Author: Damjan Milenkovic

While accidents and injuries are arguably a part of childhood as we learn and grow, the death of any child is a tragic occurrence for parents, siblings, and entire communities. Child accidental death statistics show that unintentional injury is the leading cause of child mortality in the United States.

With the discovery of hygiene, the invention of vaccinations, and the improvement in the wealth of the world, the global child mortality rate is nothing compared to what it was.

Still, researchers argue that just as the diseases that used to take children from their families were preventable, so too are the majority of accidents that result in child death.

The following data will shed light on this occurrence, and hopefully enlighten parents on how best to act when their children find themselves in dangerous situations.

Accidental Child Death Statistics: Overview

1. Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of mortality among children in the United States. 

(CDC)

Unintentional injuries such as drowning, poisoning, falls and burns, are the leading cause of children’s deaths in the United States. While disease, hunger, and poverty were once the primary causes of child mortality, in a modern world that is built for adults, children are most at risk just by being in an adult environment. 

2. In 2019, 7,000 children and teens died from unintentional injuries.

(CDC)

Approximately 7,000 teenagers and children die from accidental injury every year, according to child deaths statistics. With 20 deaths per day, the leading causes are motor vehicle accidents, followed by suffocation, drowning, poisoning, fires, and falls.

3. Around 2,000 children lose their lives at home as a result of accidental injuries. 

(Stanford Children) (CDC)

Children aged 14 and younger are most likely to die due to accidental home injuries. Among the most common are fire burns, airway obstruction injuries, drowning, falls, choking, poisoning, and even firearms. The death rate is almost two times higher for male children than for female children across all age groups. 

Infant and Toddler Death Statistics

4. In the US, there are 3,400 sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) annually.

(CDC)

These deaths don’t have any immediately apparent causes. According to child deaths statistics, in 2019, around 1,250 cases of SUID occurred in the US, of which 960 resulted from unintentional suffocation and strangulation in bed, and 1,180 had no known causes.

5. 3.9% of children die before reaching the age of five. 

(Our World in Data)

Worldwide, almost 4% of children don’t make it until the age of five. In perspective, that’s almost 15,000 child deaths every day. Child mortality has declined by more than half since 1990, from 12 million deaths per year to 5 million globally. 

Child Choking Statistics

6. A child dies every five days due to choking in the US.

(Health. NY)

One child dies from choking in the US every five days. Death due to choking is largely a preventable injury with proper supervision, awareness, and caregiver knowledge of responding to such incidents. Up to 12,000 children end up in the emergency room due to food choking-related injuries every year, child injury statistics report.

7. Choking is the fourth leading cause of accidental death for children younger than five.

(Health. NY)

Children under five are at immense risk of choking. Learning the coordination of chewing and swallowing and their common behavior of putting everything in their mouth makes supervision an important prevention strategy for parents and caregivers. Most commonly, child suffocation and choking statistics show that children in this age category choke on toys, small household items, and food. 

8. In 2019, 5,228 children died from choking.

(Statista, Birmingham Mail)

Older children are more likely to choke, most commonly with food. Namely, some of the worst food choking hazards for children are whole grapes, raw vegetables, cheese strips, nuts, seeds, sweets, hot dogs, apples, peanut butter, popcorn, and chunks of meat. 

Most Common Childhood Injuries by Age

9. Almost 40% of unintentional shootings among children happen in a friend’s home. 

(Nationwide Children’s)

Gun safety is one of primary concerns for children. Nearly 40% of accidental shootings among children aged 11 to 14 happen in a friend’s house, with the majority of victims being boys. Moreover, one in every three families with children has at least one gun in the house. 

Child safety statistics show that falls remain the number one cause of injury for this age group. Still, gun safety and supervision is a primary prevention strategy for firearm accidents among children. Gun safes can help with that.

10. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death among very young children.

(Stanford Children)

Among kids aged one to four, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death. Children usually drown in residential swimming pools. Child drownings can occur in shallow water as well, statistics show, with some children drowning in just one inch of water. 

11. Accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed were accountable for over 28% of SUID in 2019. 

(CDC, WebMD)

Safe sleep practices can prevent many suffocation deaths. In fact, according to a study, nearly nine in ten babies up to four months old and seven in ten infants up to 11 months old who lost their lives due to suffocation were found lying on their stomachs. 

