Thematic Take

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Cyrus Mewawalla, Head of Thematic Intelligence, GlobalData

Foreword: cyber risk is higher than ever

At GlobalData, we define a theme as any issue that keeps a business leader awake at night. Companies are impacted by multiple themes that frequently conflict with one another. What is needed is an effective methodology that reflects, understands, and reconciles these conflicts.  

Our thematic research ecosystem is a single, integrated global research platform that provides an easy-to-use framework for tracking all themes across all companies in all sectors. Viewing the world’s data by themes makes it easier to make critical decisions. Companies that invest in the right themes become success stories. Those that miss the essential themes in their industry end up as failures. 

The cybersecurity landscape is complex. Today’s always-connected world offers many opportunities for cyberattackers to disrupt countries, organisations, and individuals. 

A challenging worldwide geopolitical environment, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, has given cyberattackers an uneven playing field, which they actively exploit.  

Those not after money are often motivated by revenge, and these types of attacks typically involve a disgruntled employee or disaffected customer. Other threat actors include hacktivists trying to gain attention for their cause, terrorists intent on damaging critical national infrastructure, or nation-states using cyber warfare against other countries. 

Cyber risk is higher than ever, and the consequences of attacks are significant. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, global cybercrime will reach $10.5tr annually by 2025. Tackling this issue requires investment, and GlobalData forecasts that cybersecurity revenues will reach $344bn worldwide by 2030.