Bureau of Justice Statistics

Special Report

September 2008, NCJ 221943

U.S. Department of Justice

Office of Justice Programs

Cybercrime against Businesses, 2005

By Ramona R. Rantala

BJS Statistician

Among 7,818 businesses that responded to the National 

Computer Security Survey, 67% detected at least one 

cybercrime in 2005 (table 1). Nearly 60% detected one or 

more types of cyber attack, 11% detected cyber theft, and 

24% of the businesses detected other computer security 

incidents. Respondents, representing 36 economic industries, said they detected more than 22 million incidents of 

cybercrime in 2005. The vast majority of cybercrimes 

(20 million incidents) were other computer security incidents, primarily spyware, adware, phishing, and spoofing. 

There were nearly 1.5 million computer virus infections and 

126,000 cyber fraud incidents. 

The effects of these crimes were measured in terms of 

monetary loss and system downtime. Ninety-one percent of 

the businesses providing information sustained one or both 

types of loss. The monetary loss for these businesses 

totaled $867 million in 2005. Cyber theft accounted for 

more than half of the loss ($450 million). Cyber attacks cost 

businesses $314 million. System downtime caused by 

cyber attacks and other computer security incidents totaled 

323,900 hours. Computer viruses accounted for 193,000 

hours and other computer security incidents resulted in 

more than 100,000 hours of system downtime.

Of the businesses responding to the survey, telecommunications businesses (82% of these businesses), computer 

system design businesses (79%), and manufacturers of 

durable goods (75%) had the highest prevalence of cybercrime in 2005. Utilities, computer system design businesses, manufacturers of durable goods, and internet service providers detected the highest number of incidents, 

with a total of more than 10.5 million incidents. Administrative support, finance, and food service businesses incurred 

the highest monetary loss with a combined total of 

$325 million, more than a third of the total for all businesses. 

Forestry, fishing, and hunting (44% of businesses) and 

agriculture (51%) had the lowest prevalence of cybercrime 

in 2005. Agriculture, rental services, and business and 

technical schools incurred the least monetary loss 

($3 million). 

Table 1. Prevalence of computer security incidents, types

of offenders, and reporting to law enforcement, 2005 

Percent of businesses by type of incident

Characteristic All incidents

Cyber 

attack

Cyber 

theft Other

All businesses 

responding 67% 58% 11% 24%

Number of employees

2-24 50% 44% 8% 15%

25-99 59 51 7 17

100-999 70 60 9 24

1,000 or more 82 72 20 36

Industries with the 

highest prevalence 

of cybercrimea

Telecommunications 82% 74% 17% 32%

Computer 

system design 79 72 15 25

Manufacturing, durable goods 75 68 15 32

Suspected offender

was an—b

Insider 40% 27% 74% 30%

Outsider 71 74 32 72

Incidents were reported—c

Within the business 80% 81% 46% 69%

To another 

organization 15 14 9 7

To law enforcement 

authorities 15 6 56 12

Note: A total of 7,818 businesses responded to the National Computer 

Security Survey. Detail may sum to more than 100% because businesses could detect multiple types of incidents. 

aSee appendix table 3 for all industries.

bPercentages are based on businesses that detected an incident and 

provided information on suspected offenders. 

c

Percentages are based on businesses that detected an incident and 

provided information on reporting incidents to authorities. 

Detailed information is available in appendix tables in the online version 

of this report on the BJS Website at <http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/

pdf/cb05.pdf>.

Revised 10/27/08
2 Cybercrime against Businesses, 2005

Insiders (i.e., employees, contractors, or vendors working 

for the business) were responsible for the cyber thefts 

against nearly 75% of businesses victimized by cyber theft. 

Conversely, more than 70% of businesses victimized by 

cyber attacks or other computer security incidents said the 

suspected offenders were outsiders (i.e., hackers, competitors, and other non-employees). 

Overall, few businesses that detected an incident (15%) 

reported cybercrimes to official law enforcement agencies. 

