ALBANY- Cyberattacks in New York State increased 53 percent between 2016 and 2022, jumping from 16,426 incidents in 2016 to 25,112 in 2022, a report by state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli found. DiNapoli believes estimated losses in New York from cyberattacks in 2022 totaled over $775 million, while losses nationwide totaled $10.3 billion.
“Cyberattacks are a serious threat to New York’s critical infrastructure, economy and our everyday lives,” said DiNapoli. “Data breaches at companies and institutions that collect large amounts of personal information expose New Yorkers to potential invasions of privacy, identity theft and fraud. Also troubling is the rise in ransomware attacks that can shut down systems we rely on for water, power, health care and other necessities. Safeguarding our state from cyberattacks requires sustained investment, coordination, and vigilance.”
The state has taken steps in recent years to combat and prevent cyberattacks. In 2022, the governor appointed a state chief cyber officer to lead cross-agency efforts to combat cyber threats and improve the state’s cybersecurity. In August of 2023, the governor released the first statewide cybersecurity strategy, which will allow the state to access new federal funding for cybersecurity.
According to DiNapoli’s report, the two most attacked critical infrastructure sectors through ransomware and data breaches were healthcare and financial services.
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