. In 2021, Internet Romance Scams in the US Accounted for a Massive Loss of $547 Million.

According to a 2021 report from the Federation of Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the US lost $547 million to romance scams. On average, the US loses $500 to the malicious scams carried out by catfishers online yearly. Lately, social media developed strategies for individuals to detect fake profiles and fight against these online scams.

67. In 2021, Romance Catfish Fraudsters Used Malicious Crypto Schemes to Scam Victims, Leading to a Loss of $139 Million in Crypto.

The crypto plot is another medium through which catfishers extort money from victims online. In 2021, $139 million was lost to crypto romance scams. The catfishers deceive their intended victims into investing in cryptocurrency and convince them to send cryptos to their wallet addresses. Cryptocurrency transactions are not reversible, which makes crypto-related scam recovery burdensome.

68. In the Same Year, 1,800 Complaints Were Associated With Internet Scams, All Coming From Online Dating Sites or Social Media Platforms.

In the same year, 1,800 complaints were reported, all stemming from incidents related to internet scams. Notably, these complaints were exclusively linked to online dating sites and social media platforms, underscoring the prevalence of fraudulent activities in these digital spaces.

69. Sextortion Cases Resulted in More Than $13.6 Million in Losses in 2021, as the FBI Handled Over 18,000 Reported Cases.

It is worth noting that these cases may be underreported, as most victims fear coming forward to admit them. Sextortion can destroy victims who may encounter emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, and financial hardship. 

70. In 2022, Victims of Catfish Fraud Experienced a Loss of About $700 Via Gift Cards.

People who were victims of catfish scams encountered an average of $700 in financial losses via gift cards, as reported by the FTC. These scammers usually pose as successful individuals, military personnel, government officials, or romantic partners. 

71. In 2021, Victims of Romance Scams Encountered a Massive Loss of $956 Million.

According to the FTC, this $956 million loss by romantic scams is the highest amount of cash ever lost to romantic scams.

72. Catfishing in Government Makes it More Difficult for Government Bodies to Attract and Retain Workers.

Government agencies may experience difficulty in attracting and retaining workers for numerous reasons. These include the negative impact on their morale; government officials who have been victims of catfishing may feel betrayed by their colleagues or bosses and no longer trust their co-workers, and potential government workers may be scared of being catfished during the recruitment process. 

73. In 2021, a Russian Spy Catfished a United States Department Worker and Got Access to Classified Details.

A Russian intelligence official called “Evgeniy Viktorovich Gladkikh” opened a fake LinkedIn profile named “Alexey Ivanov.” The scammer then connected with the United States government worker using a phony profile and developed a romantic relationship. When Gladkikh attempted to convince the US government worker to reveal classified information, she became suspicious and reported him to her supervisor, and Gladkikh was arrested. He is currently serving a 10-year term. 

74. In 2023, a Nigerian Fraudster Catfished a United States Department of Homeland Security Worker and Extorted $20,000.

“In 2023, a Nigerian fraudster posed as a fake identity online, successfully catfishing a United States Department of Homeland Security employee and extorting $20,000 from them. This massive amount extorted shows the huge amount victims could lose to catfishers and fraudsters.

75. In 2022, a Chinese Man Catfished a United States Department Worker and Extorted Sensitive Military Plans.

In 2022, a Chinese individual engaged in a catfishing scheme, deceiving a United States Department worker through online impersonation. The imposter then extorted sensitive military plans from the victim, raising significant security concerns.

76. 35% of Perpetrators Indulge in the Act to Extort Money, While 20% of People Become Victims and Send Money.

According to a 2022 report by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), 35% of perpetrators of romance scams engage in the act to extort money, while 20% of victims send cash. This is a significant amount of money, and knowing the risks of romance scams is important.

Catfishing in Government

77. One in Ten Government Staff has Experienced Catfishing.

This may happen for various reasons, including that government officials usually have access to crucial and sensitive information, which can make them targets for catfishers. Then, most government workers are inexperienced and young and can be prone to scams. Lastly, the internet offers anonymity to scammers, making identifying scammers difficult. 

78. The Department of Defense (20%), Department of State (15%), and Department of Homeland Security (10%) are the Most Attacked Government Agencies by Catfishers.