More than 50% of victimized businesses reported cyber 

thefts to police, while cyber attacks and other computer 

security incidents were reported to authorities by 6% and 

12% of victimized businesses, respectively.

The National Computer Security Survey provides the 

nation’s first large-scale measure of cybercrime

The President’s National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace 

directs the Department of Justice to develop better data 

about the nature and prevalence of cybercrime and electronic intrusions.1 Other data collections address cybercrime, but no large-scale (or nationally representative) survey collects sufficient information to accurately measure 

cybercrime and its consequences or to develop risk factors. 

The National Computer Security Survey (NCSS) was 

developed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office 

of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 

National Cyber Security Division. The DOJ Computer 

Crime and Intellectual Property Section, the Computer 

Intrusion Section of the Federal Bureau of Investigation 

Cyber Division, and the U.S. Secret Service also collaborated on the project. The survey was also supported by a 

wide variety of trade associations and industry groups. 

(A complete list is available online at <http://

www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/survey/ncss/ncss.htm>.)

The NCSS documents the nature, prevalence, and impact 

of cyber intrusions against businesses in the United States. 

This report examines three general types of cybercrime: 

• Cyber attacks are crimes in which the computer system 

is the target. Cyber attacks consist of computer viruses 

(including worms and Trojan horses), denial of service 

attacks, and electronic vandalism or sabotage. 

• Cyber theft comprises crimes in which a computer is 

used to steal money or other things of value. Cyber theft 

includes embezzlement, fraud, theft of intellectual property, and theft of personal or financial data. 

• Other computer security incidents encompass spyware, 

adware, hacking, phishing, spoofing, pinging, port scanning, and theft of other information, regardless of whether 

the breach was successful or damage or losses were 

sustained as a result.

More than 8,000 businesses participated in the survey

The National Computer Security Survey sample was a 

stratified, random sample of businesses designed to produce national and industry-level estimates. The sample 

was stratified by industry, risk level, and size of business. 

Thirty-six industries, as defined by the North American 

Industrial Classification System (NAICS), were within the 

scope of the survey. (See appendix table 1 for a full list and 

definitions of industries, Methodology for details of the 

sample design, and page 11 for a glossary.) 

To produce national and industry-level estimates a sample 

of nearly 36,000 businesses was selected (table 2). 

Responses were received from more than 8,000 businesses, giving an overall response rate of 23%. Response 

rates varied by business size, with larger businesses 

responding at a higher rate. Response rates also varied by 

industry. Response rates were highest for utility businesses 

(37%). Telecommunications (16%) had one of the lowest 

response rates. (See appendix table 2 for response rates 

for all industries). Though response rates were not sufficient to support national or industry-level estimates, they 

were the highest of any survey of this kind. 

Table 2. Universe, sample, and response,

by business size and selected industries, 2005

Number of businesses Response 

Characteristics Universe Sample Response rate

All businesses 7,278,109 35,596 8,079 23%

Number of employees

2 - 24 6,771,026 11,479 2,056 18%

25 - 99 396,355 5,601 1,236 22

100 - 999 98,585 11,472 2,894 25

1,000 or more 12,143 7,044 1,893 27

Risk levela

Critical Infrastructure 1,680,606 11,694 2,719 23%

High 2,074,041 7,564 1,737 23

Moderate 774,494 5,294 1,184 22

Low 2,748,969 11,044 2,439 22

Industries with highest 

response rateb

Utilities 11,850 906 336 37%

Social services 180,376 967 317 33

Health care 577,499 1,444 423 29

Manufacturing, durable 

goods 275,319 1,859 503 27

Industries with lowest 

response rateb

Internet service providers 23,874 776 135 17%

Telecommunications 26,547 821 134 16

Accommodations 60,944 1,006 143 14

Motion picture and sound 

recording 31,902 642 88 14

aRisk level is based on Department of Homeland Security classifications and industry’s risk of incidents, monetary loss, or downtime.

bSee appendix table 2 for all industries.

______

1

The National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace, February 2003;

Recommendation A/R 2-1.