Child Death Car Accident Statistics

12. Transport-related injuries are the leading cause of death among children. 

(CDC) (Stanford Children)

Car accident statistics indicate that injuries that occur in transportation have taken the highest number of US children’s lives. This accounts for children who died both in a motor vehicle during a crash and also those who were hit by cars as pedestrians or cyclists. For instance, around 100 children die from bicycle-related injuries every year, and 254,000 kids suffer from bicycle-related injuries that didn’t result in death.

13. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of child death in the US. 

(CDC)

The leading cause of child death in America is car crashes. For example, in 2019, almost 650 children aged 12 and younger lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes, and 91,000 were injured. In more than one-third of cases, the child was not wearing a seatbelt.

14. Restraining children in rear seats reduces the risk of fatality by three-quarters. 

(iihs)

The invention and use of seatbelts and restraints in motor vehicles is a significant contributor to lowering mortality rates for anyone who experiences a car crash. As the leading cause of child death in America in 2020, the use of restraints is a primary prevention tactic.

If the child is three or younger, driving them in the rear seat instead of the front seat can reduce the risk of fatal injury by three-quarters. For children four to eight years old, backseat placement reduces the risk by half. 

15. In 2019, 181 child pedestrians died in traffic crashes. 

(NHTSA)

Child accidental death statistics demonstrate that over 60% of them were males. In addition, around 96%, or 173 child pedestrians, lost their lives in single-vehicle crashes, and only 4%, or eight child pedestrians, died in multiple-vehicle crashes. 

16. 73% of fatalities involving a child hit by a car happened in urban areas. 

(NHTSA)

Of all the cases of accidental child deaths by motor vehicles in 2019, 129 casualties happened in urban areas, compared to 27% (48) in rural areas. 56% of children were killed during daylight hours. 

Notably, traffic safety statistics indicate that most motor vehicle deaths occur during daylight hours, regardless of the victim’s age. Unsurprisingly, the afternoon holds the highest prevalence of fatalities, with after-school hours being the most prominent. 

Racial Demographics and Child Fatality Statistics 

17. In 2019, the highest infant mortality rate was among the Non-Hispanic black population. 

(CDC)

Non-Hispanic black infants had the highest mortality rate in 2019, with 10.8 per 1,000. Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders reported the second-highest rate with 9.4 per 1,000. A mortality rate of 8.2 was recorded among American Indians and Alaska Natives, child fatality statistics showed, while Hispanics had a 4.9 rate. Non-Hispanic white people followed closely, with 4.6 per 1,000, while Asian-Americans had the lowest rate, with 3.6 per 1,000. 

18. The risk of accidental death in children is the highest among American Indians and Alaska Natives. 

(CDC)

Injury death rates for children are the highest among American Indians and Alaska Natives, according to a 2019 study examining childhood injury statistics. While on the other hand, the rates were the lowest for Asian or Pacific Islanders. Caucasians and African-Americans had relatively equal incidence rates. 

19. Northeastern states have the lowest number of child deaths caused by injuries. 

(CDC)

The northeastern states have the lowest incidence of child deaths caused by accidents in the entire country. Some of the southern states reported high rates of child death caused by fire and burns, while traffic collisions were most common in the southern states and upper plains. 

Nonfatal Childhood Injury Statistics

20. For children under the age of one, falls account for 50% of all nonfatal injuries. 

(CDC)

Notably, fall statistics show that falling is the leading cause of nonfatal injury for all age groups under 15. Among infants and children under 10, two other causes are noted: being struck by an object (or against it) and animal bites or insect stings. 

21. Children account for 8,000 fall-related trips to hospital ERs every day. 

(Stanford Children) 

Accidental child deaths statistics reveal that 9.2 million children visit the emergency room every year for accidental injuries. Around 8,000 daily visits to the emergency room are for fall-related injuries of children and teens under the age of 19. 

Conclusion 

Accidental injury in childhood may be part of the experience of being a kid, but it doesn’t have to be a tragedy. Over the last few decades, rates have been declining, as child safety statistics confirm. It’s important to note that fatal injuries are preventable with the right precautionary measures and supervision.

Motor-vehicle accidents continue to take the lead in taking the lives of children, emphasizing the importance of using seat belts, putting children in the back seats, and driving with caution. Other causes of accidental death in children are drowning, suffocation, choking, poisoning, and falls. 

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These child sexual abuse statistics bring to light a dark issue in the underbelly of our societies and cultures worldwide. Child sexual abuse is a difficult topic, but raising awareness and recognizing warning signs are two main ways to create a safer world for all children.

