Which Countries Face the Greatest Cybersecurity Risks in 2024?

The threat of cyber-attacks has continued to rise, mainly due to the increased development of the Internet. Cybercriminals are always devising more complicated techniques for penetrating networks with the intention of targeting companies and governments. In the digital age, cybersecurity risks have grown significantly, and nearly every industry faces the danger of cyber attacks due to the increase in connected devices and IoT.

Nations need to enhance the way their defenses are structured against such cyber threats due to the severe effects of those attacks, comprising economic losses, damage to a country’s reputation, disruption in services, and risks to its national security. Due to the unprecedented innovations in technology, spearheaded by artificial intelligence and quantum computing, the role of overseeing cyber risks has become challenging. As the threats vary from classical viruses and phishing to more recent types of attacks like breaches from inside and supply chain vulnerabilities, traditional modes of protection are struggling to cope with the pace of threats. With the rise in connected devices and the Internet of Things, the risk of cyber-attacks has become widespread and has infiltrated every sector.

Countries are required to strengthen their cyber defense capabilities, as the risks of such attacks are severe. They can lead to financial losses and detrimental damage to the country’s reputation, disruption in service, and national security. As technology evolves and both artificial intelligence and quantum computing continue to be developed, the work of managing cyber hazards becomes ever more complex and vital. 

Such a scenario demands an assessment of countries’ capability to fight cyber threats. Using data analysis and machine learning, we can evaluate each country’s cybersecurity score and then identify the weak points and areas needing improvement. This can also allow us to make decisions based on and learn from the cyber rankings of other nations, which may lead to international collaborations for a safer online world for all of us.

The available data is massive, and the following indicators were used: National Cyber Security Index, Cybersecurity Exposure Index, Global Cybersecurity Index, Cyber Resilience Index, and Final Cyber Safety Score.

In the current index, the United Kingdom and Sweden are still scoring above 89, and this, to me, appears to be accurate, more of cybersecurity readiness and recovery capability. Japan and the United States are the most protective countries in terms of security from cyber threats, with a Final Cyber Safety Score of more than 88. The overall cybersecurity of both Australia and Austria can be considered satisfactory, taking into account that their scores are above 89%. The obtained scores for Honduras are less than 42, and that indicates the country has less effective cybersecurity than three other countries, namely Bolivia and Venezuela.

Here, we have listed the countries with cybersecurity risks

Bolivia is grappling with its online security systems, which result in weaknesses in essential areas. Its performance in the National Cybersecurity Index (31.17), Cybersecurity Exposure Index (21.7), Global Cybersecurity Index (16.14), and Cyber Resilience Index (77.33) indicates a lack of preparedness in cybersecurity. It’s crucial to tackle these issues and improve Bolivia’s ability to withstand online attacks.

Honduras is dealing with considerable obstacles in its online security, as shown by its poor rankings in every category. The country is at risk of online attacks with a National Cybersecurity Index score of 22.08, Cybersecurity Exposure Index score of 39.7, Global Cybersecurity Index score of 2.2, and Cyber Resilience Index score of 81.83. Immediate actions are needed to bolster its online defenses.

Venezuela is dealing with significant cybersecurity issues, as shown by its poor performance in every category. Its scores in the National Cyber Security Index (28.57), Cybersecurity Exposure Index (19.3), Global Cybersecurity Index (27.06), and Cyber Resilience Index (80.10) all indicate a pressing need for improvement in its cybersecurity framework. Enhancing its defenses is essential to better protecting vital resources and reducing the impact of cyber threats.

Algeria is struggling with an increasing number of cyber threats, highlighted by its below-average scores in essential areas. Its performance in the National Cyber Security Index (33.77), Cybersecurity Exposure Index (27.9), Global Cybersecurity Index (33.95), and Cyber Resilience Index (67.72) all point to a significant need for action to improve its cybersecurity capabilities and manage these threats more effectively.

Ecuador’s ability to withstand cyber threats needs to be improved, as shown by its poor performance in every category. The country’s National Cyber Security Index stands at 53.25, Cybersecurity Exposure Index at 34.8, Global Cybersecurity Index at 26.3, and Cyber Resilience Index at 73.89, indicating Ecuador is at high risk of cyber-attacks.

Judging from the results obtained as below-par across the indices, Sri Lanka appears open to cyber-attacks. The current National Cyber Security Index with reference to Sri Lanka still lacks a considerable amount of growth, which has been estimated to be 44. 17, Cybersecurity Exposure Index of 25. 5, GCI score of 58 out of 100 among 58 countries worldwide. It has an overall Score of 65 and the Cyber Resilience Index of 75. 48.

