Security News > 2021 > October > How cybercrime hurts some groups more than others

A new report by Malwarebytes, Digitunity and Cybercrime Support Network, which polled more than 5,000 people across the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany, details how people experience cybercrime worldwide, demonstrating cybercrime does not impact everyone equally.

Overall analysis of data suggests disadvantaged groups facing barriers in society, such as those with lower incomes and lower education levels, feel less safe about their online experiences, are more likely to fall victim to an attack, and at times report experiencing a heavier emotional burden when responding to cyberattacks.

More women receive text messages from unknown numbers that include potentially malicious links than men and more Black people, Indigenous people, and People of Color experience hacked social media accounts and instances of identity theft than White people.

The likelihood of cybercrime and the responses to those cybercrimes greatly impact how individual groups-based on age, race, gender, income, and education-feel about their own personal safety and privacy online.

"Understanding the impact that cybercrime has on vulnerable people, particularly women and minorities, across the world is critical as online access becomes essential to modern life. The disparity between populations feeling safe online and the emotional impact of threats on already vulnerable communities is unacceptable," said Marcin Kleczynski, CEO of Malwarebytes.

Only 47 percent of BIPOC respondents avoided the financial impact due of cybercrime, compared to 59 percent of all respondents, making BIPOC respondents the hardest hit financially by cybercrime.

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