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Cybercrime in the US jumped by 55% in the past two years

The annual loss reached $4.2 billion in 2020.

Oscar Gonzalez Former staff reporter
Oscar Gonzalez is a Texas native who covered video games, conspiracy theories, misinformation and cryptocurrency.
Expertise Video Games, Misinformation, Conspiracy Theories, Cryptocurrency, NFTs, Movies, TV, Economy, Stocks
Oscar Gonzalez
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Graphic by Pixabay/Illustration by CNET

Cybercrime is on the rise as hackers continue to steal data, disrupt business and cause harm online. The result is billions of dollars in losses: The total annual loss in the US from cybercrime reached $4.2 billion in 2020, according to data released Tuesday from StockApp.com. That amounts to a 55% increase over the last two years.

Of that total, $1.8 billion, or 42%, came from business email compromises. The most common cybercrimes include phishing, nonpayment scams and extortion, according to the data.

Last year, multiple security breaches resulted in the compromise of millions of people's data. MGM Resorts reported 10.7 million guests' data stolen, Marriott saw 5.2 million customer accounts affected and the Solar Winds hack breached thousands of organizations including federal agencies.

Meanwhile, a Gallup poll published on March 22 found that Americans view cyberterrorism as the top threat facing the country, surpassing nuclear weapons developed by North Korea and Iran.

See also: How to avoid a spear-phishing attack. 4 tips to keep you safe from timeless scams