As digital platforms become integral to our daily lives, from online shopping to social media interactions, cybersecurity statistics highlight the growing importance of safeguarding against escalating threats.
In 2025, the cybersecurity landscape faces new challenges, particularly from advancements in artificial intelligence. According to Cybercrime Magazine, cybercrime damages are expected to soar to $10.47 trillion annually by 2025. In line with this trend, VPNRanks predicts that about 76.89% of organizations globally will likely experience a breach this year.
The demand for cybersecurity expertise is also at an all-time high, with a global shortfall of 3.5 million professionals in the field. These statistics not only highlight the persistent and evolving nature of cyber risks but also emphasize the importance of robust cybersecurity practices to protect personal and organizational data.
Here, I will explore the intricacies of cyber threats, allowing you to understand the important role of cybersecurity and explore trends and career opportunities within this dynamic field.
Cybersecurity Statistics in 2025: Key Findings by VPNRanks
Based on data analysis and cybersecurity trends observed over the past five years by VPNRanks, here are the key findings of cybersecurity statistics in 2025:
- The number of individuals impacte by phishing attacks globally in 2025 could exceed 1.08 million, indicating a continuous upward trend in phishing incidents.
- The projected range for the number of unique phishing sites detected worldwide in 2025 is between 1,600,000 and 1,700,000.
- Approximately 76.89% of organizations are expected to experience ransomware attacks in 2025.
- A total of around 289 million ransomware attempts are anticipated in 2025.
- There is expected to be a significant increase in the number of data breaches, potentially surpassing 3,000 incidents in 2025.
- VPNRanks predicts that the average cost of data breaches in 2025 will be around $4.60 million, continuing the trend of annual increases.
Disclaimer: These figures are estimates provided by VPNRanks, based on historical data and current trends analyzed through predictive models. They represent potential future scenarios and should not be considered exact predictions. The actual outcomes may vary depending on various factors, including new interventions and changes in online behavior.
Statistics for the Most Common Cybersecurity Attacks
Today, cybersecurity threats are more common and complex than ever, posing serious risks to everyone’s data. I’ve analyzed data spanning over 8-5 years to identify trends and predict where we will stand by the end of 2025 in terms of cybersecurity.
Here are some crucial cybersecurity statistics about the most frequent types of cyberattacks, illustrating just how widespread and damaging these threats can be:
Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks are fraudulent attempts where attackers pose as legitimate entities to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers.
Typically, these scams are carried out through deceptive emails, messages, or websites that mimic trusted sources.
💡”According to a prediction by VPNRanks, the number of individuals impacted by phishing attacks globally in 2025 could exceed 1.08 million, reflecting a continuing upward trend in phishing incidents.”
The table below summarizes the annual number of phishing-related complaints received by the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), highlighting the growth:
| Year | Number of Complaints | Percentage Increase |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 390,000 | — |
| 2020 | 440,000 | 12.8% |
| 2021 | 550,000 | 25.0% |
| 2022 | 652,000 | 18.5% |
| 2023 | 880,418 | 35.0% |
VPNRanks’ Predictive Analysis:
Using the historical data from IC3, a consistent upward trend in complaints is observed. With the dramatic increase in 2023, where complaints surged to 880,418, a significant 35% rise from 2022, the prediction for 2025 is adjusted accordingly:
- Assuming a 30% increase from 2023’s figures, due to potential stabilization but still significant growth in phishing incidents, the projected number of phishing victims for 2025 is:
| Year | Number of Complaints | Percentage Increase |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1,081,373 | 22.83%* |
*This forecast not only considers historical trends but also accounts for the increasing sophistication and effectiveness of phishing campaigns, along with the expanding digital presence of individuals worldwide, making more people susceptible to such attacks.
Here’s the percentage contribution of each factor to the overall expected percentage increase of 2025:
- Continuation of Historical Trends: 50%
- Increasing Sophistication and Effectiveness of Phishing Campaigns: 25%
- Expanding Digital Presence of Individuals Worldwide: 15%
- External Events and Evolving Global Circumstances: 10%
This substantial increase underscores the escalating challenge that phishing poses to global statistics on cybersecurity and emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and enhanced security measures.
💡The number of unique phishing sites detected worldwide in 2025 is expected to range between 1,600,000 and 1,700,000.”
From 2013 to 2025, the chart shows a steady increase in the detection of phishing sites, peaking in 2022, with a slight decrease projected for the subsequent years.