It is established that the current Pakistan Cyber Security Index needs improvement, which is 41. 56, 24 for the Cybersecurity Exposure Index, 5 out of 64 in the Global Cybersecurity Index, 88, and a Cyber Resilience Index of 79, 81.

Finland proudly takes the top spot, having excelled in each area—that is, it posted a National Cybersecurity Safety Index of 85.71, its Cybersecurity Threat Exposure Index was 89, the Global Cybersecurity Safety Index came in at 95.78, and the Cybersecurity Threat Resilience Index was 93.64. With robust cybersecurity frameworks and progressive plans, it will be a powerhouse in cybersecurity threat resilience.

Norway is one country that is well prepared to defend threats that have to deal with cyber threats. It is ranked with a Cyber-Threat Resilience Index of 94. 39. When it comes to precaution and readiness in cybersecurity, Norway’s example could be marked relatively high. The few areas where Norway is considered to be a remarkable concern are two fundamental lines: The National Cybersecurity Safety Index, which was rated at 67. 53, average Cybersecurity Threat Exposure Index of 86. 6, and the Global Cybersecurity Safety Index, which stood at 96 to 100. 89.

Australia has a strong defense against cyberattacks. Its cybersecurity defenses are solid, with a National Cyber Security Index of 66.23, Cybersecurity Exposure Index of 86.9, Global Cybersecurity Index of 97.47, and Cyber Resilience Index of 85.61. This indicates that Australia’s cybersecurity system is well-equipped to handle new threats.

Despite these challenges, the United Kingdom continues to uphold a good standing when it comes to cybersecurity. One of its most enormous cybersecurity arrangements was disclosed by a National Cyber Security Index of 89. 61, Cybersecurity Exposure Index of 79. 3, the GCI of 99. 54 and a Cyber Resilience Index of 90. 40, sho5. United Kingdom

However, the United Kingdom has not relented in maintaining a good posture in cybersecurity despite some of these challenges. Nigeria is ranked at a National Cyber Security Index of 89, which is indicative of the fact that it enjoys overwhelming and all-encompassing cybersecurity. ; 61; the Cybersecurity Exposure Index is 79. 3, and the extremity is 99 % in the Global Cybersecurity Index. The company’s performance is as follows: 14 employee satisfaction, a score of 54, and cyber resilience 90. 40 signifies this, while the following number shows how equipped the company is at handling these types of risks or threats within the cyber frontier.

Sweden actively addresses cyber threats, with a Cyber Resilience Index of 95.10. Its notable performance in critical areas, including a National Cyber Security Index of 84.42 and a Global Cybersecurity Index of 94.55, indicates a high level of cybersecurity readiness and preparedness.

Canada has consistently moderate overall scores among nations, even in the context of cybersecurity, with rates equal to 85. Currently, the country has been ranked fifth in the National Cyber Security Index, with a score of 83. 8 Where is the country ranked in the Cybersecurity Exposure Index 100? Second, in the Global Cybersecurity Index, 80. In terms of the Cyber Resilience Index, they are ranked 31 and occupy position 88. On the Final Cyber Safety Score, there must be an average score of not less than ‘60’ to achieve this placement.

Australia maintains an ambiguous but relatively strong cybersecurity that complies with the suggested score of 85. At present, we can be ranked 5th on the National Cyber Security Index, 83rd. In the cybersecurity exposure index, Bahrain is ranked 8, while on the global cybersecurity index, it has been ranked 100. It has scored 80 on the preparedness index, thirty on the Cyber readiness scale, 88 on the Cyber Resilience Index, and 60 on the Final Cyber Safety Score.

Canada stands at number eight in the Global Cyber Security Ranking at number 88. It resolved 33, which provides good protection from online risks. The country displays sound readiness in the realm of cybersecurity: all of the explored key territories produced high results accompanied by some essential indicators like the National Cyber Security Index equal to 70. week 13, the Cybersecurity Exposure Index was recorded as 79. 3, and 97 cast as the Global Cyber Security Index.

A recent study forecasts the leading cybersecurity dangers for 2024, indicating that the year might witness a shift in phishing tactics, an emphasis on vulnerabilities in the software supply chain, and the exploitation of popular business applications such as MOVEit.

Russia and Ukraine are at the forefront of the World Cybercrime Index 2024, holding the top two spots as key centers for cybercriminal operations. Their expertise in cybercriminal activities covers a broad spectrum of illegal activities. India is ranked 10th on the index, underscoring its international role in cybercrime.

The leading nations in cybersecurity efforts include the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, and Denmark.

India is positioned at the 10th spot in the cybercrime rankings, with the most common type of cybercrime being scams related to advance fee payments.