ru.euronews.com
Global Cyberattacks Surge 44% in 2024, Costing Europe €10 Trillion by 2025
Cyberattacks against companies globally surged in 2024, with a 44% increase in weekly attacks compared to 2023, impacting the education sector most severely (75% increase). Data exfiltration now takes hours thanks to AI, costing Europe an estimated €10 trillion by 2025.
- What is the immediate impact of the 44% increase in weekly cyberattacks in 2024 compared to 2023, and what sectors are most affected?
- In 2024, global cyberattacks against companies surged, with weekly attacks 44% higher than in 2023, according to Check Point. The education sector was hardest hit, experiencing a 75% year-over-year increase in weekly attacks. This surge is largely due to the rise of multi-purpose malware and infostealers.
- How has the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence accelerated the speed of data exfiltration in recent years, and what are the resulting implications for businesses?
- The increased frequency and speed of data breaches are significantly impacting businesses. While in 2021, data exfiltration took 44 days, it decreased to 5 days in 2023 and now to hours in 2024 due to AI advancements. This speed increase highlights the evolving nature of cyber threats and the need for robust defenses.
- What are the long-term economic and societal consequences of the projected €10 trillion cost of cyberattacks in Europe by 2025, and what proactive measures can mitigate these risks?
- The economic consequences of cyberattacks are staggering, with a projected €10 trillion cost in Europe by 2025, rising 64% by 2029. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are disproportionately vulnerable, facing double the likelihood of breaches compared to larger corporations due to lower cybersecurity investment. This emphasizes the systemic risk and the need for proactive, comprehensive cybersecurity strategies across all sectors.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the issue as a serious and growing threat, emphasizing the escalating costs and the need for urgent action. The use of statistics about attack frequency and data breach speed contributes to this framing. The inclusion of expert quotes reinforces the severity of the problem. While this framing is justified by the evidence presented, it could be balanced with more information about successful cybersecurity strategies and resilience.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and objective, relying on statistics and expert opinions. Words like "catastrophic consequences" are used but are appropriate given the context of the potential impacts of large-scale cyberattacks. There is no overtly charged or biased language detected.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the increasing frequency and severity of cyberattacks, the financial costs, and the need for improved cybersecurity measures. While it mentions psychological impacts and the vulnerability of small businesses, a more in-depth exploration of these aspects, including specific examples and data, would provide a more comprehensive picture. The lack of information on specific types of attacks beyond mentioning malware and infostealers could also be considered an omission. The article also does not discuss potential preventative measures beyond the general call for prioritizing cybersecurity.
Sustainable Development Goals
The rise in cyberattacks, particularly impacting crucial sectors like education, healthcare, and government, significantly hinders innovation and the efficient functioning of infrastructure. The high costs of recovery and the increasing speed and ease of data breaches directly impede industrial progress and sustainable infrastructure development. The article highlights that cyberattacks can have "catastrophic consequences," especially when targeting essential infrastructure.