These sectors are top targets for cybercrime
Cybercriminals cast a wide net when they go in search of targets. We’re all familiar with scam attempts that arrive by SMS, social media, email and telephone calls, but entire business and service sectors are dealing with cybercrime on a whole different level.
Now, researchers have revealed the sectors most commonly targeted by hackers, extortionists, digital spies and other online criminals.
Critical infrastructure is a top target for cybercriminals
Citing data from the European Repository of Cyber Incidents (ERCI), Statista reports that critical infrastructure is the target cybercriminals go after most frequently. State institutions and political systems are the second most common target, with more than 450 reported incidents in 2023.
The ERCI’s breakdown of attacks on critical infrastructure shows the scale of the problem and the services most frequently hit by attacks.
Top sectors targeted in cyber incidents.Image: European Repository of Cyber Incidents
The healthcare sector bears the brunt of cybercrime activity, accounting for 14.2% off all attacks targeting critical infrastructure. These include ransomware attacks, the theft of confidential patient healthcare records and the disruption of care services in healthcare organizations.
Financial organizations are another major target, accounting for 8.3% of attacks on critical infrastructure since the start of 2023. Telecommunications, transport and the energy sector are also targeted regularly, according to the ERCI.