Historical Data and Trend Analysis:
Below is a table summarizing the number of unique phishing sites detected worldwide from 2013 to 2023, indicating a clear upward trajectory over the years, with notable fluctuations.
The percentage increase each year is calculated based on the previous year’s detections, and a brief trend description is included to give context to the data.
| Year | Number of Detections | Percentage Increase | Trend Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 143,353 | — | Baseline |
| 2014 | 158,574 | 10.6% | Slight Increase |
| 2015 | 253,007 | 59.6% | Significant Increase |
| 2016 | 277,693 | 9.8% | Continued Growth |
| 2017 | 266,387 | -4.1% | Slight Decline |
| 2018 | 263,538 | -1.1% | Stabilization |
| 2019 | 364,424 | 38.3% | Sharp Increase |
| 2020 | 571,764 | 56.9% | Major Surge |
| 2021 | 1,624,144 | 184.2% | Peak Year |
| 2022 | 888,585 | -45.3% | Sharp Decline |
| 2023 | 1,270,883 | 43.1% | Recovery |
VPNRanks’ Predictive Analysis:
- Observation of Trends: The record peak in 2021, followed by a sharp decline in 2022 and a subsequent recovery in 2023, suggests a volatile but generally upward trend.
- Prediction for 2025: Assuming a continuation of the recent recovery trend and the general upward movement observed over the past decade, the number of phishing site detections for 2025 is estimated to range between 1,600,000 and 1,700,000. This projection accounts for potential advancements in phishing techniques and increased digital activity worldwide.
Prediction Basis:
The 2025 forecast, reflecting a 6% increase in phishing site detections, is based on detailed trend analysis focused on the post-2021 recovery. This projection balances:
- Innovations in Cybercrime Techniques (40%): Increased sophistication in phishing methods drives this significant component of the forecast.
- Enhancements in Global Cybersecurity Measures (30%): Ongoing improvements in security infrastructure help moderate the rise in phishing incidents.
- Potential for Increased Phishing Activities (20%): Growth in digital activities expands potential targets, heightening the risk.
- Improved Detection and Prevention Efforts (10%): Advances in detection and prevention strategies help control the rate of increase.
During the second quarter of 2023, more than 23% of global phishing attacks targeted financial institutions. Social media platforms and web-based services, including webmail, each experienced about 3% of these phishing attempts Statista.
- In the second quarter of 2023, approximately 1.28 million unique phishing sites were detected globally, indicating a modest decline from the previous quarter Statista.
- In 94% of organizations have experienced phishing attacks, and 96% of them faced negative consequences as a result egress.
Malware and Ransomware Attacks
Malware is harmful software designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems, often to steal or manipulate data.
On the other hand, Ransomware is a type of malware that locks or encrypts a victim’s files, demanding a ransom to restore access, typically causing severe disruption.
💡”Around 76.89% of organizations are expected to be affected by ransomware attacks in 2025, according to VPNRanks trend analysis.”
Historical Data and Trend Analysis:
The following table not only shows the year-over-year impact rate of ransomware on organizations but also includes the annual percentage increase, giving a clearer picture of the trend dynamics:
| Year of Survey | Ransomware Impact Rate | Annual Percentage Increase |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 55.1% | — |
| 2019 | 56.1% | 1.8% |
| 2020 | 62.4% | 11.2% |
| 2021 | 68.5% | 9.8% |
| 2022 | 71.0% | 3.6% |
| 2023 | 72.7% | 2.4% |
VPNRanks’ Predictive Analysis:
Based on the historical trend data and the observed percentage increases year-over-year, the growth rate from 2022 to 2023 was approximately 5.76% percentage points. Extrapolating this trend and accounting for slight variances in the annual percentage increase, I predict that the ransomware impact rate on organizations will reach approximately 76.89% in 2025.
Method of Prediction:
- Analysis of Historical Trend: By examining the incremental yearly increase in the impact rate and the annual percentage increase.
- The projection for 2025: Applying a conservative continuation of the most recent year’s growth rate to estimate the ransomware impact rate for the next year.
This forecast assumes that the factors influencing the increase in ransomware attacks will continue without significant new interventions. It includes considerations such as the evolving sophistication of attacks (50%), existing vulnerabilities in organizational defenses (30%), and the financial incentives for attackers (20% ).
💡A total of around 289 million ransomware attempts can be expected in 2025.”
The graph showing ransomware attempts from 2021 to 2025 indicates a significant decline, likely due to enhanced AI-driven cybersecurity measures, increased awareness and training, and stronger regulations.
