Cyber Security Vulnerability Statistics, Trends and Facts (2025)

Introduction

Cyber Security Vulnerability Statistics: In 2025, cybersecurity vulnerabilities continue to pose significant threats to global digital infrastructure. The total cost of cybercrime is projected to reach USD 10.5 trillion annually, reflecting a 15% year-over-year increase and marking it as one of the most substantial economic challenges worldwide.

In 2024, the United States reported over 859,000 internet crime complaints, culminating in financial losses exceeding USD 16.6 billion—a 33% rise compared to the previous year. The average cost of a data breach globally reached USD 4.88 million in 2024, the highest on record, with human error accounting for 88% of these incidents. Ransomware attacks remain prevalent, with a 9% increase in complaints targeting U.S. critical infrastructure sectors such as healthcare and manufacturing . Furthermore, cloud environment intrusions surged by 75% over the past year, underscoring the escalating risks associated with digital transformation.

These statistics underscore the imperative for enhanced cybersecurity measures, including regular system updates and comprehensive risk management strategies, to mitigate the growing impact of cyber threats.

Editor’s Choice

• Cyber Security Vulnerability Statistics stated that just 4% of companies feel sure their cybersecurity systems can fully protect people using smart devices and related tech from online threats.
• Currently, about 4.7 million people are working in cybersecurity jobs worldwide.
• Most starter jobs in this field usually require a bachelor’s degree. Over the next decade, tech jobs are expected to grow almost twice as fast as the average for all U.S. jobs.
• Employment for information security analysts is predicted to increase by 35% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than usual.
• Around 56,500 new jobs are expected to open up during this time.
• Even with this fast growth, Cybersecurity Ventures estimates that there may still be around 3.5 million open cybersecurity roles worldwide by 2025.
• Also, 93% of businesses plan to raise their cybersecurity spending next year.

Importance of Identifying Vulnerabilities

A vulnerability is a possible future danger to a company’s security system. If a cybercriminal finds and uses this weakness, it can lead to major financial losses for the business and its customers. For example, data breaches and ransomware attacks often cost millions of dollars.

Spotting vulnerabilities early—before hackers get the chance—is a much more affordable way to handle security problems. The earlier these issues are discovered and fixed during the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), the less expensive it is for the company. That’s one big reason why many companies are now using DevSecOps and moving their security checks earlier in the development process, also called “shifting left.”

Cybersecurity Vulnerability Trends in 2024

• By mid-2024, 22,254 new CVES (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) were reported.
• That’s a 30% jump from 2023 and a 56% rise compared to 2022.
• This sharp increase shows that hackers have more ways to break into systems and apps.
• By the end of 2024, about 115 new vulnerabilities were reported daily.
• This illustrates the rapid discovery of new cyber threats, and the number is expected to continue growing in 2025.
• In the third quarter of 2024, attacks that take advantage of security flaws increased by 124% compared to the same time in 2023.
• This is partly because tools like ChatGPT have made it easier for hackers to spot and use these flaws.
• Approximately 25% of all data leaks were attributed to stolen user credentials or application issues.
• This highlights the importance of keeping apps secure in today’s digital world.
• Over 99% of developers and IT pros admit that their live applications have four or more known security gaps.

Cybersecurity Threats Statistics

• Cloud break-ins increased 75% in the past year, and security events targeting cloud systems rose 110%.
• There was a 76% jump in the victims listed on eCrime data leak sites.
• Attacks that didn’t use malware, such as phishing, tricking people, or taking advantage of trusted access, made up 75% of identity-based threats in 2023.
• Of the cloud-related attacks, 84% were linked to financially motivated cybercriminals, while 16% were tied to more advanced, targeted hackers.
• In 2023, edge gateway devices—hardware used to connect different networks—were the most common way intruders entered systems without being noticed.

(Reference: statista.com)

• Experts expect generative AI to play a bigger role in cyberattacks in 2024.
• On a brighter note, spam email dropped by 15% compared to last year.
• Cyber Security Vulnerability Statistics stated that about 82% of chief information security officers (CISOs) said they might report their own companies if they ignored security rules and put the business at risk.
• 84% of CISOs are concerned about being personally blamed for cybersecurity problems.
• Around 35% of CISOs already use AI to help with security, and 61% say they plan to start within the next 12 months.
• Nearly 86% believe generative AI can help fix the shortage of skilled security workers.
• About 39% of CISOs want to train their teams to handle the dangers of generative AI better.
• Only 35% of CISOs say their leadership teams are giving enough budget for cybersecurity.
• As the economy slowed, 4 out of 5 CISOs noticed more threats.
• Cybersecurity Vulnerability Statistics stated that 31% reported having to delay or cancel projects due to budget cuts.

Cybersecurity compliance and governance statistics

• The danger of not properly protecting files is more serious now than ever, especially for businesses with remote teams.
• 15% of companies found more than 1 million files open to all staff members.
• Cyber Security Vulnerability Statistics stated that almost 17% of all sensitive files could be viewed by every employee in the company.
• Around 60% of companies have over 500 accounts with passwords that never expire.
• More than 77% of organizations don’t have a plan for how to handle a cyberattack.
• As more countries pass stricter data privacy laws, the penalties for poor security practices are becoming tougher.

