In the digital age, some industries face a higher risk of cyber attacks due to the nature of their operations. While any sector can experience a data breach, businesses closely involved with people’s daily lives are particularly vulnerable.

Hackers often target companies that hold sensitive data or personally identifiable information. Here are some industries most susceptible to cyber attacks:

• Banks and Financial Institutions: These institutions store credit card details, bank account information, and personal data of customers or clients, making them prime targets for cybercriminals.
• Healthcare Institutions: Healthcare facilities house vast repositories of health records, clinical research data, and patient information, including social security numbers, billing details, and insurance claims.
• Corporations: Corporations handle diverse data, from product concepts and intellectual property to marketing strategies and client databases. Cyberattacks on corporations can result in severe consequences for their clients and employees.
• Higher Education: Universities hold crucial information, including enrollment data, academic research, financial records, and personally identifiable data like names, addresses, and billing information.

In the visual below, we outline common types of cyber incidents and their varying impacts on different industries.

Source: Embroker