An exploratory data analysis of malware/ransomware cyberattacks: insights from an extensive cyber loss dataset

ABSTRACT

This study comprehensively assesses ransomware/malware risks using the Advisen cyber loss dataset. It classifies malware types by frequency and financial impact, revealing that low-frequency attacks can cause significant economic damage. Some malware types incur extensive losses despite their rarity. The analysis highlights cybersecurity technologies like AI-based tools and Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) for combating attacks. Large organizations and small businesses can adopt these defensive approaches across various industries. The study underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures to prevent or mitigate future attacks, offering valuable insights into malware and ransomware patterns and trends, stressing adherence to frameworks, policies, and regulations.

KEYWORDS:

• Enterprise cybersecurity risk assessments
• malware
• ransomware
• Advisen data loss
• Petya
• Trojan

Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge the support provided by the College of Sciences, Old Dominion University, under Grant 300802-010, which enabled this research on “An Exploratory Data Analysis of Malware/Ransomware Cyberattacks: Insights from Cyber Loss Dataset.” We extend our appreciation to the Insurance and Financial Services Center in ODU’s Strome College of Business for funding the purchase of the Advisen cyber loss dataset used in this research. Thank you to various colleagues who provided insightful contributions.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the College of Sciences, Old Dominion University [300802-010].