Revised 10/27/08
Cybercrime against Businesses, 2005 3

Computer virus infections were the most prevalent 

cybercrime among businesses in 2005

Of the 8,000 respondent businesses representing 36 economic industries, more than 7,800 used some type of computer system. Two-thirds of the businesses that used computers detected at least one computer security incident 

(5,081 businesses) in 2005 (table 3). Nearly three-fifths 

detected one or more types of cyber attack. A tenth 

detected a cyber theft. A quarter of the businesses 

detected other computer security incidents, such as spyware or phishing. 

Computer virus infection was the most prevalent type of 

cyber attack, detected by 52% of responding businesses. 

Nearly 90% of respondents reported that they were able to 

stop a virus before it caused an infection (not shown in a 

table). Of those businesses able to intercept viruses, 40% 

said they were successful in preventing all virus infections.

Cyber fraud was the most common type of cyber theft, having been detected by 5% of the businesses responding to 

the survey (table 3). 

Of the businesses detecting theft of intellectual property, 

70% indicated at least one incident involving the theft of 

trade secrets (table 4). For victims of theft of personal or 

financial data, names and dates of birth were taken from 

60% of businesses. More than 75% of the businesses 

detecting other computer security incidents indicated that 

some type of malware (primarily adware) was installed, and 

58% of victims discovered spyware or keystroke logging 

applications. Slightly more than 50% of the businesses 

detecting other computer security incidents were victims of 

corporate identity theft in the form of phishing or spoofing.

Prevalence of cybercrime varied by industry and risk level. 

In 2005, telecommunications businesses (82% of these 

businesses), computer system design businesses (79%), 

and manufacturers of durable goods (75%) had the highest 

prevalence of cybercrime (appendix table 3.) These three 

industries also showed the highest prevalence of cyber 

attacks. Finance (33% of businesses) and Internet service 

providers (21%) had the highest proportion of businesses 

detecting cyber theft. About a third of responding telecommunications businesses, manufacturers of durable goods, 

and architecture and engineering businesses detected 

other computer security incidents. 

Forestry, fishing, and hunting (44% of businesses) and 

agriculture (51%) had the lowest prevalence of cybercrime 

in 2005. Forestry, fishing, and hunting also had the lowest 

proportion of businesses detecting cyber theft (3%), followed by warehousing (4%) and social services (5%).

Table 3. Prevalence of computer security incidents among 

businesses, by type of incident, 2005

Businesses detecting 

incidents

Type of incident All businesses* Number Percent

All incidents 7,636 5,081 67%

Cyber attack 7,626 4,398 58%

Computer virus 7,538 3,937 52

Denial of service 7,517 1,215 16

Vandalism or sabotage 7,500 350 5

Cyber theft 7,561 839 11%

Embezzlement 7,492 251 3

Fraud 7,488 364 5

Theft of intellectual 

property 7,492 227 3

Theft of personal or 

financial data 7,476 249 3

Other computer security 

incidents 7,492 1,792 24%

Note: Number of businesses and detail may sum to more than total 

because respondents could answer questions about more than one 

type of incident. See appendix table 3 for prevalence, by industry.

*

Based on businesses that indicated whether they detected an incident.

Table 4. Detailed characteristics of selected types of 

computer security incidents, by type, 2005

Incident characteristic Percent of businesses

Intellectual property

Trade secrets 70%

Copyrighted material 47

Patented material 14

Trademarks 8

Number of businesses* 198

Personal or financial information

Names or dates of birth 60%

Social security numbers 49

Credit card numbers 34

Account or PIN numbers 27

Debit or ATM card numbers 14

Other 21

Number of businesses* 235

Other computer security incidents

Adware or other malware 77%

Spyware, keystroke logging 58

Phishing or spoofing 53

Scanning, pinging or sniffing 33

Hacking 16

Theft of other information 3

Other 8

Number of businesses* 1,762

Note: Detail may sum to more than 100% because respondents could 

provide more than one type. 

