Two-thirds of Belgian companies victim of cyber-crime
In the wake of the malware virus spreading across the world this week, Leuven’s Institute of Criminology releases a report detailing Belgium’s problems with cyber-crime
Ransom malware common problem
Half of the companies signalled security breaches in their ICT systems, without data being stolen or damaged. Some 46% experienced cyber-attacks that led to an ICT malfunction.
The survey also showed that nearly one-quarter of the companies surveyed had to deal with cyber-extortion and ransom malware, 13% with banking fraud and 4% with corporate espionage. About 40% reported that they experienced multiple security breaches, and nearly one-third had to solve repeated incidents that caused malfunctions in their ICT systems. When faced with a ransom situation, 94% did not pay the money demanded.
About 9% of the companies affected by cyber-extortion reported damage worth more than €10,000, and 3% reported a loss of turnover of more than €50,000. About one-fifth of the companies reported that their daily work structure was significantly troubled.
The study is part of a large-scale research project funded by the Belgian Science Policy Office.
Photo: Ingimage
