While the media has devoted extensive coverage to the explosive rise of cybercrime, the financial damages caused by these crimes have been steadily declining over the years.
Annual research conducted by the Computer Security Institute and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States indicates that this year marks the fourth consecutive year of significant reductions in financial losses attributed to cybercrime.
Participants in the 2005 survey reported an average financial loss of approximately $204,000. In contrast, this year’s figure has dropped to $168,000, reflecting an 18% decrease. When compared to the 2004 figures, the decline reaches as high as 68%.
Members of the Computer Security Institute involved in the investigation affirm that the number of security breaches is also on the decline. However, viruses, laptop theft, and network intrusions remain the top threats. Fortunately, these issues have also shown a downward trend over the past two years.
The consensus on the use of security technologies has significantly contributed to this positive outcome. Most participants in the survey confirmed that they utilize antivirus software or firewalls. Notably, in this year’s survey, 8 out of 10 respondents reported using additional anti-spyware software.
The substantial reduction in financial losses is a positive development for businesses, yet it poses a challenge for security firms. This shift implies a significant decrease in the proportion of expenses allocated for security within the overall IT budget. The survey results further reveal that spending on security now constitutes only 2% of the total IT expenditure.
Hoàng Dũng
