During this year’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we will explore the current landscape of online security threats, examine how individuals can safeguard themselves from potential breaches, and discuss strategies for organizations to empower their employees in defending against cyber-attacks.
The Current State of Global Cyber-Insecurity In 2024
Over 80% of data breaches were attributed to phishing attacks, which deceive individuals into disclosing sensitive information such as passwords and credit card numbers. Additionally, nearly 30% of all cyberattacks targeted mobile devices, a concerning trend given the increasing reliance on smartphones for sensitive transactions.
But first, let’s break down what we mean by “cyber-insecure.”
Cyber Insecurity
Cyber insecurity is identified as a major global risk, threatening supply chains, financial stability, and democracy. As with most systems, it is made up of components that involve both machines and humans actively participating in its process.
The Human component: Cyber Skills Shortage
Below are some of the factors that weigh into the lack of skills-acquisition required in protecting their internet-connected infrastructure.
- Widening gap; half of smallest organizations lack necessary skills.
- Only 15% expect significant improvement in cyber skills education.
- Half of the smallest organizations by revenue say they either do not have or are unsure as to whether they have the skills they need to meet their cyber objectives.
- Only 15% of all organizations are optimistic that cyber skills and education will significantly improve in the next two years
52% of public organizations state that a lack of resources and skills is their biggest challenge when designing for cyber resilience.
In summary, the cyber skills shortage is a pressing issue that demands immediate action. Without significant improvements in education and resources, our defenses against cyber threats will remain vulnerable. It’s imperative that we act now to bridge this gap and secure our digital infrastructure.
Tune in next week as we explore how to enhance your cyber-skills for both home and workplace environments.