People usually think that strangers kidnap, assault, and sexually violate children. Although that’s true to a certain extent, the reality is that in more than 90% of cases, the perpetrator is someone that the child knows, trusts, and loves. 

Terminology: Pedophile Statistics or Child Molester Facts?

The terminology of child sexual abuse is complex. Recent studies reinforce the need to move away from terms such as pedophile, which describes the perpetrators of child sexual abuse as mentally ill. While some child rapists are pedophiles, most are not. Rather, individuals who made a choice to abuse a child. Other important terms include:

Child sexual abuse: The repetitive act of sexually violating a child over time.

Child sexual assault: The one-time act of sexually violating a child, which can include any sexual touching or exploitation.

Molestation: The sexual assault of a very young child.

Rape: The forced act of penetration.

Child Sexual Abuse Statistics: Prevalence

With 10% of the population experiencing this devastating crime, it’s essential to understand the severity of this global problem. While many wish to look the other way or not think about how many people are survivors of childhood sexual abuse, it accounts for more than half of all sexual assaults. 

1. Around one in ten children are sexually abused. 

(Darkness to Light, Victims of Crime)

Child sexual abuse statistics show that about 1 in 10 children will experience sexual assault before they turn 18. Girls are the most likely to be victimized, with an estimated rate of 1 in every 7, while boys have a rate of 1 in 25. 

2. Almost 70% of all sexual assaults happen to minors. 

(Darkness to Light)

Nearly two-thirds of sexual violence cases involve a minor. Children under 18 have a 2.3 times higher chance of being sexually victimized. Child sex abuse statistics indicate that while the incidence of sexual assault appears to be declining, children are still the most vulnerable group in regards to this type of crime. 

3. 73% of child abuse victims don’t tell anyone about the abuse for at least a year. 

(Huff Post) 

Fear, shame, and not knowing what has happened are leading reasons children don’t talk about the abuse. According to statistics on childhood sexual abuse, one in three adults wouldn’t believe a child if they disclosed sexual abuse. Studies have also shown that children lie about sexual abuse in only 2%–10% of cases. 

4. 82% of victims younger than 18 are female.

(Rainn, YWCA)

Girls aged 16 to 19 are four times more likely to be sexually assaulted than any other age group. 12.3% of sexually assaulted women were ten years old or younger when first assaulted, while 30% of 11 to 17-year-old girls report being raped for the first time.

Child Sexual Abuse Statistics: Risk Factors

While childhood sexual violence pervades race, social class, gender, and culture, some children are at higher risk than others to experience this type of abuse. There are several risk factors for child sexual abuse, including living with a step-parent, being orphaned or a foster child, and experiencing sexual abuse before. 

5. Children who live with a step-parent are 20 times more likely to be sexually abused. 

(Victims of Crime) (Darkness To Light)

Childhood sexual abuse statistics reveal that orphaned children or children whose parents are divorced or separated are at higher risk of experiencing sexual abuse. Notably, children who have no parents or foster parents are 10 times more likely to be victimized than those that live with both biological parents. Trauma in childhood is interconnected, and the children that have been witnesses or victims of domestic violence are more likely to experience sexual abuse. 

6. Children who have experienced sexual violence are 13.7 more likely to be victimized in adulthood. 

(Victims of Crime)

Children who are sexually abused often develop low self-esteem and a distorted view of sex which, according to child sexual abuse facts, can lead to being taken advantage of by perpetrators in the future. 

7. Foster children are 10 times more likely to be victims of sexual abuse.

Family structure plays a vital role in whether a child will experience sexual abuse. Notably, children who don’t live with either biological parent are at a much higher risk than children who live with their parents. 

About Perpetrators

One of the most prominent myths about child sexual abuse is that all perpetrators are pedophiles. Notably, pedophile statistics show that pedophilia is a mental disorder that doesn’t directly correlate with the abuse of children. Importantly, the reasons behind sexual abuse are various and not only linked with sexual attraction. While anyone can commit sexual assault, there are some documented patterns. 

8. 96% of perpetrators are male.

(YWCA)

Studies have shown that the vast majority of perpetrators of child sexual abuse are male. Additionally, statistics show that the perpetrator is a married male in 76% of cases. General findings strongly indicate that men are more likely than women to commit sexual violence, regardless of age, gender, race, or culture. 

9. 35% of male perpetrators were victims of sexual abuse themselves. 

