Cybercrime Risk Ranking: Potential Threats in Europe

Analysis reveals potential threats for consumers and companies in 15 European countries

Cybercrime — A European Risk with Real Consequences

Cyberattacks are no longer the exception — they're part of everyday digital life and affect millions of private individuals every year. Phishing, data theft, and malware are among the most common forms of attack. At the same time, companies are increasingly being targeted by professional hackers. The impact is considerable — both for private individuals and for the economy.

A cross-country analysis shows just how heavy the burden already is: in the 15 European countries examined, the estimated damage caused by cyberattacks totals around 80 billion euros.

But which countries are particularly affected — and why? Where do structural weaknesses show up, for example in user behavior or in the security situation of companies? The analysis answers these questions using publicly available data. 

Data Basis: Four Perspectives on Cybercrime Risk

• Consumer risks: Consumers are frequently affected by security-related incidents while surfing, communicating, or shopping online — for example, through phishing, malware, or fraud.
• Business risks: Companies regularly face IT security incidents — for example, through data loss, system disruptions, or unauthorized access.
• Behavioral risks: Risky user behavior increases vulnerability to cyberattacks — for example, through insecure passwords, missing software updates, or inadequate data protection measures.
• Financial damage: The estimated economic damage per capita caused by cyberattacks — for example, through business interruptions, data loss, or ransom demands.

The results from these four areas were combined into a weighted overall score. This was based on comparable, publicly available data that allows a transparent assessment of the risks for each country. The higher the values in the individual categories, the greater the overall risk — and the more vulnerable a country is to cyberattacks.

Cybercrime Risks in a European Comparison

The Cybercrime Risk Index shows how differently European countries are affected by digital threats. Technical weaknesses, insufficient awareness, and risky user behavior are decisive risk factors.

Germany occupies a worrying 4th place in the Cybercrime Risk Index, pointing to a combination of aggressive attacks and risky user behavior. The risk of becoming the target of a cyberattack here is well above the European average.

Austria (9th place) and Switzerland (10th place) fare somewhat better but show their own risk patterns. Austria, for example, records particularly high financial losses at around 335 euros per inhabitant, pointing to growing economic pressure from cyberattacks.

Digital Vulnerability Increases the Risk

Private consumers in Germany are particularly frequently affected by cyberattacks. Around 40% of consumers were recently the target of an attack — a comparatively high figure by European standards.

Consumers in Switzerland are even more affected: at over 54%, more than every second consumer was recently hit by a cyberattack. In Austria, this figure stands at 36%.

A key reason for these high figures could lie in the combination of prosperity and high internet usage in all three countries. This creates favorable conditions for cyberattacks.

On top of that, despite high internet literacy, many users here also lack consistent security routines in everyday life.

This is also reflected in the behavioral risk: 34% of German consumers demonstrably handle their personal data carelessly by disclosing sensitive information over unsecured connections or storing it on insecure platforms. In Austria, the share of negligent users is 25%, while in Switzerland it's only 13%. This testifies to a high level of media and digital literacy, making Switzerland one of the most security-conscious countries in Europe.

What we learn:

• Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are attractive targets for cybercriminals.
• Consumers hold valuable data and are often poorly protected.
• Security behavior remains patchy despite digital literacy.
• One in three Germans and one in four Austrians handle sensitive data carelessly.
• Swiss consumers are disproportionately often targeted by cyberattacks but reduce their risk through strong digital skills.

The Risks Facing SMEs

Companies in Germany are also increasingly being targeted by cybercriminals. One in four companies (25%) recently reported security-related IT incidents. This also puts Germany among the countries with an elevated risk in a European comparison. In Switzerland, this figure was most recently 17%.

Austria records a low share of companies reporting IT security incidents at 12%. That's actually the lowest figure in all of Europe. This number could point to effective cybersecurity measures and a strong security culture that successfully wards off or minimizes attacks. Systematic risk management and regular training could also help reduce cyberattacks.