These departments have been the most common agencies to be targeted by catfishers for various reasons. First, they have access to sensitive information, making them chief areas of target for catfishers. Then, many government workers are recruits, making them prone to scams. Furthermore, thanks to the anonymity of the internet, victims have difficulty reporting or identifying catfishers. 

79. Catfishers in Government May Attempt to Blackmail Government Employees, Implement Terrorist Attacks, or Steal Classified Information.

Catfishers may pose as government executives to gain classified information. They may also attempt to trick government workers into disclosing classified details by pretending to be interested in getting into a romantic relationship with the target or by asking their targets questions about their work.

80. Catfishers in Government Usually Pose as Military Personnel, Contractors, or Foreign Officials.

Catfishers in government love to pose as military personnel, contractors, or foreign officials because these are all roles where they can gain access to sensitive details. 

81. On Average, Catfishing in Government Results in a $10,000 Loss.

This reveals the massive negative impact catfishing can have on the government. Since government officials usually have access to sensitive information, catfishers usually pose as trusted officials, like military personnel, contractors, or foreign officials, to gain the trust of their victims. 

82. 50% of Americans Say That Catfishing Has Destroyed the Federal Government’s Reputation to the Public.

According to a 2023 Pew Research Center study, 50% of Americans say catfishing has devastated the public’s perception of the federal government. This is a notable revelation, indicating a serious challenge affecting public trust in the federal government.

83. 60% of Americans Say That Catfishing is a Severe Problem in the Federal Government.

60% of American citizens said that catfishing is a serious challenge in the federal government, indicating a serious problem affecting public trust in government. It is worth noting that there are various reasons why catfishing is a notable problem that is influencing public trust in government. First, scammers can use catfishing to target government employees and officials, resulting in them being extorted or blackmailed. 

84. 40% of Government Workers Who Have Been Victims of Catfishing Have Considered Resigning From Their Jobs.

According to a 2023 study by the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE), 40% of government workers who have been victims of catfishing have considered resigning their jobs. This is a notable revelation, revealing that catfishing can severely negatively influence the productivity and morale of government employees.

85. As a Result, 70% of Government Workers Who Have Been Catfished Have Been Emotionally Distressed.

The 2023 NAGE study report found that 70% of government workers who have experienced catfishing have been emotionally distressed because of it. This statistic reveals the severe impact of catfishing on the mental health of government workers.

86. Catfishing Can Severely Impact Government Workers’ Personal Lives, Resulting in Financial Problems, Relationship Difficulties, or Health Problems.

Catfishing in government can result in relationship issues between government workers and their friends, romantic partners, and family members. They may also experience financial difficulties after being blackmailed or tricked into sending money. 

87. Government Workers Struggling Financially or Recruits are the Most Targeted for Catfishing Attacks.

Government workers struggling financially or new to the jobs are usually the most targeted by catfishers. Recruits are the most vulnerable to catfishing scams because they may be more trusting and unfamiliar with the workplace. Also, government workers struggling financially may be more prone to being targeted by catfishers, as they may be the most desperate for money. 

88. In 2021, the Federal Government Lost More Than $1 Billion to Catfishing Scams. 

A 2022 study by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) showed that the federal government lost more than $1 billion to catfishing scams in 2021. Notably, this is a massive growth from the $500 million the government failed to catfish scams the year before.

89. Government Workers With Access to Classified Information or Working on Sensitive Projects are Prone to Catfishers.

Government workers with access to classified information or involvement in sensitive projects are vulnerable to catfishers who use deception and false identities to exploit their position for espionage, data breaches, or blackmail. These individuals must exercise extreme caution and employ stringent cybersecurity measures to safeguard national security and protect sensitive data from malicious actors.

Catfishing in Online Gaming

90. Following Phishing and Account Takeovers, Catfishing is the Third Most Frequent Internet Gaming Scam.

A 2022 Anti-Phishing Work Group (APWG) report showed that catfishing is the third most common type of internet gaming. There are various reasons why catfishing is very common in internet gaming. First, internet gaming communities are often supportive and welcoming, which makes it easy for scammers to gain the trust of other players. Second, the majority of internet gamers are young and inexperienced. 

91. 20% of Internet Gamers Have Been Catfished.

Catfishes have scammed one in five internet gamers, revealing a significant online gaming challenge. Thanks to the welcoming and supportive nature of online gaming communities, catfishers prefer to use them to gain the trust of their targets, which are other players. 