(PubMed)

Rates of child sexual abuse were studied to try and understand the cycles of child abuse, which predicts that most abusers were at first victims. No correlation was found, although the percentage of male perpetrators that were victimized in childhood is significantly higher than that of female perpetrators. In the sample of females who reported being assaulted as children, only one went on to perpetrate sexual abuse.

10. Almost half of all perpetrators are Caucasian.

(PubMed)

Pedophilia and child sexual assault were examined by race, and almost half of the registered sex offenders in the United States are Caucasian. Nearly 20% are African American, and another 20% are Hispanic. Race is not a predictor of child sexual abuse, but it does appear that rape is primarily a white man’s crime, regardless of the victim’s age. 

11. 93% of perpetrators are known to the victim.

(Rainn)

While the media emphasizes the notion of stranger danger and the risk of lone child molesters, statistics prove that only 7% of perpetrators are strangers to the child. Studies show that the perpetrator is most likely someone close to the child, such as a family member, neighbor, teacher, or family friend.

12. Around 30% of perpetrators are the child’s family members. 

(Darkness to Light)

Very young children, in particular, are usually assaulted by family members. For example, 50% of abused six-year-olds are assaulted by someone in their family. In many reports of child rape and assault, statistics show that about 23% of teens aged 12 to 17 were abused by a family member, while 60% were abused by someone the family trusts, such as a neighbor, family friend, or teacher. 

13. 20% of abusers have attacked between 10 and 40 children. 

(Darkness to Light)

There are some patterns that can be established about the perpetrators of child sexual abuse. For example, child predator statistics show that one-fifth of child sex offenders have had 10 or more victims. While reading about the prevalence of this type of abuse can make it seem like everyone is a threat, the reality is that a small number of people are responsible for the vast majority of these crimes. As many as 70% of perpetrators have between one and nine victims, according to statistics on child predators. 

14. 7% of students get assaulted by someone working in the school system. 

(The Gomez Firm)

Childhood sexual abuse covers a large time frame from infancy until the age of 18, making school a place where sexual abuse sometimes occurs. According to a survey of more than 3.5 million students, 7% have experienced inappropriate touching or sexual conduct from a teacher or school employee. Moreover, 10% of students reported receiving unwanted sexual attention from their teachers.

Peer and Sibling Sexual Abuse Statistics

While anyone can commit child sexual abuse, in a large number of cases, the perpetrator is an older child. In particular, children in their early teens are most likely to sexually abuse another child. This type of assault occurs both in homes and on school grounds and is most likely to involve multiple abusers.

15. 40% of abused children are sexually abused by another child.

(Darkness to Light) 

Almost half of all sexually abused children are victimized by another child, older or physically stronger than them. In 43% of cases of molestation of children under six, the violence is committed by another child. Prevalence of child sexual abuse studies show that 14% of juvenile sexual offenders are under the age of twelve, and the victims are more often male. 

16. Young teenagers are most likely to sexually assault another child. 

(Darkness to Light) (OJP)

Juveniles aged 12 to 14 are most likely to commit this type of offense, but the pattern ends there. Studies on children who commit acts of sexual violence show that the behavior can vary from showing pornography to other children to more explicit actions like performing sexual acts. Many reports from children about their sexual abuse cases show that some are compulsive, repeat offenders, while other instances are seen as one-time acts of poor judgment. 

17. One in seven sexual assaults by children happens during after-school hours.

(Darkness to Light, Huff Post)

Sexual assault committed by a peer or older child is more likely to occur on school grounds after school hours. Children under the age of 12 are sexually assaulted in a perpetrator’s residence 84% of the time. These types of offenders are also more likely to commit sexual abuse in a group setting, with multiple perpetrators. 

Child Sexual Abuse Stats and Health 

The impact of sexual abuse on a child is vast. From short-term physical issues to life-long struggles with mental health, chronic disease, addiction, and the risk of being victimized in adulthood, the adverse effects of this crime go far beyond the assault. 

18. Victims of sexual assault in childhood are four times more likely to experience PTSD as adults. 

(Rainn)

Many children who are sexually abused develop immediate symptoms, such as increased anxiety, stomach aches, poor social interactions, etc. 

As adults, PTSD becomes more prevalent. In particular, statistics on childhood sexual abuse show that victims are likely to have substance use disorder, mood swings, depression, and suicidal ideation. 