*Based on businesses that detected an incident and provided detailed 

characteristics. 
4 Cybercrime against Businesses, 2005

86% of victimized businesses detected multiple 

incidents

The majority of victimized businesses (86%) detected multiple incidents, with half of these (43%) detecting 10 or 

more incidents during the year (table 5). However, the percentage of businesses detecting multiple incidents varied 

by type of incident. For victims of computer viruses, denial 

of service attacks, fraud, and other computer security incidents, the majority of victims detected multiple incidents. 

Conversely, fewer than half of the victims of vandalism or 

sabotage, embezzlement, theft of intellectual property, or 

theft of personal or financial data detected multiple incidents. 

91% of businesses detecting cybercrime incurred 

losses

The effects of cybercrime were measured in terms of monetary loss and system downtime. During testing of the survey instrument, many businesses indicated that they had 

no reliable way to estimate the costs associated with system downtime. The businesses cited various reasons for 

difficulty in estimating the cost: employees were able to 

work offline, customers could return after systems were 

restored, and there was no method for measuring lost 

sales. For these reasons, the NCSS asked only for duration of downtime rather than a dollar loss equivalent.

Ninety-one percent of the businesses that detected incidents and answered questions on loss sustained one or 

both types of loss. Forty-one percent of businesses sustained both monetary loss and system downtime.

Of the 3,591 businesses that detected incidents and 

responded to monetary loss questions, 3,247 (90%) 

incurred monetary loss from the computer security incidents (table 6). The amount of monetary loss depended 

on the type of incident. Approximately 68% of the victims 

of cyber theft sustained monetary loss of $10,000 or 

more. By comparison, 34% of the businesses detecting 

cyber attacks and 31% of businesses detecting other computer security incidents lost more than $10,000. The other 

computer security incidents category had the highest proportion of businesses experiencing some form of cybercrime but incurring no monetary loss (20%).

Type of loss Percent of businesses*

No loss 9%

Any loss 91%

Monetary loss only 38

Downtime only 12

Both 41

*Based on 4,083 businesses answering at least one question on 

monetary loss or downtime.

Table 5. Number of computer security incidents,

by type of incident, 2005

Number of 

businesses

Percent of businesses that detected 

incidents

Type of incident Total

1

incident

2 - 9

incidents

10 or more

incidents

All incidents 4,439 100% 14 43 43

Cyber attack 3,841 100% 17 53 30

Computer virus 3,404 100% 18 54 28

Denial of service 1,024 100% 26 52 23

Vandalism or 

sabotage 264 100% 57 34 8

Cyber theft 681 100% 47 33 20

Embezzlement 185 100% 64 24 12

Fraud 289 100% 39 29 32

Theft of intellectual 

property 183 100% 62 34 4

Theft of personal or 

financial data 193 100% 51 32 17

Other computer 

security incidents 1,400 100% 10 24 66

Note: Number of businesses may sum to more than total because 

respondents could detect more than one type of incident. Detail may not sum 

to 100% due to rounding. See appendix table 4 for number of incidents, by 

industry.

Table 6. Monetary loss incurred from computer security 

incidents, by type of incident, 2005

Number of 

businesses

Percent of businesses with monetary loss

Type of incident Total No loss

$1,000-

$9,000

$10,000-

$99,000 

$100,000 

or more

All incidents 3,591 100% 10 51 27 13

Cyber attack 3,072 100% 9 57 25 9

Computer virus 2,779 100% 7 60 24 9

Denial of service 697 100% 19 52 23 6

Vandalism or 

sabotage 220 100% 11 59 21 9

Cyber theft 542 100% 6 26 38 30

Embezzlement 160 100% 4 19 44 33

Fraud 237 100% 7 32 36 24

Theft of intellectual property 133 100% 9 17 36 38

Theft of personal or financial data 141 100% 11 31 29 29

Other computer 

security incidents 1,165 100% 20 49 25 7

Note: Number of businesses may sum to more than total because 

respondents could detect more than one type of incident. Detail may 

not sum to 100% due to rounding. See appendix table 5 for monetary loss, 

by industry.
Cybercrime against Businesses, 2005 5

There was no downtime for a tenth of the businesses 

detecting cyber attacks or other computer security incidents (table 7). System downtime lasted between 1 and 24 

hours for half of the businesses and more than 24 hours for 

a third of businesses detecting these types of incidents. 