92. There is An Increase in Online Gaming Catfish Activities.

The increasing popularity of internet gaming in recent years has provided a large pool of possible targets for catfishers. Then, the anonymity offered by internet gaming makes it difficult for targets to identify catfishers, as these scammers can impersonate other players.

93. Catfishers in Internet Gaming Usually Target Young Gamers, Who are More Vulnerable and Trusting.

Younger gamers are usually more trusting, inexperienced, and inexperienced, making them great targets for exploitation. Catfishers often prey on young online gamers by posing as friends, family, or romantic partners.

94. Romantic Catfishing is Becoming a Pervasive Threat in Online Gaming.

Romantic catfishing is the most common form in internet gaming, as the catfish poses as a romantic partner to win the victim’s trust and exploit the individual. They do this across every industry, sector, and country.

Catfishing in Crypto and Web3 Statistics

95. Catfishing Activities in Crypto and Web3 Have Grown by More Than 200% in the Last Year.

According to a 2023 study by the Anti-Phishing Working Group, catfishing activities in the crypto and Web3 industries have grown by 200% in the past year. The anonymity crypto provides to scammers, the increasing popularity of crypto and Web3, and the absence of regulation in the crypto space are major reasons for this growth.

96. Over 50% of Crypto and Web3 Catfishing Scams are Aimed at Women.

A 2023 report by Chainalysis showed that more than 50% of catfishing scams in the Web3 space are associated with romance. Interestingly, scammers pose with fake profiles, connect with and gain the trust of their targets, and then ask them for financial assistance. In some situations, romance catfishers may even fool their victims into investing in falsified Web3 projects.

97. Over 30% of Crypto and Web3 Catfishing Scams Target Individuals Below 30.

This may happen for several reasons, including that individuals below 30 are more likely to adopt new and innovative technologies, making them more prone to scams. Young individuals are usually more active on social media platforms, a significant channel that scammers use to connect with their victims. Also, individuals below 30 may have lesser knowledge of cryptocurrency and the Web3, making them more vulnerable to scams. 

98. Over 5% of Crypto and Web3 Catfishing Scams are Related to Identity Theft.

Catfishers in crypto and Web3 may attempt to steal their target’s details in several ways. For instance, they may request that their victims provide their personal information to “process a payment” or “verify their identity.” It is worth noting that once the scammer has gotten their victim’s personal information, they can use it for various malicious acts. 

99. Over 10% of Crypto and Web3 Catfishing Scams are Associated With Investment Fraud.

Catfishers in crypto may deceive their victims into investing in fake cryptocurrency projects or promising higher investment returns. In addition, they may also attempt to manipulate their victims into staking more cash than they can risk. Usually, these acts have more destructive impacts on the victims. 

100. In 2022, Crypto and Web3 Losses Reported to the FTC Accrued to More Than $1 Billion.

The FTC’s 2023 report revealed that crypto-related scams are constantly increasing, as losses reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) accrued up to $1 billion in 2022. This marks a considerable growth from the previous year when reported losses totaled $547 million. 

101. Although the Average Loss to a Crypto Catfish Scam is $2,000, Some Have Lost Millions.

Chainalysis’ 2023 report found that, on average, victims of crypto scams lose up to $2,000. Moreover, some individuals have lost several million dollars. Some reasons people lose so much money to crypto-related scams include that Web 3 provides anonymity, the absence of regulation of the web3 space makes it hard for victims to obtain help, and some victims may not report being scammed because of fear of shame or embarrassment. 

102. Catfishing Scams in Crypto and Web3 Account for More Than 20% of All Reported Frauds.

Catfishing scams are becoming more common in the crypto space for various reasons, including that the blockchain and crypto techs are new and sophisticated technologies. This can make it difficult for individuals to identify scams. Then, the increasing permissionless and decentralized nature of the crypto space makes crypto a desirable choice of transactions for individuals. 

103. In 2023, a Group of Scammers Who Posed as Ambassadors of a Legitimate Web3 Project Scammed a Man of $1 Million.

The scammers contacted the man over the Internet and informed him that he had been chosen to partake in a private investment round for the Web3 project. In addition, they promised him high revenues on his investment, which led to him sending $1 million. Moreover, the scammers eluded with the victim’s money, and the project never sufficed. 