19. Between 5% and 15% of sexually abused children suffer genital injuries. 

(Victims of Crime)

In cases that include evidence of penetration, only 5% to 15% of molested children have genital injuries as physical results of the abuse. Other physical signs include bruising, scabbing, redness, and unhealthy discharge. Physical evidence is often lacking, but psychological trauma following the assault is usually evident. 

20. Children who have been sexually abused are three times more likely to exhibit problems with sexual behavior.

(Darkness to Light) (Child Welfare)

Statistics on child sexual abuse show that an obvious sign that a child has been sexually abused is exhibiting sexual knowledge beyond their age. Either through odd or inappropriate sexual behavior or by being fixated on sexual acts and terminology, children find a way to explain what happened. In older children, the likelihood of contracting STIs or teen pregnancy is increased. 

Child Sexual Abuse Reports and the Legal System 

Due to shame, fear, disbelief, and mistrust, many sexual abuse cases aren’t brought to light until much later in the victim’s life. The lack of evidence and willingness to trust a child makes these claims even more difficult to prove. That being said, cases that make it to court almost always end in a conviction. 

21. Less than 35% of children’s sexual abuse claims make it to court.

(The Gomez Firm)

There are many reasons why few cases even make it to the courtroom compared to the percentage of children who are sexually abused. For many victims, there may be little or no memory of the abuse. For those that do remember, it can take great courage to disclose the abuse to someone they trust. Unfortunately, one in three adults wouldn’t believe a sexually assaulted child. 

22. Only 5% of the cases include medical evidence. 

(The Gomez Firm)

Statistics on child sexual abuse show that because it is so common for children to wait to disclose what has happened to them, the ability to present physical evidence in court cases is often impossible. In many instances, there is no physical evidence, regardless of the disclosure period. Trusting children’s stories and investigating the accused perpetrator, no matter who they are, is the only way to build a case. 

23. Most convicted abusers end up in jail. 

(The Gomez Firm)

In child sexual abuse cases that do make it to court, jail time is the most frequent outcome of the trial. Perpetrators of this type of crime typically serve 187 months or 15 years in prison. Upon release, they are put on a sex offender register. 

Conclusion 

The occurrence of child sexual abuse is more prevalent than many think. With 1 in 10 children experiencing some form of sexual abuse, the impacts pervade communities, regardless of race, gender, class, and age. Statistics on childhood sexual abuse show that girls are at a significantly higher risk of being sexually abused than boys. 

Despite the popular stranger danger myth, the perpetrators of child sexual abuse are in most cases known to the victim and almost always male. Almost half of the assaults are committed by an older child, blurring the lines of justice for victims in a courtroom. 

Believing children and adults when they disclose childhood sexual abuse is a predominant factor in addressing and preventing further abuse from occurring. Trusting victims is the only way to help them and bring the perpetrators to justice. 

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A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the latest miracle that can keep your browsing habits completely hidden from your internet provider, marketers, and even the government. The latest VPN statistics show that a VPN is used globally, and around 35% of people are online with their VPNs.

What’s more, the overall VPN industry is growing as more individuals and businesses realize how crucial their private information is. Unfortunately, not all VPN services are the same, and some may get you exposed, especially when you use a public network. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of VPNs.

VPN Market Size

The latest data shows that the global VPN market will grow in the future. By 2027, the VPN service market is expected to hit $92.6 billion. Moreover, the biggest players in the industry are Canada, the UK, China, Germany, and the US.

1. A Virtual Private Network market size surpassed $30 billion in 2020.

(GMI)

According to the latest global VPN market statistics, the expected CAGR from 2021 to 2027 is bigger than 15%. This growth will likely happen due to the increased need to protect enterprise resources and endpoint devices that access the enterprise network. Moreover, the value projection for 2027 is $120 billion.

2. North America held a 25% revenue share of the VPN market in 2020.

(Gminsight)

When it comes to regional VPN market revenue share, North America held about a quarter of it in 2020. When the COVID-19 outbreak happened, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued instructions on the usage of VPN solutions to prevent cyber attacks. This could be one of the reasons for such a high market revenue share in the US.

3. By 2027, the overall VPN service market is estimated to hit $92.6 billion.

(GWR)

Increased concerns over cybersecurity will lead to the growth of the VPN market’s worth. What’s more, internet censorship and access to restricted content will also positively affect this growth. The market was worth $25.65 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 17.4%.

