7 Key Highlights from the 2016 Global State of Cybersecurity

The 2016 Global State of Cybersecurity Study has recently been released and it unlocks a world of new information regarding the cause of hacking incidents, what businesses are doing to prevent them and more. While it isn't necessarily filled with good news, several insights go a long way towards showing that businesses are definitely headed in the right direction regarding these important topics moving forward.

What You Should Know From the Global State of Cybersecurity 2016 Study

Cybersecurity Intelligence

One of the biggest insights from the report has to do with the increasingly common use of cyber security intelligence. These types of solutions don't just allow businesses to manage risks as they occur, but to glean valuable information from them that is used to then close gaps and security loopholes in the future.

Investment is Up

Also revealed by the report was the fact that investment in cybersecurity in general is up significantly compared to this time last year. So far in 2015, 24 percent more money was spent on intelligent solutions than it was during the comparable period last year.

It's Already Working

This increased investment in security solutions is already showing positive returns for businesses across all industries. The report indicated that the total amount of money that was lost during a standard security incident decreased 5 percent in 2015 compared to the same average number for the previous year.

Incidents are Up, Too

This likely has a lot to do with the fact that incidents are up year-over-year, as well. There were 38 percent more incidents in general and the theft of intellectual property has risen a staggering 56 percent compared to 2014.

Businesses Are Taking This Very Seriously

The report indicated that businesses are already starting to shift their attention towards the serious problem that is now before them. Around the world, a larger number of positions are opening up for cybersecurity personnel. In fact, 54 percent of all organizations looked at in the report have already hired a CISO or CSO specifically to handle data security and related operations.

It's About Being Proactive

Businesses also seem to be understanding that constant vigilance and taking a proactive approach to cybersecurity is one of the keys to heading off these types of incidents at the pass. More than 48 percent of all people who responded to a survey released in conjunction with the report indicated that things like security intelligence and regular threat assessments were priorities.

The Staff: Your First Line of Defense

Another valuable insight gleaned from the 2016 Global State of Cybersecurity indicated that businesses are now recognizing employees as their first line of defense for preventing these types of devastating breaches and hacking incidents. More than 53 percent of organizations indicated that they were now in the habit of conducting regular staff training sessions on data security topics and industry advancements.