The duration of system downtime varied by type of incident. 

Denial of service attacks noticeably affected the computer 

systems of 92% of victims. By comparison, incidents of 

vandalism or sabotage shut systems down for 73% of businesses, and other computer security incidents caused system downtime for 68% of victimized businesses.

Cybercrime resulted in monetary loss of 

$867 million among businesses 

responding to the survey

Nearly 4,500 businesses provided information on 22 million cybercrime incidents in 

2005 (table 8). The 3,247 businesses that 

incurred monetary loss from cybercrime lost a 

total of $867 million. About 2,000 businesses 

said their business networks, PCs, or web 

sites (or combinations of the three) were 

down for a total of 324,000 hours. 

Cyber attacks accounted for nearly 1.6 million 

incidents, more than $300 million in loss, and 

220,000 hours of system downtime. Computer viruses accounted for about 90% each 

of: cyber attack incidents (1.5 million incidents), monetary loss ($281 million), and system downtime (193,000 hours).

Cyber theft accounted for less than 1% of all 

incidents but more than 50% of the total monetary loss ($450 million). Theft of intellectual 

property had the fewest number of incidents 

(607), and the greatest amount of monetary 

loss of all types of cyber theft (nearly $160 

million). Embezzlement also cost businesses 

nearly $160 million. System downtime data 

were not collected for cyber theft.

Although 24% of businesses detected other 

computer security incidents, these other incidents accounted for 92% of the total number 

of incidents, or 20 million incidents. Other 

computer security incidents accounted for 

12% of all monetary loss ($103 million) and 

32% of system downtime (104,000 hours).

Two-thirds of computer security incidents were 

targeted against critical infrastructure businesses

The number of incidents varied by risk level and industry. 

Ninety-five percent of victimized scientific research and 

development businesses detected multiple incidents 

(appendix table 4). By comparison, fewer than 80% of victimized businesses operating in management of companies; forestry, fishing, and hunting; or other services 

detected more than one incident.

Table 8. Number of computer security incidents and amount of monetary 

loss and system downtime, by type of incident, 2005

Number of incidents

Monetary loss

(in thousands) Downtime

Type of incident Total Median Total Median Total Median

All incidents 22,138,250 6 $866,600 $6 323,900hrs 16hrs

Cyber attack 1,582,913 4 $313,900 $5 219,600hrs 12hrs

Computer virus 1,460,242 3 280,700 5 193,000 12

Denial of service 121,652 3 21,100 5 19,200 7

Vandalism or 

sabotage 1,019 1 12,200 5 7,300 10

Cyber theft 130,970 2 $450,000 $29

Embezzlement 1,565 1 158,700 50

Fraud 125,510 3 103,100 20

Theft of intellectual 

property 607 1 159,400 43

Theft of personal or 

financial data 3,288 1 28,800 20

Other computer 

security incidents 20,424,367 20 $102,700 $5 104,300hrs 23hrs

Number of businesses 4,433 3,247 2,157

Note: Downtime information was not collected for incidents of cyber theft. For specific types 

of incidents, data were suppressed to ensure confidentiality and accuracy. For number of 

incidents, six responses were excluded; for monetary loss, six responses were excluded; 

and for system downtime, three responses were excluded.

Table 7. System downtime caused by computer security incidents,

by type of incident, 2005

Number of 

businesses

Percent of businesses with system downtime

Type of incident Total None

1 - 4 

hours

5 - 24 

hours

25 hours 

or longer

All incidents 2,412 100% 11 20 33 36

Cyber attack 2,150 100% 8 24 36 32

Computer virus 1,952 100% 9 24 37 30

Denial of service 505 100% 8 36 37 19

Vandalism or 

sabotage 160 100% 27 24 27 22

Other computer security 

incidents 817 100% 32 11 25 32

Note: Number of businesses may sum to more than total because respondents could detect 

more than one type of incident. See appendix table 6 for system downtime by industry.
6 Cybercrime against Businesses, 2005

Critical infrastructure businesses detected 13 million incidents (nearly two-thirds of the total). High risk industries 

detected more than 4 million incidents (a fifth of the total).

