Summary
Cybercriminals wreaked havoc in 2024, with Americans losing over $16.6 billion to scams, a staggering increase of 33% from the previous year, according to the recent FBI report. The majority of these losses stemmed from cyber-enabled fraud, impacting particularly vulnerable groups, like seniors. Ransomware also remained a major threat, prompting serious concerns about national security.
Key Points
- Total losses from cyber scams reached $16.6 billion, with an increase in complaints of 33% from 2023.
- Victims aged 60 and over accounted for losses exceeding $4.8 billion, a rise of over 40% compared to the previous year.
- Cyber-enabled fraud represented nearly 83% of reported losses, with significant cases of identity theft and counterfeit goods.
- Ransomware attacks were highlighted as the most significant threat to critical infrastructure, with complaints rising by 9%.
- Phishing and extortion were the top reported cybercrimes among victims, with cryptocurrency fraud also seeing a sharp rise.
Why should I read this?
If you think this doesn’t affect you, think again! These staggering numbers demonstrate how cybercrime is not just a buzzword but a growing reality for everyone, especially online. The report sheds light on major trends and threats in the cyber realm, making it essential reading for anyone wanting to protect their personal information and finances.