4. By 2024, the consumer VPN market is projected to reach $834.1 million.

(MarketResearch)

The increase started from a $492.0 million market in 2019 and is projected to grow at a five-year compound annual growth rate of 11.1%.

VPN Usage by Country and Globally

A VPN is used globally, as both businesses and individuals understand its importance. At the moment, Qatar has the highest percentage of VPN users. Regionally, Asia Pacific is the leader in VPN usage.

5. About 26% of internet users rely on VPN services.

(LinkedIn)

About half of the global population uses the internet every day. According to the global VPN usage trends, there are 4.1 billion internet users, and about one-quarter of them use VPN services. Unfortunately, not all VPN services can provide the same level of anonymity and security, especially when it comes to keeping organizations safe.

6. Qatar has the most VPN users, with 69.69% of people using it.

(AtlasVPN)

When it comes to the country with the highest VPN usage statistics, Qatar is in the first place. UAE is right behind with 59.52%, and Singapore is third, with approximately 49.14% of people who use a VPN.

7. Approximately 44% of Indonesians use a VPN.

(vpnMentor)

Indonesia is also among the countries with high numbers of VPN users. In second place is India with 37%, and in third Malaysia with 32%.

8. Asia Pacific has the highest percentage of VPN users—a total of 30%.

(GeoSurf)

Latin America has 23%, and the Middle East and Africa have 20%. Moreover, both North America and Europe have 18% of VPN users.

9. Slovakia is the fastest-growing location for VPN use.

(vpnMentor)

VPN trends show that the country had more than a 300% increase in interest in the service last year. Spain, South Africa, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic follow along with the increase of 200–300%. Island and Japan are right behind with slightly over 200%.

10. The countries with the lowest number of VPN users are Germany, the US, the UK, and Australia.

(GeoSurf)

VPN facts show that Germany has only 6% of people using a VPN, while the US and the UK have 5% each. Moreover, Australia has only 4% of VPN users.

11. A total of 68% of adults in the US use free or paid VPNs for personal or business needs.

(NSTEC)

Adult Americans use VPNs for business and private browsing, and they use both free and paid VPN tools. Moreover, this percentage translates to 142 million VPN users.

Cybersecurity and VPN Breach Statistics

VPN services are supposed to bring peace of mind to their users by hiding their personal information. 

However, not all VPN services are the same. Unfortunately, some may do the opposite—cause the data leak.

12. The FBI reported a 300% increase in cybercrime from the beginning of the pandemic.

(Imcgrupo)

Once the pandemic started, cybercriminals focused on expanding their operations. VPN cybersecurity statistics show there was a major increase in cyber security complaints daily, from 1,000 to over 3,000–4,000 complaints.

13. About 21 million people who used a free VPN service have suffered a data breach.

(Malwarebytes)

The data included randomly generated password strings, email addresses, device IDs, and payment information. Moreover, three VPN apps were used—GeckoVPN, SuperVPN, and ChatVPN.

14. Small businesses suffer from about 43% of cyber attacks.

(Embroker)

VPN statistics show that a VPN is often used to help businesses cope with cyber attacks. However, they are becoming more frequent, targeted, and complex, especially attacks on small to medium-sized businesses. Unfortunately, only 14% are capable of defending themselves. These attacks disrupt normal operations and may damage important IT infrastructure and assets.

15. Cybercrime costs have increased by 15% annually in the last 5 years.

(sumologic)

The cost of cybercrimes was around $133,000 in 2020. That represents the total average of cyber attacks of all types. Cybercrime is affecting every business in the world, especially since many organizations have moved their workforce to remote online positions.

16. In 2020, 59% of Canadian organizations used VPN to fight against cyber attacks.

(AtlasVPN)

One of the best VPN uses is to fight cyber attacks. Out of the total number of surveyed organizations, 65% were private, while 35% were public or non-profit.

VPN Users Statistics

At the moment, more men than women use a VPN, and about 35% of people who use these services belong to the 16–24 age group. More than half use it for entertainment, 77% pay for digital content, and 62% use it on desktop computers.

17. A total of 35% of all internet VPN users are aged 16 to 24.

(GoGlobe)

VPN use statistics show a total of 33% of them are aged 25 to 34, while 19% belong to the 35–44 age group. Moreover, only 9% are aged 45–54.

18. When it comes to gender, 62% of all VPN users are male.

(GoGlobe)

There’s also a drastic difference regarding the gender of VPN users. On the other hand, 38% of women use this service, VPN analytics show.

