If cybercrime were a country, it would rank as the third largest economy in the world. That staggering comparison was highlighted at the recent Fortinet SecOps Summit, where experts revealed that the global cost of cybercrime could soar to $13 trillion by 2031 — surpassing the combined profits of illegal drug trafficking and the financial toll of natural disasters.

This isn’t just a statistic to be shocked by. It’s a clear, urgent reminder that cybersecurity isn’t optional anymore. It’s mission-critical to protect our businesses, infrastructures, and communities in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

Thankfully, leaders like Fortinet, the Cyber Threat Alliance (CTA), and the World Economic Forum (WEF) are stepping up, fostering collaboration and driving actionable strategies to confront this global challenge.

The bottom line? Cyber adversaries are getting richer and bolder. It’s time we get smarter, faster, and better connected.