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
February 9, 2026
First Column IT officially achieved CMMC Level 2 Certification!
We’re thrilled to announce that we have officially achieved CMMC Level 2 Certification!
February 9, 2026
Don't Let Your Office Move Become an IT Crisis
Relocating your office is a major milestone, but treating your IT infrastructure like just another box of supplies is a recipe for a Monday morning meltdown. The difference between a seamless transition and a week of lost productivity often comes down to early planning. If your company is eyeing a new space in the next six-to-12 months, avoid leaving your technology to chance.
February 6, 2026
How Agentic AI Supercharges Your HR Department
Certain departments consistently struggle with IT, and one of them is Human Resources. HR is one of many departments that only works when you can ensure consistency. HR might be the people-centered part of your business, but when they are buried under compliance forms, payroll disputes, and other challenges, it’s easy to see why burnout is so prevalent.

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