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2017 Cybersecurity Stats and 2018 Predictions

Posted: December 28, 2017 to Cybersecurity.

Tags: Ransomware, Data Breach, Malware

Another year is drawing to a close, and with it comes reflection on the year that was. Let's dive right into some 2017 cybersecurity stats.
  • Cyberattacks have been climbing and are expected to do so. Experts estimate that the monetary damage from cyberattacks will hit $6 trillion worldwide by 2021. That's double what it was in 2016.
  • Ransomware cost people and organizations $325 million in 2015, which was a 1500% increase from 2013. The numbers haven't been finalized for 2017 yet, but the expectation was for it to cost $5 billion. by 2019 that number is expected to reach $11.5 billion.
  • That doesn't mean the targets of cybercrimes will just sit back and take it. Cybersecurity spending is expected to be in excess of $1 trillion by 2021.
  • Anyone involved in IT these days has to do pull at least a little duty as a cybersecurity expert. There's already a shortage of workers in cybersecurity, and that shortage is predicted to be 3.5 million jobs by 2021.
  • As of right now, there are 3.8 billion internet users in the world, a number that's almost doubled since 2015. By 2022 there will be 6 billion, and by 2030 that number is expected to be 7.5 billion, roughly 90% of the world's population. Expect hackers to target people more and more.
If you haven't been hit by a cybercrime yet, count yourself lucky and make sure not to rest on your laurels. We have a plethora of solutions to help you avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime.

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About the Author

Craig Petronella, CEO and Founder of Petronella Technology Group
CEO, Founder & AI Architect, Petronella Technology Group

Craig Petronella founded Petronella Technology Group in 2002 and has spent more than 30 years working at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI, compliance, and digital forensics. He holds the CMMC Registered Practitioner credential (RP-1372) issued by the Cyber AB, is an NC Licensed Digital Forensics Examiner (License #604180-DFE), and completed MIT Professional Education programs in AI, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity. Craig also holds CompTIA Security+, CCNA, and Hyperledger certifications.

He is an Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author of 15+ books on cybersecurity and compliance, host of the Encrypted Ambition podcast (95+ episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon), and a cybersecurity keynote speaker with 200+ engagements at conferences, law firms, and corporate boardrooms. Craig serves as Contributing Editor for Cybersecurity at NC Triangle Attorney at Law Magazine and is a guest lecturer at NCCU School of Law. He has served as a digital forensics expert witness in federal and state court cases involving cybercrime, cryptocurrency fraud, SIM-swap attacks, and data breaches.

Under his leadership, Petronella Technology Group has served 2,500+ clients, maintained a zero-breach record among compliant clients, earned a BBB A+ rating every year since 2003, and been featured as a cybersecurity authority on CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, and WRAL. The company leverages SOC 2 Type II certified platforms and specializes in AI implementation, managed cybersecurity, CMMC/HIPAA/SOC 2 compliance, and digital forensics for businesses across the United States.

CMMC-RP NC Licensed DFE MIT Certified CompTIA Security+ Expert Witness 15+ Books
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