Additionally, advancements in AI and machine learning have improved threat detection and response times, reducing the frequency of successful attacks.
Historical Data and Trend Analysis:
According to Statista, the data on the annual number of ransomware attempts worldwide from 2017 to 2023 indicates a significant trend fluctuation. We noticed a steady growth from 2017 to 2020, with a notable spike in 2020. In 2021, the number of attempts dramatically peaked at over 623 million, doubling the 2020 figure. In the Post-2021 peak, there is a significant drop in 2022 and a further decline in 2023.
- Factors Influencing Trends:
- The sharp increase in 2021 could be attributed to increased vulnerabilities and opportunities for cybercriminals during global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The decline in 2022 and 2023 might indicate an improved cybersecurity posture among organizations or possibly ransomware gangs shifting strategies, perhaps due to increased law enforcement actions or changes in tactics.
VPNRanks’ Predictive Analysis:
- Given the volatility observed, precise predictions are challenging without understanding the underlying factors for each year. However, if we consider a basic regression from the recent decline – thanks to organizations adopting AI for malware detection:
- Assuming the pattern of decline continues at a similar rate (~30% decrease from the previous year seen in 2023), we might expect around 289 million ransomware attempts in 2025.
Note: This forecast assumes that current cybersecurity measures continue improving and that there are no major global disruptions akin to the COVID-19 pandemic, which might again increase vulnerabilities.
In 2023, there were 6.06 billion malware attacks globally, marking a 10 percent increase from the previous year. The peak of malware activity in recent years occurred in 2018, with a reported 10.5 billion attacks worldwide (Statista).
- The average ransomware payout rose significantly, climbing from $812,380 in 2022 to $1,542,333 in 2023.
- Since 2023, ransomware attacks have impacted more than 72% of businesses globally, marking a significant surge compared to the preceding five years and being the highest reported figure by a considerable margin.
- The average cost of a ransomware attack to a business amounts to $5.13 million.
Data Breaches
A data breach in cybersecurity is the unauthorized access or exposure of sensitive information, often through hacking or malware, leading to potential harm for individuals or organizations.
💡”As per VPNRanks’ trend analysis, there would be a significant rise in the number of data breaches, potentially surpassing 3,500 incidents in 2025.”
Historical Data and Trend Analysis:
Over the last five years, the number of reported data breaches has shown significant fluctuation and a general increasing trend, peaking in the most recent years. The following table summarizes the number of reported data breaches over the last five years, showing significant fluctuation and a general increasing trend, especially peaking in the most recent years:
| Year of Survey | Number of Data Breaches | Annual Percentage Increase |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Around 1,500 | — |
| 2020 | Around 1,650 | 10.0% |
| 2021 | 1,862 | 12.8% |
| 2022 | 1,801 | -3.3% |
| 2023 | 3,205 | 78.1% |
*The data in the table has been gathered from ITRC and Governing, reflecting the reported number of data breaches globally from 2019 to 2023.
VPNRanks’ Predictive Analysis:
The remarkable jump in data breaches in 2023, which saw a 78.1% increase from the previous year, suggests a volatile but sharply rising trend. Based on this, and assuming the current upward trajectory continues without significant changes in cybercrime activity or cybersecurity measures, it is anticipated that the number of data breaches could surpass 3,500 incidents in 2025.
Method of Prediction:
- Historical Trends and Fluctuations: Analysis of year-over-year changes, particularly noting the significant spike in 2023, highlights critical insights into cybersecurity breach statistics.
- Projection for 2025: Extrapolating the sharp increase observed in 2023 and factoring in ongoing trends in cybercrime and data protection, a conservative estimate points to over 3,500 breaches.
💡”Based on historical data, VPNRanks predicts the average cost of data breaches in 2025 is projected to be around $4.60 million, reflecting a continued annual increase.”
Historical Data and Trend Analysis:
Based on the trends from previous years, the average cost of data breaches has been steadily increasing:
| Year of Survey | Average Cost of Data Breaches | Annual Percentage Increase |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $3.92 million | — |
| 2020 | $3.86 million | -1.5% |
| 2021 | $4.24 million | 9.8% |
| 2022 | $4.35 million | 2.6% |
| 2023 | $4.45 million | 2.3% |
*This data was sourced from IBM.
VPNRanks’ Predictive Analysis:​​
Given this upward trajectory, with an average annual increase of about 4% to 5% from 2020 to 2023, we can project the average cost for 2025. If this trend continues, the average cost of data breaches in 2025 could rise by approximately 4% to 5% from the 2023 figure of $4.45 million. This would result in an estimated average cost of around $4.63 million to 4.67 million.