(Reference: varonis.com)

• Notable examples include the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which took effect in 2018, and California’s Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which took effect in 2020.
• Businesses should pay attention to what the GDPR teaches since more countries are expected to follow this approach.
• Setting the correct file permissions and removing old or unused data is crucial to maintaining security.
• If you’re unsure about the safety of your company’s data, consider taking a free risk assessment to identify any potential weaknesses.
• 66% of businesses say legal rules and regulations are the main reason they invest in cybersecurity.
• Cybersecurity Vulnerability Statistics indicate that around 78% expect these legal requirements to increase yearly.
• For large companies, the cost of staying compliant can reach up to $10,000 per employee.
• HIPAA-related penalties and settlements totaled $4,176,500 in 2023.
• In just the first six months of 2024, over 7 billion data records were exposed to breaches.
• On average, each worker can access around 11 million files.

Cybersecurity By Industry Statistics

As hackers employ increasingly sophisticated techniques and methods, companies must develop more effective ways to protect their systems. Today, no industry is entirely immune to cyber threats, particularly with the widespread use of digital tools and internet-based systems. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities, use malware, or deceive people through social engineering tactics. Below are updated cybersecurity stats from different industries:

(Reference: precedenceresearch.com)

#1. Healthcare Industry

• The average healthcare data breach cost is around $11 million, the highest among all sectors.
• On average, it takes healthcare providers 51 minutes to recover from an attack.
• Cybersecurity vulnerability statistics indicate that nearly 68% of breaches were caused by human mistakes or errors.
• Most data breaches in healthcare come from hacking or IT-related problems.
• In the U.S., healthcare has the highest cost per breach.
• Most stolen health data was found on networks or servers.
• Fourteen million patients in the U.S. were impacted by malware-related incidents in 2024.
• Seven hundred seven ransomware attacks hit healthcare organizations.
• According to U.S. health department data, ransomware attacks in healthcare have increased by 264% over the past five years.

#2. Financial Industry

• The average cost of a data breach in finance is $5.9 million.
• This sector has the second-highest average breach cost.
• The main threat comes from system intrusions.
• Cybersecurity vulnerability statistics indicate that around 78% of data breaches involve social engineering tactics, such as phishing.
• In 95% of cases, attackers were mainly after money.

#3. Manufacturing Industry

(Reference: precedenceresearch.com)

• 83% of breaches involve social tricks, system break-ins, or human errors.
• In 25% of manufacturing breaches, hackers used stolen login info.
• The manufacturing field faces 23% of global cyberattacks.
• Cybersecurity vulnerability statistics indicate that nearly 50% of factories and tech-related companies lack skilled cybersecurity personnel.

#4. Education Industry

(Reference: statista.com)

• 57% of malware attacks utilised backdoors (methods for gaining unauthorised access to systems).
• 56% of breaches occurred due to weaknesses in the system.
• Verizon’s 2024 report ranks education as the 6th most-affected industry by data breaches.
• Intel found that nearly every school or learning group faced at least one successful cyberattack.

#5. Retail Industry

(Reference: businessdasher.com)

• 24% of all cyberattacks hit the retail industry.
• Retail and wholesale companies are ranked 5th among the most attacked sectors, based on Statista.
• Retail alone makes up 10.7% of total cyber incidents.
• Around 78% of shoppers are worried about how their data is being protected.

Impact of Cybersecurity Vulnerability Statistics

• In 2024, cyberattacks will increasingly target systems with unpatched security holes, as data from recent years shows a sharp rise in these types of attacks.
• When businesses wait too long to fix known issues or lack a solid plan to handle vulnerabilities, they create serious risks.
• These gaps make it easy for hackers to break in, leading to stolen data, system damage, and financial loss.
• Keeping systems updated and patched on time is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce the risk of cyberattacks.

(Source: indusface.com)

• According to Indusface, attacks targeting known software bugs jumped 54% in 2024 compared to the year before. This indicates that companies must address issues more promptly to remain secure.
• Cybersecurity vulnerability statistics state that 60% of past data breaches occurred due to unpatched software. This problem remains a significant contributor to security breaches today.
• Approximately 56% of older software bugs are still being exploited in attacks, highlighting the dangers of ignoring outdated vulnerabilities.
• In 2024, 14% of all breaches occurred when hackers exploited a software weakness to gain entry. That’s almost triple the rate from the year before.
• In 2023, hackers exploited a vulnerability in MOVEit, a file transfer software, by leveraging an unfixed bug. They first hit schools, then moved on to banks and insurance companies with ransomware attacks.
• Cybersecurity Vulnerability Statistics stated that 32% of critical bugs remained unpatched for over 180 days in 2024. This delay increases the risk of being hacked.
• In 2024, companies, on average, took 204 days to detect a breach and an additional 73 days to resolve it. These delays give hackers more time to do damage.
• In 2024, Businesses using AI-powered security found and fixed breaches 108 days faster, saving about $1.76 million per attack.
• Companies that stopped breaches in less than 200 days saved over $1 million compared to those that took longer.
• In 2024, virtual patches stopped 62% of web-based threats and 71% of API attacks. These quick fixes add an extra layer of protection.
• Connecting vulnerability scanners with WAAP (Web Application and API Protection) systems cuts fix times from months to just 3 days.