104. In 2022, a Man Who Posed as a Crypto Investor on a Dating Platform Scammed a Woman of $2 Million.

The woman, whose identity wasn’t revealed, met the scammer on the dating application Bumble, and they started dating. The scammer deceived the woman that he was a successful crypto investor who could help her earn more money. Eventually, the victim invested $2 million in the scammer’s crypto investment scheme. Moreover, he absconded with her money, and the investment turned out to be a fraud.

105. A Group of Individuals Were Defrauded Millions of Dollars by a False Crypto Exchange in 2023.

The fake exchange, “CryptoFX,” was developed by scammers who posed as legitimate crypto exchange operators. It is worth noting that the scammers established fake social media accounts and fake websites. The fraudsters convinced the victims to invest in CryptoFX by promising to offer them high returns on their investments. 

106. In 2023, a Man Who Posed as a Crypto Developer on LinkedIn Scammed a Woman of $1 Million.

The catfish used a fake profile to connect and interact with the woman, claiming to be working on a novel crypto project and providing the woman with the chance to invest. The victim then trusted him and transferred $1 million to him, only for him to disappear with her cash. 

107. More Than 20% of Crypto and Web3 Catfishing Scams are Related to Romantic Catfishing.

Romantic catfishing constitutes over 20% of crypto and Web3 ecosystem scams. These fraudulent activities involve individuals impersonating romantic interests to deceive and exploit victims financially. This alarming trend highlights the need for increased vigilance and awareness in online relationships within these emerging technologies.

Catfishing Records for the Different States

108. Nevada Ranks as the state with the most possibility of experiencing catfishing, followed by Wyoming, Washington, and Utah.

109. Maine recorded the lowest cost per scam victim, accounting for $3,820.

110. Oklahoma recorded the highest cost per victim, recording $70,288.

111. There were 41,463 reported cases of romance scams in 2020. That figure will increase to 59,690 cases in 2021. However, the figure declined significantly in 2022.

112. In 2022, 60% of adults preferred a picture verification system to inhibit catfish situations.

113. In some cases, catfishing has led to suicide.

114. Victims of Catfishing are more likely to encounter depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

115. Catfishing can also lead to physical harm, which includes sexual abuse.

116. 7% of adults aged between 18 and 34 admitted to transferring money to a catfish in 2022.

117. In 2021, only 2.8% of romance scams were reported.

118. 10% of individuals have been catfished on the internet.

119. The Philippines tops as the country with the most reported cases, accounting for 1,315 cases.

120. Nigeria, Canada, the UK, and Turkey follow strongly after the Philippines.

121. Men are more likely to be catfishers than women.

122. Catfish victims globally are aged 35 years old, on average.

123. In 2022, there were 35% more reported cases globally than in 2021.

124. Catfishing is a severe crime; perpetrators can be prosecuted for identity theft, fraud, and other serious offenses.

125. Catfish scammers are using more sophisticated methods.

The Legal Consequences of Catfishing

126. In 2021, there were more than 3,000 federal convictions for ID theft. 

127. In 2021, a Canadian man was sentenced to three years for catfishing and sexually exploiting a 15-year-old girl.

128. In 2020, an American woman was sentenced to five years in prison for catfishing a 60-year-old man and looting more than $200,000 from him.

129. In 2022, a British man was sentenced to three years for catfishing a 14-year-old girl. 

130. The average prison sentence for identity theft is two years.

131. The legal impact of catfishing can also negatively influence a catfish’s future employment and reputation.

Catfishing in the Workplace

132. Catfishers in the workplace can result in identity theft. 

133. Catfishers in the workplace can be detrimental to a victim’s reputation.

134. Catfishing in the workplace is most common in specific industries, which include sales and marketing. 

135. Catfishing in the workplace can negatively impact victims, as they may feel humiliated, ashamed, or betrayed. 

136. Workplace catfishers may pose as potential clients, co-workers, or employers.

137. There were more than 3,000 federal convictions for identity theft in 2021. 

Catfishing in the Media

138. Catfishing has been featured in more than 100 movies and TV shows.

139. The most popular catfishing is “MTV Catfish,” which has aired over 100 episodes. 

140. “Catfish” 2010 is the most popular movie related to catfishing, which has accrued more than 10 million views on Netflix.

141. Catfishing has been featured in several documentaries, such as “Tinder Swindler” (2022) and “Catfish: The Killing of Ariel.” 

