Cybercrime Now a Bigger Worry Than Physical Crime featured image

Cybercrime Now a Bigger Worry Than Physical Crime

by John DiGiacomo

Partner

Cyber Security

Cybercrime and data breaches have been on the rise for many years, and it is not surprising that the threat of cybercrime has become a bigger concern for people than the threat of real, physical criminal acts. A recent report issued by Sophos, Ltd. indicates that people are now more worried about being the victim of a cyber attack than of being the victim of a traditional physical crime. This shift in people’s state of fear makes sense in light of how cyber threats have been evolving over the years. Much is at stake when you are victimized by a cybercrime.

Some Surprising Statistics About People’s Perception of Cybercrime

Cybercrime and cyber threats are often considered a technologically complicated matter. Many people do not fully understand what a cybersecurity threat is, or how it can truly affect them. This paradox is interesting because many people worry about protecting their homes, businesses, and vehicles from physical acts of crime such as robbery and burglary, but do very little to protect themselves from cyber security threats. Interestingly, the Sophos report noted that:

  • While 63% of people surveyed had a fear of suffering financial losses due to cybercrime, 30% reported being inadequately educated about common cyber security threats such as phishing and ransomware.
  • 61% are concerned about their computers being controlled by a hacker.
  • Only 14% understood or knew or certain that they could and have backed up their computer system data to another computer or server.
  • 11% had no idea if their computer system was secured against viruses and hackers.

While it is a step in the right direction to know that cyber security threats exist and that they can wreak havoc on your computer system, what is more important is taking steps to try and protect your system from these threats. Basic security measures such as installing firewalls and backing up data can go a long way to reducing the impact that a system breach can have on your day-to-day operations and yet very few people perform these basic safety measures regularly, if at all. This is troubling in light of the fact that cybersecurity threats are on the rise.

Basic education about what cybersecurity is, what threats exist, and how to protect your system against these threats can be invaluable to you. It is better to prepare against a cyber attack before it happens then to deal with the consequences of being unprepared after your system has been ransacked by a data breach.

The field of cyber security is relatively new and complicated, not to mention that it is constantly changing. Handling data security breach issues can be tough and overwhelming to a recently victimized business or individual, and we want to help. Revision Legal has worked with numerous companies across the country in the past to navigate data security breaches and other cyber security issues. Please feel free to contact the cybersecurity and breach notification lawyers at Revision Legal by using the online form on this page or call us at 855-473-8474.

Image credit: Exclusive Networks

Extra, Extra!
Recent Posts

2025 Changes to Trademark Fees

2025 Changes to Trademark Fees

Trademark

There are some significant changes coming to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that will affect trademark filings beginning January 18, 2025. These changes include the introduction of the Trademark Center, new fees, and revised application requirements. Here is an overview of the key changes: The USPTO will retire the TEAS system, which […]

Read more about 2025 Changes to Trademark Fees

Automated Decision-Making Technology: California Releases Proposed Regulations

Automated Decision-Making Technology: California Releases Proposed Regulations

Internet Law

In today’s competitive e-commerce landscape, automated decision-making technology is becoming more and more important. From personalized product recommendations to targeted advertising and streamlined logistics, these systems help ecommerce businesses adapt and grow. But new regulations are on the horizon, and these changes could reshape the way e-commerce businesses use automation. The California Privacy Protection Agency […]

Read more about Automated Decision-Making Technology: California Releases Proposed Regulations

FTC Adopts Final “Click to Cancel Rule”

FTC Adopts Final “Click to Cancel Rule”

Internet Law

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued final amendments to its trade regulation rule concerning negative option plans, also known as the “click to cancel rule.” This rule aims to address widespread deceptive practices that prohibit customers from cancelling services in the same manner in which they signed up. Here’s a detailed summary of the […]

Read more about FTC Adopts Final “Click to Cancel Rule”

Put Revision Legal on your side