63% of Australian Organizations Expect to Face a Cyberattack Within a Year

Rhea-AI Summary

Varonis Systems has released the 2021 Australian Cybersecurity Risk Report, indicating that 63% of Australian organizations perceive a likely cyberattack within the next year. Despite this, 82% rated their cyber defense capabilities as strong. Key concerns include data loss (53%) and human error (40%). The report emphasizes the necessity for proactive data management and cybersecurity education to mitigate risks. Varonis urges organizations to limit the potential damage from breaches and enhance their security posture.

Positive

• 82% of organizations believe their ability to protect against cyberattacks is good or very good.
• Report highlights actionable steps for enhancing cybersecurity.

Negative

• 63% of organizations expect a potential cyberattack in the next 12 months.
• Data loss or theft is the top cybersecurity concern, affecting 53% of respondents.

New Australian Cybersecurity Risk Report Finds Overconfidence Despite Potential Threats

NEW YORK and SYDNEY, Australia, Oct. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nearly two-thirds of Australian organizations think a potential cyberattack on their organization is likely or very likely in the next 12 months, according to the 2021 Australian Cybersecurity Risk Report, a new report from Varonis Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRNS), a pioneer in data security and analytics.

For the inaugural study, Varonis analyzed 515 responses from C-level executives and senior managers in decision-making roles. Surveyed companies include small to large businesses across industries that include IT and telecom, financial services, government, manufacturing, professional services, education, and healthcare.

Key findings from the 2021 Australian Cybersecurity Risk Report include:

• 82% of Australian organizations rated their ability to protect themselves from a cyberattack as good or very good.
• Almost two-thirds (63%) think a potential cyberattack on their organization is likely or very likely in the next 12 months.
• Organizations listed data loss or theft as the biggest cybersecurity concern (53%), followed closely by human error (40%) and insider threats (37%).
• Loss of brand reputation was rated the top overall concern by 29% of organizations, followed by loss of intellectual property (24%) and costs associated with a cybersecurity breach (18%).
• Nearly three-quarters (71%) of organizations store sensitive information in Microsoft 365.
  

The report aims to shed light on how Australian organizations are adjusting to modern security challenges, safeguarding sensitive data, and mitigating risk from ransomware and insider threats. The report also offers insight into what businesses can do to minimize their risk.

Scott Leach, Vice President of Sales, APAC, at Varonis, says, “Four in five respondents are confident they can defend against an attack – a surprising statistic in light of today’s evolving threats and big ransomware payouts. Executives and board members must put their data first and proactively turn to cyber resilience – preventing breaches by limiting an organization’s ‘blast radius’ – the potential damage a compromised user or account could do during an attack.”

According to the report, “The high value of sensitive data, combined with the lack of knowledge over where this data is located and who has access to it, makes organizations prize targets for threat actors.”

Varonis recommends organizations take the following proactive steps to improve their security:

• Develop, implement and enforce data management and data access policies.
• Provide cybersecurity education for staff to avoid falling victim to phishing and spearphishing attacks.
• Focus on reducing the damage attackers can do by limiting your blast radius – the damage attackers can do once inside your environment.
  

Read the 2021 Australian Cybersecurity Risk Report.

About Varonis 
Varonis is a pioneer in data security and analytics, fighting a different battle than conventional cybersecurity companies. Varonis focuses on protecting enterprise data: sensitive files and emails; confidential customer, patient and employee data; financial records; strategic and product plans; and other intellectual property. The Varonis Data Security Platform detects cyberthreats from both internal and external actors by analyzing data, account activity and user behavior; prevents and limits disaster by locking down sensitive and stale data; and efficiently sustains a secure state with automation. Varonis products address additional important use cases including data protection, data governance, zero trust, compliance, data privacy, classification and threat detection and response. Varonis started operations in 2005 and has customers spanning leading firms in the financial services, public, healthcare, industrial, insurance, energy and utilities, technology, consumer and retail, media and entertainment and education sectors. 

FAQ

What does the 2021 Australian Cybersecurity Risk Report by Varonis reveal about cyber threats?

The report indicates that 63% of Australian organizations believe a cyberattack is likely in the next year, despite 82% rating their defenses as strong.

What are the main concerns for Australian organizations regarding cybersecurity?

Key concerns include data loss or theft (53%), human error (40%), and insider threats (37%).

How can organizations improve their cybersecurity according to Varonis?

Varonis recommends developing data management policies, providing cybersecurity education, and limiting potential damage from attacks.

When was the 2021 Australian Cybersecurity Risk Report released?

The report was released on October 27, 2021.

What percentage of organizations store sensitive information in Microsoft 365?

Nearly 71% of organizations store sensitive information in Microsoft 365.