MixMode Threat Research is a dedicated contributor to MixMode.ai’s blog, offering insights into the latest advancements and trends in cybersecurity. Their posts analyze emerging threats and deliver actionable intelligence for proactive digital defense.
In today’s digital world, cyber threats are a growing concern. Cybercriminals constantly launch sophisticated attacks through the Internet, targeting organizations and governments alike. Traditional security measures often struggle to keep up with these evolving threats, which range from malware and phishing scams to insider breaches and supply chain vulnerabilities. With the rise of connected devices and the Internet of Things (IoT), cyber-attack risks have expanded across all sectors.
It is crucial for countries to enhance their cybersecurity defenses due to the severe consequences of cyber attacks, such as financial losses, damage to reputation, service disruptions, and threats to national security. As technology advances, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing, managing cyber risks becomes more complex and urgent.
Understanding a country’s cybersecurity readiness is vital in today’s environment. Using data analytics and machine learning, we can assess each nation’s cybersecurity strengths, weaknesses, and areas needing improvement. Exploring the cybersecurity rankings of different countries can help us make informed decisions, encourage global cooperation, and work towards a safer digital world for everyone.
The analysis is based on a comprehensive dataset encompassing various indices, including the National Cyber Security Index, Cybersecurity Exposure Index, Global Cybersecurity Index, Cyber Resilience Index, and the Final Cyber Safety Score. We can gauge a country’s preparedness and susceptibility to cyber threats by examining these metrics.
Key Findings:
- Finland, Norway, and Denmark lead with Final Cyber Safety Scores above 92, showcasing robust cybersecurity infrastructure and proactive measures.
- The United Kingdom and Sweden maintain scores above 89, underscoring effective cybersecurity preparedness and resilience.
- Japan and the United States demonstrate strong defenses against cyber threats with Final Cyber Safety Scores above 88.
- Australia and Austria exhibit commendable cybersecurity frameworks, with a final score above 89.
- Honduras, Bolivia, and Venezuela face significant cybersecurity challenges, scoring below 42.
- Algeria, Ecuador, and Kyrgyzstan confront growing cyber threats with scores below 52.
- Sri Lanka, Panama, and Armenia exhibit vulnerabilities, with Final Cyber Safety Scores below 56.
- Pakistan grapples with cybersecurity challenges, scoring 56.40, necessitating concerted efforts for enhancement.
Highest and Lowest Risk Countries Cyber Threats Worldwide
10 Lowest Risk Countries for Cyber Threats Worldwide
1. Finland
Final Cyber Safety Score: 92.81
Finland is at the top of the list with exceptional scores across all indices, boasting a National Cyber Security Index of 85.71, Cybersecurity Exposure Index of 89, Global Cybersecurity Index of 95.78, and Cyber Resilience Index of 93.64. Its robust cybersecurity infrastructure and proactive measures position it as a global leader in cyber resilience.
2. Norway
Final Cyber Safety Score: 92.63
Norway demonstrates robust cyber resilience, reflected in a Cyber Resilience Index 94.39. Norway exemplifies effective cybersecurity preparedness with commendable scores across key metrics, including a National Cyber Security Index of 67.53, a Cybersecurity Exposure Index of 86.6, and a Global Cybersecurity Index of 96.89.
3. Denmark
Final Cyber Safety Score: 92.45
Denmark showcases a strong commitment to cybersecurity, scoring impressively across key metrics. With a National Cyber Security Index of 84.42, Cybersecurity Exposure Index of 88.3, Global Cybersecurity Index of 92.6, and Cyber Resilience Index of 96.44, Denmark's proactive approach underscores its resilience against cyber threats.
4. Australia
Final Cyber Safety Score: 89.99
Australia maintains a solid defense against cyber threats. 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, Australia's cybersecurity infrastructure stands resilient against evolving threats.
5. United Kingdom
Final Cyber Safety Score: 89.75
Despite challenges, the United Kingdom maintains a commendable cybersecurity posture. Its robust cybersecurity framework, reflected in a National Cyber Security Index of 89.61, Cybersecurity Exposure Index of 79.3, Global Cybersecurity Index of 99.54, and Cyber Resilience Index of 90.40, underscores its resilience against cyber threats.
6. Sweden
Final Cyber Safety Score: 89.55
Sweden takes a proactive approach to tackling cyber risks, showcasing a Cyber Resilience Index of 95.10. With impressive ratings in critical areas such as a National Cyber Security Index of 84.42 and a Global Cybersecurity Index of 94.55, Sweden demonstrates strong cybersecurity readiness and preparedness.
7. Austria
Final Cyber Safety Score: 89.55
Austria balances its cybersecurity framework effectively, scoring 85.71 in the National Cyber Security Index, 83.8 in the Cybersecurity Exposure Index, 93.89 in the Global Cybersecurity Index, 90.95 in the Cyber Resilience Index, and 89.55 in the Final Cyber Safety Score.
8. Japan
Final Cyber Safety Score: 88.77
Japan's investments in cyber defense are evident, with commendable scores in key metrics, including a National Cyber Security Index of 63.64, Cybersecurity Exposure Index of 86.2, and Global Cybersecurity Index of 97.82.
9. United States
Final Cyber Safety Score: 88.60
The United States sustains a robust cybersecurity infrastructure, scoring 64.94 in the National Cyber Security Index, 85.5 in the Cybersecurity Exposure Index, 100 in the Global Cybersecurity Index, 80.31 in the Cyber Resilience Index, and 88.60 in the Final Cyber Safety Score.
