According to a recent report by cybersecurity company Surfshark, Australia had the fourth-highest cybercrime density in the world in 2022, with 106 out of 1 million internet users hit by cybercrime. This translates to a total of 2.5k Australian cybercrime victims in 2022 alone. Despite a minor 4.8% increase in cybercrime density between 2021 and 2022, Australia remained in fourth place globally for cybercrime density in both years.
Surfshark’s research analyzed cybercrime density worldwide and found that the United Kingdom topped the list, with a staggering 4,371 victims per 1 million internet users. The United States came in second with 1,612 cybercrime victims per 1 million internet users, Canada with 156 victims per 1 million internet users, and Australia with 106 victims per 1 million internet users.
Global data breach heat map
Phishing was the most prevalent cybercrime worldwide in 2022, affecting 300k individuals, while investment fraud was the most financially devastating, costing the world 3.3 billion USD in losses. Online payment fraud was the second most common type of cybercrime, impacting 63k individuals, followed by extortion with 39k victims, tech support scams with 33k victims, and investment fraud with 31k victims.
Since 2001, cybercriminals have stolen 36.4 billion USD, and yearly losses have been on an upward trend. In 2022 alone, cybercriminals stole 10.3 billion USD, compared to 6.9 billion in 2021 and 4.2 billion in 2020. With inflation rates soaring and the economic situation worldwide becoming more concerning, losing money to cybercrime is devastating.
Surfshark developed the Data Vulnerability Thermometer, an online tool that combines open-source FBI information and research algorithms in response to the rising number of cybercrimes. The tool gives users their risk score, possible specific cybercrimes, and prevention tactics based on selected data points.
The Data Vulnerability Thermometer also contains descriptions, typology, tips, and statistics of 20 internet crime offences aimed at individual users. This encyclopedia also has extensive coverage of statistics on cybercrime trends and patterns. Users can check global cybercrime density statistics, financial impact, yearly growth of cybercrime costs, victim count by age, and more by visiting https://surfshark.com/research/data-breach-impact/statistics.
As Surfshark spokeswoman Gabriele Racaityte-Krasauske stated, “Because of how lucrative cybercrime is, there’s no reason to think cybercriminals will stop striking anytime soon. That’s why it’s more important than ever to be vigilant and build up your cybersecurity defenses for businesses and individuals alike.” Taking cybersecurity seriously and protecting yourself and your data from cyber threats is crucial.
In conclusion, with cybercrime density on the rise globally and in Australia, protecting yourself from cyber threats is crucial. Surfshark’s Data Vulnerability Thermometer provides a valuable tool for individuals to assess their risk and take preventative measures. It is essential to remain vigilant and stay current on the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices to safeguard your data and finances.
Written by: Stephen Morton