142. The media influenced 60% of catfishing victims. 

143. 40% of catfishing victims claim that it led to them becoming more aware of the dangers and risks of catfishing.

144. 30% of individuals who have encountered catfishing in the media believe that it made them more reactive to report a scam if they were to be catfished. 

145. 70% of TV shows and movies about catfishing portray the catfish as an antagonist. 

146. 70% of individuals who have viewed catfishing in the media believe raising awareness of the act is essential. 

147. 60% of individuals viewing catfishing in the media are more likely to inform their family members and friends about it. 

148. 60% of documentaries about catfishing portray the catfish as a complex individual with personal motivations. 

149. 80% of individuals viewing catfishing in the media believe it is a severe problem. 

150. 50% of TV shows and movies related to catfishing reveal a happy ending for the catfishing victim.

Catfishing Resources Statistics

151. More than 100,000 individuals visited the FTC’s site on catfishing.

152. Over 10,000 individuals contacted the Catfish Recovery Project for support in 2021. 

153. More than 1,000 individuals reported catfish scams to the Better Business Bureau in 2020. 

154. The FTC has a blog post specializing in catfish with over 10,000 members. 

155. The FBI has a page dedicated to catfishing, with more than 500,000 visits last year.  

156. The Catfish Recovery Project has a podcast that has more than 100 episodes. 

157. The number of TV shows and movies related to catfishing has grown 500% in the last 10 years. 

158. Catfishing in the media can also result in increased catfishing scams. 

159. Victims of catfishing in the media are often portrayed as gullible and naive.

160. There is an increasing movement to raise awareness of the risks of catfishing in the media.

161. There is an increase in the number of celebrities sharing their experiences with catfishing.

Catfishing Statistics in Education

162. One out of five students have been catfished.

163. Female students are more likely to be catfished than male students.

164. Students who are struggling socially or academically are more likely to be catfished.

165. Younger students are more likely to be catfished than older students. 

166. Students who are new to internet learning are more likely to be catfished.

167. Catfish in education usually pose as a victim’s teacher, classmate, or other academic authority figure.

168. Students who have been catfished may lose money to the catfish. 

169. 40% of students who have been catfished claim that the catfisher was someone they met in an online study group or class.

170. 20% of students who have been victims of catfishing say that they met the catfisher in an internet game.

171. 30% of students who have been victims of catfishing say that they met the catfisher on social media.

172. On average, catfishing in education costs $500.

173. 10% of students who have been catfished met the catfisher on a dating app. 

174. 60% of students who have been victims of catfishing say that they had emotional distress due to the experience. 

175. 10% of students who have experienced catfishing were physically harmed.

176. 30% of students who have been victims of catfishing experienced academic problems due to it.

Catfishing in the Family

177. Catfishing in families is more frequent on social media than on other platforms.

178. One in ten individuals who have been catfished thought the catfisher was a family member.

179. Catfishers in the family may ask for personal information or money.

180. Catfishers in a family usually pose as distant relatives, like an aunt or cousin.

181. Catfishers in the family can destroy relationships and trust in the family.

182. Vulnerable people, like those with disabilities or the elderly, are the most prone to catfishing.

183. Catfishing in a family can result in financial disasters for victims.

184. Catfishers in the family may implement various strategies to manipulate and exploit their victims.

185. Catfishers may use stolen videos or photos to pose as people they are not.

186. Children catfished by a family member are more prone to experiencing emotional problems like depression and anxiety.

187. Children catfished by a family member may be at a higher risk of other forms of abuse.

188. Children whose family member has catfished are more likely to have difficulty trusting others.

189. 5% of people who a family member has catfished experienced physical harm due to the encounter.

190. In rare cases, catfishing in the family can result in suicide.

191. Victims of catfishing in the family may feel ashamed, humiliated, and betrayed.

Conclusion

Catfishing is one of the most common forms of scams used on the internet, as many individuals, businesses, and government employees are lured and deceived into thinking perpetrators are people who can be trusted. However, these catfishers end up capitalizing on the weaknesses of their victims. They exploit targets for money-sensitive information, damaging their reputation on the internet or harming them physically or sexually. It is a federal crime and results in severe judgment globally. But, ultimately, education is key — knowing catfishing statistics can help a heap.

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