10. Canada
Final Cyber Safety Score: 88.33
Canada ranks the top 10 with a Final Cyber Safety Score of 88.33, showcasing strong defenses against cyber threats. Canada demonstrates strong cybersecurity readiness with impressive ratings in key metrics like a National Cyber Security Index of 70.13, a Cybersecurity Exposure Index of 79.3, and a Global Cybersecurity Index of 97.67.
10 Highest Risk Countries for Cyber Threats Worldwide
1. Bolivia
Final Cyber Safety Score: 38.39
Bolivia struggles with its cybersecurity infrastructure, leading to vulnerabilities across key metrics. With a National Cybersecurity Index of 31.17, a Cybersecurity Exposure Index of 21.7, a Global Cybersecurity Index of 16.14, and a Cyber Resilience Index of 77.33, Bolivia's cybersecurity readiness falls short. Efforts are needed to address weaknesses and enhance resilience against cyber threats.
2. Honduras
Final Cyber Safety Score: 41.24
Honduras faces significant cybersecurity challenges, reflected in its low scores across all indices. Honduras is vulnerable to cyber threats with a National Cyber Security Index of 22.08, Cybersecurity Exposure Index of 39.7, Global Cybersecurity Index of 2.2, and Cyber Resilience Index of 81.83. Urgent measures are required to strengthen its cybersecurity.
3. Venezuela
Final Cyber Safety Score: 42.15
Venezuela faces pressing cybersecurity challenges, which is evident from its low scores across all indices. With a National Cyber Security Index of 28.57, Cybersecurity Exposure Index of 19.3, Global Cybersecurity Index of 27.06, and Cyber Resilience Index of 80.10, Venezuela's cybersecurity infrastructure requires urgent enhancement. Strengthening defenses is crucial to mitigating risks effectively and safeguarding critical assets.
4. Algeria
Final Cyber Safety Score: 43.19
Algeria grapples with growing cyber threats, underscored by its suboptimal scores across key metrics. With a National Cyber Security Index of 33.77, Cybersecurity Exposure Index of 27.9, Global Cybersecurity Index of 33.95, and Cyber Resilience Index of 67.72, Algeria needs concerted efforts to bolster cyber defenses and mitigate risks effectively.
5. Ecuador
Final Cyber Safety Score: 45.00
Ecuador's cybersecurity resilience is inadequate, reflected in its low scores across all indices. With a National Cyber Security Index of 53.25, Cybersecurity Exposure Index of 34.8, Global Cybersecurity Index of 26.3, and Cyber Resilience Index of 73.89, Ecuador faces significant vulnerabilities to cyber threats.
6. Kyrgyzstan
Final Cyber Safety Score: 51.99
Kyrgyzstan struggles to mitigate cyber risks, evident from its below-average scores across key metrics. With a National Cyber Security Index of 37.66, Cybersecurity Exposure Index of 30.7, Global Cybersecurity Index of 49.64, and Cyber Resilience Index of 75.62, Kyrgyzstan faces notable challenges in cybersecurity preparedness.
7. Sri Lanka
Final Cyber Safety Score: 53.21
Sri Lanka's vulnerability to cyber attacks is apparent, with below-par scores across indices. Sri Lanka's cybersecurity infrastructure requires improvement with a National Cyber Security Index of 44.16, Cybersecurity Exposure Index of 25.5, Global Cybersecurity Index of 58.65, and Cyber Resilience Index of 75.48.
8. Panama
Final Cyber Safety Score: 53.26
Panama's cybersecurity infrastructure exhibits vulnerabilities, with a National Cybersecurity Index of 50.65, a Cybersecurity Exposure Index of 43.1, a Global Cybersecurity Index of 34.11, and a Cyber Resilience Index of 82.58.
9. Armenia
Final Cyber Safety Score: 55.97
Despite efforts, Armenia's cybersecurity resilience remains a concern, warranting strategic interventions. With a National Cybersecurity Index of 35.06, a Cybersecurity Exposure Index of 34.5, a Global Cybersecurity Index of 50.47, and a Cyber Resilience Index of 82.95, Armenia faces notable challenges in mitigating cyber risks.
10. Pakistan
Final Cyber Safety Score: 56.40
Pakistan's cybersecurity infrastructure requires enhancement, with a National Cyber Security Index of 41.56, Cybersecurity Exposure Index of 24.5, Global Cybersecurity Index of 64.88, and Cyber Resilience Index of 79.81.
The Importance of Understanding Global Cybersecurity Landscapes for Effective Policy Making
Understanding a country's cybersecurity landscape is imperative for proactive risk management as cyber threats continue to evolve. While some nations excel in fortifying their defenses, others face significant challenges in combating cyber threats. By leveraging insights from comprehensive indices, policymakers can formulate strategies to enhance cybersecurity resilience and mitigate risks effectively globally.
Methodology:
We analyzed data from four sources to assess cyber safety across 70 countries. Combining information from the National Cyber Security Index (NCSI), the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), the Cybersecurity Exposure Index (CEI), and the findings from Comparitech, we calculated a comprehensive Cyber-Safety Score for each nation. This score, derived from averaging the scores of all four sources, unveils the highest and lowest riskiest countries for internet users.
The CEI (Cybersecurity Exposure Index) 2020 uses a 0 to 1 scoring system, unlike the NCSI and GCI, which use a percentage-based system where 0 is the worst and 100 is the best. Data was converted before computing the average cyber-safety score to ensure consistent calculations across all data sources.
Comparitech's research operates independently, and its score directly reflects the rate of cyberattacks experienced by users within a specific country. While the original data used a lower score to indicate a better cybersecurity situation, this has been converted to the opposite for our study.
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