Cybersecurity Employment Statistics

• By 2026, 70% of company boards are expected to include at least one person with a cybersecurity understanding.
• In 2023, there were approximately 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide.
• Cybersecurity jobs are projected to grow by 35% over the next decade, indicating strong demand in this field.

(Reference: stationx.net)

• Only 24% of the people working in cybersecurity are women, highlighting a gender gap.
• Cybersecurity Vulnerability Statistics state that 68% of businesses cite insufficiently skilled staff as their biggest challenge in achieving cybersecurity goals.
• According to a 2024 Cisco study, 46% of companies reported having over 10 open cybersecurity positions.
• Entry-level cybersecurity roles, such as Security Specialists, typically pay an average annual salary of approximately $102,677.

(Reference: stationx.net)

• 67% of small and mid-sized businesses say they don’t have the right team to respond to a data breach.
• Cybersecurity vulnerability statistics indicate that nearly 47% of cybersecurity leaders face significant gaps in skills or training.
• 71% of organizations admit they’re feeling the effects of the current cybersecurity talent shortage.

(Source: stationx.net)

• 61% of mid-sized companies have no dedicated staff focused on cybersecurity.
• Only 9% of companies say their employees regularly follow cybersecurity best practices.

Most Common IoT Target

(Reference: getastra.com)

• Web application attacks are behind 26% of all data breaches, making them the second most common type of cyber threat.
• On average, websites face 94 cyberattacks daily and are scanned by bots about 2,608 times weekly.
• Aaround 17% of cyberattacks target weak points in web applications.
• The biggest danger with these attacks is that hackers can break in, steal your data, and use your site to launch further cyberattacks.
• About 4.1 million websites are currently infected with harmful software (malware). According to GM Security, online shopping sites are easy targets, as 75% of fraud and data theft incidents involve e-commerce platforms.
• Many of these issues come from WordPress plugins. About 97% of hacking cases use these tools, yet 22% of WordPress users spend less than one hour monthly on security.

#1. Mobile App Security

• 80% of phishing scams now focus on mobile devices.
• 82% of Android phones were found to have at least one known security flaw.
• The global mobile security market is projected to reach $14.82 billion by 2028.
• The increased use of smartphones has led to a surge in mobile security issues. According to Zimperium, approximately 75% of phishing sites are specifically designed for mobile phones.
• Phone users are 6 to 10 times more likely to fall for text-based phishing (SMS) than email scams. App stores are stepping in—Google and Apple blocked 1.2 million dangerous apps, and Apple also stopped fake purchases worth $2 million.
• Still, users play a part—44% of companies that were hacked through mobile blame unsafe user behaviour, says Verizon.

#2. API Security

• A recent study found that 94% of experts faced API security problems in the past year.
• API-based attacks jumped 60% from 2022 to 2023.
• Cybersecurity Vulnerability Statistics stated that only 53% of companies said security was their top focus.
• APIs account for 91% of all web traffic, so hackers target them heavily. Harmful API traffic increased by 681% in 2022, and API threats continue rising, up 286% each quarter.
• VentureBeat says 41% of businesses had a security issue with their APIs in the past year, and 63% had data leaks or losses.
• Even though these threats are rising, many companies don’t have strong API protection. Salt Labs found that 34% of firms don’t have a security plan, and 62% had to delay app releases due to safety concerns.

#3. Cloud Security

• 52% of harmful programs (malware) can use USB drives to sneak past network defences.
• IBM reports that over 45% of data leaks now involve cloud systems.
• The cloud security market could grow from $40.7 billion in 2023 to $62.9 billion by 2028.
• Thales Group found that 66% of companies store 21%–60% of their sensitive data in the cloud, which increases risk.
• Cyber Security Vulnerability Statistics stated that over half (51%) of IT pros say managing privacy and safety in the cloud is harder. According to Checkpoint, 57% of businesses struggle to secure data across multiple cloud platforms.
• IBM also says wrong cloud settings cause 15% of the entry points hackers use. Meanwhile, 51% of companies said phishing is their biggest cloud concern.
• Lastly, 56% of organizations have trouble hiring cloud security experts, making protection even harder.

Conclusion

In short, security flaws in digital systems remain a significant issue for all types of businesses. Leaving software outdated and failing to secure websites, mobile apps, APIs, or cloud platforms opens the door for hackers. Even though more people know these risks, many companies still struggle with delays in fixing bugs, insufficiently skilled workers, and weak security habits.

The numbers clearly indicate that ignoring these issues can result in costly data leaks, significant financial losses, and damage to a company’s reputation. To stay safe, businesses must invest in robust cybersecurity tools, regularly update their systems, educate their staff on security, and respond promptly when threats are identified. In today’s online world, being ready for cyber threats isn’t optional—it’s a must.