19. A total of 50% of VPN users claim they’re using it to access better entertainment content.

(TheBestVPN)

Regarding the reason for VPN usage, 50% of users claim they’re using the service for better entertainment. In addition, 34% say they use it to get on social networks, and 31% to browse anonymously.

20. About 33% of VPN users pay for downloading music content.

(TheBestVPN)

VPN stats also show that a total of 77% of VPN users buy digital content each month. An additional 27% pay for music streaming services, while the same number of people pay for movie or TV streaming services and mobile apps. Moreover, 26% of users pay for movie or TV download.

21. More than 54% of VPN users think they have little control over who can discover their location.

(EarthWeb)

Personal data security statistics show that 54% of VPN users use it on desktops to protect themselves on public networks. Moreover, about 57% of mobile owners use VPNs for the same purpose.

22. 62% of VPN users use it on desktop computers.

(VPNwelt)

On the other hand, using a VPN on a mobile device seems handy for 64% of mobile VPN users, meaning that the benefits of a VPN are there for mobile users as well. This is important for mobile users who tend to connect to public networks.

Conclusion

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a useful tool to keep you anonymous while online. It’s especially powerful in preventing potential cyberattacks when you’re connected to public Wi-Fi networks by making it difficult for third parties to track your online activities.

Still, VPN statistics show that people will most likely use VPNs to get on social media, see restricted content, or even pay for some services.

However, many companies recognize what VPN can do and work on utilizing it to prevent cyber attacks. Canada is one example, and chances are other countries will follow in its footsteps. One thing is certain—the VPN industry will grow in years to come.

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Password statistics show that the average internet user has dozens of protected accounts with the most sensitive and confidential information from their work and personal life. So, everybody needs a good password to protect their digital identity.

However, creating secure passwords and remembering them all can be difficult. Therefore, many people end up with identical and weak passwords across many accounts. The figures below reveal startling trends that may cause you to reconsider your online behavior. 

Password Trends in the US

1. “123456” is the most common password.

(Cyber News)

Analysis of over 15 billion passwords revealed the most common combinations:

• 123456789
• qwerty
• password
• 12345
• qwerty123
• 1q2w3e
• 12345678
• 111111
• 1234567890

In light of this, the increase in data breaches and cyber attacks isn’t surprising.

2. 59% of adults use a birth date or a name in their online account’s password.

(Google, ID Agent)

Other common passwords include pets’ names in 33% of the cases, the individual’s name in 22%, and their partner or spouse’s name in 15%. Password statistics also show children’s names account for 14% of the cases, and the most frequently used one is “maggie.”

3. 79% of online users combine words and numbers to create passwords.

(Security)

Research shows that over half of the people only make minor alterations to old passwords to create new ones. Alternatively, 27% use random password generators for this purpose. Overall, in 64% of the cases, the password length is between eight and 11 characters.

4. 83% of people have weak passwords.

(Avast)

Most often, people fail to use special characters, numbers, upper and lower case letters, or more than ten characters in their passwords.

Password breach statistics note that over half of the users haven’t checked whether their email address has been affected. Consequently, less than one in four people has changed their passwords after a data breach.

5. 6% of US people still have the password of a former roommate, colleague, or partner.

(Google)

People tend to give out their passwords without worrying. For example, password facts reveal that one in ten online users in California still has a password of a former acquaintance, and half of Hawaiians know the active password of someone else’s account.

6. 27% of people have tried to guess someone else’s password.

(ZDNet)

What’s more, 17% of those who attempted guessed the passwords. Therefore, it’s safe to assume that everything from social media profiles to banking accounts is hackable. Guessing your password is even easier if the hacker knows you.

Password Safety Statistics

7. Over 50% of people have the same password for multiple accounts, but not all.

(Google)

Furthermore, 13% use one password everywhere, compromising their safety. On the bright side, 35% use different passwords for all their accounts. As for security software, 79% of people think regular updates are necessary, but 33% fail to do so.

8. People reuse each password 14 times on average.

(Government Technology)

Password security statistics show that reusing a password puts all accounts that share it at risk. Furthermore, when asked to update their password, almost half the people only modify a character or place a digit.

These aren’t the only bad practices—42% of organizations still use sticky notes for password management.

9. Over 32% of people consider using the same password everywhere “not that serious” problem.

(Specops)

On the positive side, nearly 35.5% think that using the same password is a serious problem. Additionally, password statistics point out that over 19% think it’s very serious. On the other hand, a little under 13% have never thought about it.

