Internet Usage Soars in 2024, Alongside Cybersecurity Threats
Global internet traffic surged by a remarkable 17.4% in 2024, underscoring the continued reliance on online connectivity across the globe. This digital expansion, however, came hand-in-hand with a concerning rise in cybersecurity threats, highlighting the urgent need for robust security measures to protect the stability and innovation of the internet.
Dominance of Tech Giants and Mobile Platforms
Google cemented its position as the most popular internet service, catering to a vast global user base. OpenAI emerged as a frontrunner in the field of generative artificial intelligence, while WhatsApp, Binance, and Facebook continued to lead in messaging, cryptocurrency, and social media, respectively.
Mobile internet usage solidified its dominance with Android capturing over 90% of the market share in 29 regions and countries. While iOS demonstrated a strong presence, exceeding 60% of the market share in only eight regions and countries, Google Chrome reigned supreme as the preferred browser, except on iOS devices where Safari took the lead.
A Rise in Internet Outages and Cyber Threats
The year 2024 witnessed over 220 internet outages, primarily attributed to government-directed shutdowns, compounded by cable cuts, military actions, and severe weather events. Alongside these disruptions, cybersecurity threats escalated significantly, with 6.5% of global internet traffic requiring mitigation measures.
The gambling and gaming industries emerged as the new targets of cyberattacks, surpassing the finance sector as the most vulnerable. Malicious email activity also surged to 4.2% of total email traffic, characterized by deceptive links and spoofing tactics designed to compromise user data and systems.
Glimmers of Hope: Post-Quantum Cryptography and Starlink Expansion
Amidst the growing cybersecurity concerns, positive advancements emerged, offering hope for a more secure digital future. Post-quantum cryptography technology gained traction, with its adoption reaching 12.87% of TLS 1.3 traffic, signaling a promising shift towards more resilient encryption methods.
Starlink satellite internet also witnessed remarkable growth, expanding access to underserved regions and bridging the digital divide. This initiative brought high-speed internet connectivity to previously unconnected communities, opening doors to greater opportunities and inclusion.
Call for Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures
The findings of 2024 painted a complex picture of the internet landscape, characterized by significant growth, persistent threats, and promising technological advancements. The increasing reliance on online platforms and the evolving nature of cyberattacks underscore the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard the stability and innovation of the internet.
