Cyber attacks have become an everyday threat to businesses and individuals alike. Every day, hackers attempt over 17 billion intrusions, with 5.5 billion malware attacks occurring yearly. This constant barrage affects over 343 million victims annually, with 59% of businesses hit by ransomware this year alone.
This article explores malware trends, phishing attack statistics, ransomware developments, and the financial impact of cybersecurity breaches. Understanding these numbers helps you make informed security decisions, protect your business assets, and develop effective defense strategies against increasingly sophisticated threats.
Top 6 Cyber Attacks Statistics (Editor’s Picks)
We’ve handpicked 30+ of the latest cyber attacks statistics, facts, and trends. Here are 6 that we believe will blow you away.
| 1 | There are 5.5 billion malware attacks per year |
| 2 | Hackers attempt over 17 billion intrusions every day |
| 3 | Over 343 million people fall victim to cyberattacks each year |
| 4 | Cybercriminals targeted 50% of UK businesses last year |
| 5 | 95% of cyberattacks are financially motivated |
| 6 | Over 6 billion malware attacks occurred worldwide in 2023 |
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How Many Cyber Attacks Happen per Year?
There are 5.5 billion malware attacks per year (Statista)
Malware remains a massive threat, with billions of attacks happening annually. This means an average of over 15 million malware incidents every day, targeting individuals and businesses alike.
Hackers attempt over 17 billion intrusions every day (SonicWall)
With 6.3 trillion intrusion attempts recorded in a year, cyberattacks are constant. Businesses and individuals need strong security measures to defend against this nonstop wave of threats.
Over 343 million people fall victim to cyberattacks each year (Skillsoft)
Cybercrime affects hundreds of millions of people annually, with attacks ranging from data breaches to financial fraud. That’s nearly 940,000 victims every day.
59% of businesses were hit by ransomware this year (SC Media UK)
More than half of all businesses faced a ransomware attack in the past year, with many forced to pay or suffer data loss. Strong backups and cybersecurity measures are crucial to minimizing damage.
Cybercriminals targeted 50% of UK businesses last year (TwentyFour IT Services)
Cyberattacks affected half of all UK businesses and nearly a third of charities in the past 12 months. With threats constantly evolving, proactive security measures are more important than ever.
Phishing Attack Statistics
Phishing and pretexting are the most common types of cyberattacks (Imperva)
Hackers rely on deception, with phishing emails and fake scenarios (pretexting) being the top attack methods. These scams trick victims into revealing sensitive data, making awareness and training essential.
Nearly 8 in 10 web users reuse passwords across multiple accounts (Enzoic)
With 50% of phishing and pretexting attacks targeting login credentials, password reuse makes cyberattacks even more dangerous. A compromised password on one site can give hackers access to multiple accounts.
95% of cyberattacks are financially motivated (Varonis)
The vast majority of cyberattacks aim to steal money, whether through ransomware, fraud, or data theft. The remaining 5% are driven by espionage, often targeting sensitive business or government information.
Cybercriminals create nearly 1 million phishing sites every month (AAG)
The number of fake websites used for phishing has skyrocketed, with almost seven times more being created now than in Q2 2020. These sites mimic legitimate brands to steal login credentials and financial information.
Malware Statistics
Malware attacks jumped 30% from March to May 2024 (Infosecurity Magazine)
Cybercriminal activity surged in early 2024, with malware incidents rising sharply over just three months. This spike highlights the need for constant vigilance and updated security measures.
Over 6 billion malware attacks occurred worldwide in 2023 (Exploding Topics)
Cybercriminals launched billions of malware attacks last year, targeting individuals and businesses alike. As malware threats continue to evolve, strong cybersecurity defenses are more important than ever.
2018 was the worst year for malware attacks, with 10.5 billion incidents (Astra Security)
Malware activity peaked in 2018, reaching 10.5 billion attacks worldwide—the highest in the past decade. While numbers have fluctuated since, cyber threats remain a major concern.
Encrypted threats surged 92%, making malware harder to detect (Infosecurity Magazine)
More malware is being hidden within encrypted traffic, allowing hackers to bypass traditional security measures. Upgrading to modern threat detection systems is essential to staying ahead of evolving attacks.
| Year | Number of Malware Attacks |
| 2015 | 8.2 billion |
| 2016 | 7.9 billion |
| 2017 | 8.6 billion |
| 2018 | 10.5 billion |
| 2019 | 9.9 billion |
| 2020 | 5.6 billion |
| 2021 | 5.4 billion |
| 2022 | 5.5 billion |
| 2023 | 6.06 billion |
Ransomware Statistics
Ransomware is now one of the most widespread cyber threats (BitSight)
Cybercriminals use ransomware to lock victims out of their data, demanding payment for access. With attacks becoming more frequent and sophisticated, having strong backups and security measures is essential.
Over 300 million ransomware attacks were attempted last year (Exploding Topics)
Ransomware remains a major cyber threat, with hackers launching hundreds of millions of attacks annually. Businesses and individuals must stay vigilant, as even one successful attempt can cause serious financial and data loss.