10. 37% of online users admit they’ve never changed their passwords.

(Specops)

Moreover, only about 3.5% of people change their passwords once every two years, and the same percentage of users updates them twice a year.

According to facts about passwords, almost 35% change their passwords only when they forget their old ones. At the same time, a little over 10% changes them every year, and another 10%a site makes them.

11. 59% of people depend on their memory when managing passwords.

(Business Wire)

Pen and paper is the second most common way of dealing with passwords, preferred by 33% of the people. Password stats reveal that, alternatively, 28% use documents on a computer.

Furthermore, password management software, like 1Password, is a popular choice for another 28%. Finally, email is the least preferred method, with 19%.

12. 30% of people use a password manager.

(Business Wire)

This data results from a 2021 global survey conducted among 1,600 people from the US, Australia, the UK, and Japan. Over half of the respondents say they don’t use a password manager, while 15% claim they used one in the past, but not anymore.

Social Media Hacking Statistics 

13. The rate of hacking social media accounts has increased 13% since 2019.

(TBS, CPO Magazine)

The hacking rate of social media and other internet accounts is over 28% compared to 15% in 2019. Cybercriminals focus on these platforms because it’s effortless to spread malware to numerous people through ads, plug-ins, and sharing buttons.

14. 22% of internet users had their social media accounts hacked at least once.

(McAfee)

Password cracking statistics show that about 14% of people have been hacked more than once. The first and most vital thing to do in such a situation is to change the password immediately. If you have used the same one for other profiles, replace it everywhere.

Also, it’s advisable to check if that account contained any personal information. Furthermore, look for other signs, like new games or apps being installed, and delete them if you find any.

15. According to Google password statistics, 20% of social accounts will eventually be compromised.

(Zero Fox)

Updating your passwords regularly and using different ones for your accounts can protect them from being hacked. Also, two-factor authentication brings an extra layer of security. 

Other essential tips to follow are avoiding clicking on suspicious offers, downloading unsolicited apps, particularly ones that ask to post instead of you, and giving your credentials to anyone.

Such precautions are necessary as nobody is protected by default. For example, the information of 533 million Facebook users was leaked in 2021.

16. Business password statistics reveal that 33% of companies worldwide experience one to ten social media attacks a year.

(Statista)

Furthermore, 4% of organizations witness over 100 attacks yearly. Moreover, 19% are victims of 19 to 25 attacks, 16% experience between 26 and 50 attacks, and 11% face between 51 and 100 attacks. 

However, 14% have no such troubles, which means that attacks can be avoided with the proper safety measures in place.

Password Hacking Statistics

17. Nine in ten internet users are concerned about someone hacking their passwords.

(One Welcome, Password Manager)

That comes as no surprise, as 23 million worldwide accounts still use “123456” for a password. Furthermore, despite the effectiveness of password managers, 65% of people in the US don’t trust them. In fact, 34% are concerned that their password manager might get compromised.

18. 60% of people would spend up to $60 to have the highest level of online security.

(Ponemon Institute)

Data shows that people are most worried about protecting personal information. However, less than 50% added an extra protection layer apart from a username and password.

19. In the US, there were 1,001 data breach cases in 2020, statistics show. 

(Statista, CNBC)

Unfortunately, these data breaches exposed 155.8 million records. However, until July 2020, the number of data breaches was 33% lower than the previous year. 

The most significant data breach so far was revealed in 2016, when hackers attacked Yahoo and compromised around 3 billion accounts.

20. The average data breach cost in 2021 was $4.24 million.

(Security Intelligence)

This figure is the highest ever recorded and shows a 10% increase from the previous year. Quicker response times are closely linked to lower data breach costs, but the remote work tendency during the pandemic impacted that. 

For instance, if a breach is contained in less than 200 days, the costs are around 30% lower. Unfortunately, a data breach takes an average of 280 days to detect and stop.

Conclusion

The data on secure passwords indicates that individuals are becoming more aware of the significance of strong, secure passwords. However, password safety facts suggest many users still rely on weak passwords, exposing themselves to unnecessary risk.

Instead of going for the first thing that pops into mind, choose a complex and secure password. Cybercriminals continuously attempt attacks on individuals and businesses to obtain personal information.

Given the numbers above, it’s evident that we need to pay more attention to the flaws in our password management practices and make use of the tips professionals in the field recommend.

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