The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received more than 800,000 cybercrime-related complaints in 2022, with losses totaling over $10 billion. The IC3’s 2022 Internet Crime Report shows that while the number of complaints was smaller compared to 2021, losses increased from $6.9 billion to $10.3 billion. The top five types of cyber-related crimes in 2022 were phishing, personal data breach, non-payment/non-delivery scams, extortion, and tech support scams. Business email compromise (BEC) attacks resulted in $2.7 billion in losses, while investment scams exceeded BEC in terms of losses with $3.31 billion reported. The FBI also received over 2,300 complaints related to ransomware attacks, with adjusted losses reaching more than $34 million.
In addition to the IC3’s Recovery Asset Team (RAT) helping many victims of BEC attacks recover their funds, the FBI also warned of Iranian cyber firm’s hack-and-leak operations, as well as cyberattacks targeting healthcare payment processors. The agency further recommended the use of ad blockers as cybercriminals were impersonating brands in search engine ads.
The FBI’s data highlights the importance of remaining vigilant and aware of the ever-evolving threats posed by cybercriminals. Organizations should prioritize the implementation of a comprehensive cybersecurity program to protect against cyber threats, and take proactive measures to ensure the safety of their networks, systems, and data.
Key Points:
- The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received more than 800,000 cybercrime-related complaints in 2022, with losses totaling over $10 billion.
- The top five types of cyber-related crimes in 2022 were phishing, personal data breach, non-payment/non-delivery scams, extortion, and tech support scams.
- Business email compromise (BEC) attacks resulted in $2.7 billion in losses, while investment scams exceeded BEC in terms of losses with $3.31 billion reported.
- The FBI also received over 2,300 complaints related to ransomware attacks, with adjusted losses reaching more than $34 million.
- The agency recommended the use of ad blockers as cybercriminals were impersonating brands in search engine ads.
- Organizations should prioritize the implementation of a comprehensive cybersecurity program to protect against cyber threats.
