Welcome to the First Column IT Tech Blog

HomeBlog
Recent Data Shows Surprising Trends in Cybercrime Victimization

Recent Data Shows Surprising Trends in Cybercrime Victimization

September 22, 2023

When it comes to who is victimized in cybercriminal efforts, there may be a few stereotypes and presumptions that a lot of people may hold. A recent report, Oh, Behave!, released by the National Cybersecurity Alliance and Cybsafe, shows that the real victims of many forms of cybercrime aren’t who many would expect.

Let’s break down what Oh, Behave! indicates.

Cybercrime Victimization is a Complicated Subject

First off, surveyed participants overwhelmingly agreed that their online security was a priority—78% reporting in the affirmative, an excellent sign.

That being said, only half of respondents felt that remaining secure online was possible or under their control, with just under half claiming that doing so was either frustrating or intimidating. This is not the attitude you want present in your business, protecting the data that could potentially end your business if it were to be breached.

This Research Also Revealed Who Was Most Prone to Different Scams

Across effectively all forms of cybercriminal attack the survey covered—phishing, identity theft, romance scams, and cyberbullying—it was the younger generations, Gen Z and Millennials, who were most often victimized, or at least reported it most often.

Fortunately, many people are willing to report when they have been victimized, at least when it comes to phishing (69% reporting, as compared to 31% who did not report) and identity theft (74% reporting, as compared to 26% who did not report). Less promising were the reporting/not reporting rates for romance scams with 55% reporting, 45% not reporting, and cyberbullying with 52% reporting, and 48% not reporting, respectively.

It Is So Important to Train Your Team Members to Do Better

We can help. Reach out to us to learn more about how we can help teach your team to be more secure. Give us a call at (571) 470-5594 today.

‍

Previous Post
October 5, 2026
Cybersecurity Awareness Month is Your Chance to Fix Poor Security Habits
Every October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month rolls around, and right on cue, the internet gets flooded with generic advice telling you to "stay safe online." Nevertheless, for the smart business owner, October isn't just another awareness campaign. It’s a great checkpoint to step back, review your daily routines, and close gaps before an automated script finds them for you.
October 2, 2026
The Importance of Data Backup for Small Businesses
Think of your business data as the lifeblood of your operations. It's everything from customer lists and financial records to project files and that brilliant marketing plan you spent weeks perfecting. Now, imagine that lifeblood suddenly… vanishes. Sounds like a nightmare, right?
September 30, 2026
Why Your Business Needs More Than Just Passwords
Managing dozens of complex application logins creates severe password fatigue for employees trying to complete their daily tasks. When staff resort to password reuse, simple number additions, or paper notes just to stay productive, your entire corporate network becomes exposed to automated credential attacks.

Have a project in mind?

Start with our free consultation. We will provide a detailed proposal and firm quote based on your specific IT support needs. All at a predictable monthly cost per seat.
Free Consultation - Sign Up Here