Here’s a look at the number of ransomware attacks per year since 2017:
| Year | Number of Ransomware Attacks |
| 2017 | 186.3 million |
| 2018 | 206.4 million |
| 2019 | 187.91 million |
| 2020 | 304.64 million |
| 2021 | 623.25 million |
| 2022 | 493.33 million |
| 2023 | 317.59 million |
North America accounts for 43% of industrial ransomware attacks (Sprinto)
Nearly half of all ransomware attacks targeting industrial sectors occur in North America. Critical industries, including manufacturing and energy, face rising cyber threats that can disrupt operations and supply chains.
Here’s a breakdown of industrial ransomware attacks by region:
| Region | Distribution of Ransomware Attacks |
| North America | 43% |
| Europe | 32% |
| Asia | 14.4% |
| South America | 4.4% |
| Middle East | 2.5% |
| Africa | 1.5% |
| Australia | 1.5% |
IoT, DDoS, and Other Attacks
IoT attacks exploit connected devices to breach networks (Fortinet)
Hackers target smart devices like cameras, routers, and sensors to find weak points in a network. Since many IoT devices lack strong security, they can serve as entry points for larger cyberattacks.
IoT malware surged by 400% in 2023 (Zscaler)
Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting smart devices, leading to a massive spike in IoT malware. Weak security in connected devices makes them easy entry points for network breaches.
A successful IoT attack costs businesses over $330,000 on average (World Economic Forum)
Hacking into connected devices can lead to data breaches, operational disruptions, and financial losses. As IoT adoption grows, securing these devices is crucial to avoiding costly attacks.
Cost of Cybersecurity
Cyberattacks are becoming more advanced—and more expensive (Forbes)
Hackers are using sophisticated techniques to breach systems, leading to higher financial and operational damages. Ransomware, deepfake scams, and AI-driven attacks are driving up the cost of cybercrime.
Malicious insider data breaches cost organizations an average of $4.99 million (Spacelift)
When employees or contractors intentionally leak or steal data, the financial impact is higher than any other type of breach. Insider threats are harder to detect and often go unnoticed for months, increasing costs.
Phishing and business email compromise breaches cost an average of $4.88 million (Thomson Reuters)
Cybercriminals use deceptive emails to steal credentials, gain access, and carry out fraud, leading to costly breaches. With damages nearing $5 million per incident, strong email security and employee training are critical.
Data breaches from stolen credentials cost businesses $4.81 million on average (Pentera)
When hackers gain access to accounts using stolen or leaked login details, the financial impact is severe. Multi-factor authentication and regular password updates can help reduce the risk of credential-based breaches.
Cybersecurity Growth Rate
Cybersecurity jobs are set to grow 33% over the next decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
As cyberattacks become more frequent and sophisticated, businesses are investing heavily in security. Information security analysts will be in high demand to protect sensitive data and critical systems.
The cybersecurity market is valued at $185.7 billion (TradingView)
As cyber threats become more sophisticated, businesses are investing heavily in security solutions. From cloud protection to AI-driven threat detection, the demand for cybersecurity continues to grow.
The cybersecurity market is projected to reach $271.9 billion by 2029 (Statista)
With cyber threats becoming more advanced, businesses and governments are increasing their security spending. Investments in cloud security, AI-driven threat detection, and endpoint protection are driving this growth.
Conclusion
The cyber threat landscape continues to evolve at an alarming pace. With hackers attempting over 17 billion intrusions daily, 5.5 billion malware attacks occurring yearly, and 59% of businesses hit by ransomware, the digital battlefield grows more dangerous by the day.
Looking ahead, the cybersecurity industry’s projected growth to $271.9 billion by 2029 reflects both the escalating threats and our commitment to countering them. As attacks become more sophisticated through AI and encrypted methods, businesses must prioritize robust security measures, employee training, and backup systems. The future of cybersecurity isn’t just about technology—it’s about creating a culture of vigilance.
FAQ
How many cyber attacks happen each day?
Hackers attempt over 17 billion intrusions every day worldwide. This translates to roughly 196,000 attacks every second.
What is the most common type of cyber attack?
Phishing and pretexting are the most common types of cyber attacks. These deceptive tactics trick victims into revealing sensitive information or credentials.
How much does a cyber attack cost a business?
A successful cyber attack can cost businesses anywhere from $330,000 for an IoT breach to nearly $5 million for phishing or insider attacks. The financial impact includes direct losses, recovery costs, and reputation damage.
Which industries are most targeted by cyber attacks?
Industrial sectors and critical infrastructure face the highest concentration of attacks, with North America accounting for 43% of industrial ransomware incidents. Healthcare, finance, and government entities are also prime targets.
How many people fall victim to cyber attacks each year?
Over 343 million people fall victim to cyberattacks annually. This equates to nearly 940,000 victims every day.