On the other hand, a low reporting rate could also be due to conservative IT use or undetected incidents. This figure should therefore be interpreted with caution and considered in the context of further research.

In all three countries, mid-sized companies are particularly frequently affected. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often hold sensitive customer data, intellectual property, or payment information but are often not protected to the same extent as large corporations. Specialized IT security structures and regular risk analyses are lacking in many places.

For attackers, this creates a lucrative target profile: high economic relevance combined with limited defenses. In addition, many SMEs are internationally connected and part of larger supply chains. This is an additional incentive for attacks aimed at compromising entire systems.

The most important findings:

• One in four German companies is affected by IT security incidents.
• In Switzerland and Austria, these figures are lower, but the risk remains present.
• According to the data, Austrian companies are attacked the least.
• SMEs in particular offer a dangerous combination of valuable data and weak defense structures.
• International interconnectedness makes mid-sized companies in the DACH region even more vulnerable.

This Is How Much Cyberattacks Cost

The financial damage caused by cyberattacks differs significantly across the DACH region. At around 335 euros per inhabitant, Austria records the highest per capita losses, followed by Switzerland at around 189 euros. Germany, at around 82 euros per capita, is well below that, although the absolute total damage is highest in Germany at around 7 billion euros. Total damage in Austria amounts to around 3 billion euros, and in Switzerland to around 1.6 billion euros.

These differences can only partly be explained by population sizes. The higher per capita losses in Austria and Switzerland rather point to individual severe incidents. However, detailed data on the nature and scope of the individual attacks is needed for a precise assessment.

The United Kingdom: High Risks for Consumers and Companies

According to the Cybercrime Risk Index, the United Kingdom is particularly at risk. Every second British consumer was recently a victim of phishing or other online attacks. Companies are affected too: more than one in five reports IT security incidents. This illustrates the tense security situation in the country. Financial losses stand at around 548 euros per inhabitant, reflecting the seriousness of the situation.

Several factors contribute to this high risk: the UK's advanced digitalization creates a large attack surface. British companies and consumers are internationally connected and thus exposed to a wide range of threats. In addition, many cybercrime organizations specifically target the English-speaking market.

Brexit may have further aggravated the situation. The associated regulatory uncertainty and changes in data protection and security requirements pose new challenges for companies. Moreover, the changed cooperation with EU institutions may make coordination in cyber defense more difficult.

Key facts:

• In the United Kingdom, cybercrime causes economic damage of around 548 euros per inhabitant.
• Criminals prefer to attack English-speaking markets.
• Brexit may have brought additional security-related challenges for companies.

Ireland: The Country with the Lowest Cybercrime Risk

Ireland has the lowest cybercrime risk score in the analysis. Financial losses recently amounted to just 24 million euros, which corresponds to around 5 euros of losses per inhabitant. Despite the English-speaking market, only 13% of companies reported security incidents. However, one in five consumers occasionally neglects personal security precautions online.

This comparatively low burden is likely due to effective cyber defense, a strong security culture, and targeted prevention measures. Ireland may also benefit from a robust regulatory environment that reduces the risk.

Recommendations and Conclusions

Given the enormous financial impact of cyberattacks, both companies and consumers should take proactive measures. For companies, it's crucial to develop a robust IT security strategy, conduct regular risk analyses, and train their employees in cybersecurity. The SME sector in particular needs targeted support to strengthen its defenses and minimize the risk of attacks.

In light of the AI boom and cybercriminals' increasing use of automated, AI-supported attacks, companies urgently need to upgrade their digital defense strategies. These modern attacks also enable less technically skilled hackers to launch successful attacks with little effort, further amplifying the threat.

Consumers should also improve their digital security routines, for example through stronger passwords, two-factor authentication, and regular reviews of their security measures. The high number of attacks on private consumers, especially in countries like Germany, urgently calls for a shift in awareness toward more caution and prevention.

Policymakers are called upon to further improve cybersecurity standards and work closely with companies and international partners to strengthen cyber defense at all levels.