When it comes to cyberattacks, it’s not just Silicon Valley or tech-savvy hubs under siege. A new study has revealed that rural and less tech-dense areas are increasingly in the crosshairs of cybercriminals.
Using data from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), researchers at Apryse have ranked U.S. states based on cybercrime complaints and financial losses per 100,000 people. Here are the highlights from the report:
- Alaska leads the nation in cybercrime complaints, with 318.73 per 100,000 people, and incurs significant financial losses of $4.3 million per 100,000 residents. The state’s remote location and limited cybersecurity infrastructure may contribute to its vulnerability.
- While ranking second in complaints, Nevada experiences the most devastating financial impact, with $6.26 million lost per 100,000 people. This highlights the state’s high-value targets, including its casino and tourism industries, as prime bait for cybercriminals.
- Delaware, despite its small size, ranks third in complaints due to its concentration of financial institutions. Similarly, South Dakota’s eighth-place ranking shows that rural areas are not immune to large-scale or high-value cyberattacks.
- California and Arizona, ranking fifth and fourth respectively, demonstrate a worrying trend: even states with tech-savvy populations can suffer massive financial losses, with California reporting $5.55 million lost per 100,000 people.
- North Dakota reports the lowest cybercrime complaints (96.84 per 100,000 people) and financial losses ($1.7 million per 100,000). States like Vermont and Wyoming also see fewer complaints, likely due to their smaller populations and rural nature. However, experts warn that complacency in these states could lead to unpreparedness.
- From tech hubs like Washington and Colorado to less populated areas like South Dakota, cybercriminals are exploiting vulnerabilities across the board. The financial impact varies widely, underscoring the need for robust cybersecurity measures nationwide.