In the fourth quarter of 2023, over eight million records worldwide were exposed due to data breach 2023 (Statista).
- The highest number of data records exposed since the first quarter of 2020 occurred in the fourth quarter of 2020, totaling nearly 125 million data sets (Statista).
- In 2023 alone, there were 3,205 reported data compromises, a significant jump from 1,801 in 2022 and 1,860 in 2021​ (ITRC).
- In 2023, over 353 million people were affected by data breaches, highlighting alarming statistics on cyber security.
VPNRanks’ Methodology for Predicting Cybersecurity Statistics and Trends in 2025
My methodology for forecasting cybersecurity statistics for 2025 is grounded in rigorous data analysis and predictive modeling techniques.
Here’s a detailed explanation of the approach used:
- Data Collection: I gathered extensive historical data on cybersecurity incidents, including phishing attacks, ransomware attempts, and data breaches, from trusted sources such as the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and various cybersecurity industry reports.
- Linear Regression Analysis: To understand trends and make projections, I employed linear regression modeling. This statistical method helps us establish a relationship between time (the independent variable) and the frequency of cybersecurity incidents (the dependent variable). By analyzing data from the past eight to five years, I could identify trends and predict future occurrences.
- Seasonal Adjustments: Considering the cyclical nature of certain cyber threats, we applied seasonal adjustment techniques to account for variations within the year. This adjustment ensures that seasonal anomalies do not skew our predictions.
- Expert Validation: The preliminary results obtained from our statistical models were reviewed and validated by a panel of cybersecurity experts. Their insights helped refine the predictions by incorporating industry-specific trends and potential impacts of upcoming technology shifts, such as advancements in AI.
- Scenario Testing: We tested our models under various hypothetical scenarios to ensure robustness. This included potential global events that could impact cybersecurity, like changes in data protection regulations or significant cyber-attacks.
- Continuous Monitoring and Updates: The cybersecurity landscape is dynamic, requiring ongoing adjustments to our models. We continuously monitor new data and trends, updating our forecasts quarterly to provide the most current insights.
This comprehensive methodology enables VPNRanks to deliver well-founded predictions on cybersecurity trends, helping organizations and individuals prepare for the challenges of 2025 with confidence.
By utilizing advanced data analytics and expert knowledge, we strive to provide accurate, actionable insights into the future of cybersecurity.
Explore More In-Depth Statistics and Reports by VPNRanks
- Cyberattacks Statistics– Explore the evolving patterns of cyberattacks shaping the digital world.
- Ransomware Attacks– Discover insights into the growing threat of ransomware in global networks.
- Social Engineering Attacks Statistics– Uncover trends in deceptive tactics exploiting human behavior online.
- AI and Cybersecurity– Examine the interplay between AI advancements and the future of cybersecurity.
FAQs
What are the 5 C’s of cyber security?
In an era of escalating cyber threats, the 5 C’s of Cybersecurity—Change, Compliance, Cost, Continuity, and Coverage—form a robust defense framework. They emphasize adapting to evolving threats, adhering to regulations, and balancing costs with risks. This approach ensures operational continuity and comprehensive protection of digital assets.Â
What are the top 3 trends in cyber security?Â
The top 3 trends in cybersecurity include the growing need for data protection in remote work, the use of AI and machine learning for sophisticated attacks, and the continued focus on securing cloud, mobile, and IoT environments against rising threats.
What is 90% of cyber incidents?
90% of cyber incidents are caused by human error, often through insider threats or social engineering. Preventing these requires strong employee training and proactive security measures, as breaches can cost businesses millions per incident.
Conclusion
As the digital landscape evolves, so does the complexity and severity of cybersecurity threats. Projections for 2025 highlight a critical juncture, with sharp increases in data breaches, phishing attacks, and ransomware incidents.
These trends underscore the escalating impact on global organizations, emphasizing the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures and skilled professionals.
VPNRanks’ cybersecurity statistics findings illustrate the necessity for strong frameworks and ongoing innovation in security technologies. The predicted rise in affected organizations and associated costs stresses the importance of preparedness.
These cyber security data serve as a call to action for businesses and individuals to prioritize cybersecurity, mitigate risks, and safeguard our digital futures. Vigilance will be crucial as we navigate a year poised to set new records in cyber incidents.
Sources
- Stationx
- Zscaler
- egress
- Statista
- IBM
- Gevorning.com
- IdentityTheftCenter
- Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
