Every 39 Seconds Another Cyberattack Changes the Stakes

A cyberattack happens every 39 seconds. In the United States, cybercrime losses have reached $20.9 billion, and the average data breach now costs organizations $4.44 million.

These numbers show just how much the cybersecurity landscape has changed. Cybercrime is no longer something that only affects large corporations or government agencies. Every organization, regardless of size or industry, is a potential target.

Yet many businesses are still not prepared for the level of cyber risk they face today.

For years, companies have invested in firewalls, antivirus software, and employee security training. While these tools remain important, today’s cyber threats are more advanced than ever. Criminals are using artificial intelligence, automation, and increasingly convincing scams to gain access to systems and sensitive information.

The biggest challenge is that attackers are evolving faster than many organizations can adapt.

Cybersecurity Is No Longer Just an IT Issue

Modern businesses rely on cloud services, remote work, connected devices, and third-party vendors. While these technologies improve productivity, they also create more opportunities for cybercriminals.

Many attacks now focus on people rather than technology. AI-generated phishing emails, fake invoices, and even cloned voices can trick employees into sharing confidential information or approving fraudulent payments. As a result, cybersecurity has become a business issue that affects every department, not just the IT team.

Experts across the industry are encouraging organizations to take a broader view of cybersecurity by focusing on resilience as well as prevention. That means preparing for attacks, responding quickly when they happen, and recovering with as little disruption as possible.

Among those working in this space is Melissa Cohoe, Global Strategist for Security, Risk & Resilience at NewRocket. Her work centers on helping organizations strengthen their security posture, improve resilience, and better prepare for cyber incidents before they escalate into larger business disruptions. Professionals in roles like hers are helping organizations move beyond simply reacting to cyberattacks and toward building long-term strategies that reduce risk and support business continuity.

Why Many Organizations Are Falling Behind

Many businesses believe they are protected because they have invested in security software. Unfortunately, technology alone cannot stop every attack.

One of the biggest mistakes organizations make is treating cybersecurity as a one-time investment instead of an ongoing process. Threats evolve every day, which means security strategies must evolve as well.

Limited resources also play a role. Small and medium-sized businesses often lack dedicated cybersecurity teams, making them attractive targets for attackers. Some organizations mistakenly believe they are too small to be noticed, but cybercriminals often look for the easiest opportunities rather than the biggest names.

The Cost of Being Unprepared

The financial impact of a cyberattack extends far beyond the initial breach. In addition to the average cost of $4.44 million, organizations may face operational downtime, legal expenses, regulatory investigations, and damage to their reputation. Customer trust can take years to rebuild, and in some cases, businesses never fully recover.

The longer it takes to detect and contain an attack, the more expensive the recovery becomes. That is why preparation is just as important as prevention.

What Needs to Change

Organizations need to make cybersecurity part of their overall business strategy rather than treating it as a technology project.

This starts with leadership recognizing cyber risk as a business risk. Companies should regularly test their incident response plans, continuously monitor their systems, and ensure employees receive ongoing security awareness training. Reviewing who has access to sensitive information and limiting unnecessary permissions can also reduce the chances of a successful attack.

Perhaps most importantly, businesses should plan for the possibility that an attack will happen. Organizations that practice their response plans and invest in resilience are often able to recover much faster than those scrambling to respond in real time.

Cyber threats will continue to evolve as technology advances, but organizations are not powerless. With the right planning, leadership, and commitment to resilience, businesses can reduce risk and strengthen their ability to respond.

A cyberattack may occur every 39 seconds, but preparedness can make the difference between a temporary disruption and a lasting crisis.