Page 254 - Cyber Defense eMagazine RSAC Special Edition 2025
P. 254
The Digital Pandemic: Inside 2024's Most
Devastating Cyber Breaches
By Ashwany Pillai, Global Head of Marketing, Network Intelligence
The cybersecurity landscape of 2024 has revealed an unprecedented surge in both the frequency and
sophistication of data breaches, setting new records that demand immediate attention from security
professionals and organizations alike. According to IBM's latest Cost of a Data Breach Report, the year
witnessed 3,158 confirmed breaches - a staggering 22% increase from 2023's 2,587 incidents.
The Growing Impact: Beyond Numbers
While statistics paint a concerning picture, the real impact extends far beyond mere numbers. The
average cost per breach climbed to $4.88 million, marking a significant increase from $4.45 million in
2023. This trend indicates not just more frequent attacks, but increasingly devastating consequences for
affected organizations.
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