Utilities, computer system design businesses, durable 

goods manufacturers, and internet service providers 

detected the most incidents. Businesses in these four 

industries detected more than 10.5 million incidents in 2005 

(not shown in a table). Forestry, fishing, and hunting; food 

service; and rental service businesses detected the lowest 

number of incidents. Combined, these 3 industries 

detected fewer than 10,000 incidents.

Computer system design businesses (98%) incurred monetary loss more frequently than any other industry (appendix table 5). In 2005 computer security incidents resulted in 

losses of $10,000 or greater for more than half of the 

finance businesses, manufacturers of durable goods, insurance businesses, and mining businesses.

Critical infrastructure ($288 million) and low-risk businesses ($298 million) sustained the greatest monetary loss 

from cybercrime in 2005.

Specifically, administrative support, finance, and food service businesses incurred the greatest monetary loss with a 

combined total of $325 million, more than a third of the total 

for all businesses (not shown in a table). Agriculture businesses, rental services, and business and technical 

schools incurred the least monetary loss with a combined 

loss of $3 million. 

More than half of the manufacturers of durable goods 

(56%) sustained system downtime of 25 hours or longer 

(appendix table 6). By comparison, more than a third of 

legal services and accounting businesses had a total 

of 1 to 4 hours of system downtime. Critical infrastructure 

industries suffered 152,200 hours of system downtime 

(nearly half of the total). Health care businesses reported 

the greatest duration of system downtime (34,800 hours). 

Accounting; forestry, fishing, and hunting; and warehousing 

had the least downtime—a total of 2,500 hours, with fewer 

than 1,000 hours each. 

Insiders were involved in cyber theft for 74% of 

businesses in 2005

A third of the victimized businesses indicated that they 

were unable to determine what affiliation any computer 

security offenders had with the business (table 9). The type 

of incident for which businesses had the least information 

about the offender was denial of service (50% of businesses). Conversely, some offender information was 

known by the majority of victims of theft of intellectual property, (94% of businesses) and embezzlement (93%).

Risk level Number of incidents

All businesses 22,138,250

Critical infrastructure 13,039,900

High risk 4,133,800

Moderate risk 1,979,400

Low risk 2,985,100

Risk level

Monetary loss

(in thousands)

All businesses $866,600

Critical infrastructure $287,600

High risk 205,100

Moderate risk 76,100

Low risk 297,800

Table 10. Suspected computer security offenders' 

affiliation with business, by type of incident, 2005

Number of 

businesses

Percent of businesses for which 

the suspected offender was an—

Type of incident Insider Outsider Other

All incidents 3,182 40% 71% 11%

Cyber attack 2,480 27% 74% 10%

Computer virus 2,151 25 75 6

Denial of service 547 19 67 18

Vandalism or 

sabotage 243 42 56 6

Cyber theft 720 74% 32% 8%

Embezzlement 212 93 7 #

Fraud 298 52 50 9

Theft of intellectual 

property 202 84 20 5

Theft of personal or 

financial data 188 68 32 7

Other computer 

security incidents 1,030 30% 72% 8%

Note: Number of businesses may sum to more than total because 

respondents could detect more than 1 type of incident. Detail may sum 

to more than 100% because respondents could provide multiple suspected offender classifications. See appendix table 7 for suspected 

offenders, by industry.

# Percentage was suppressed to avoid disclosing information about

individual businesses.

Table 9. Businesses with no information about computer 

security offenders, by type of incident, 2005

Businesses

Type of incident Number Percent*

All incidents 4,875 35%

Cyber attack 4,204 41%

Computer virus 3,778 43

Denial of service 1,104 50

Vandalism or sabotage 314 23

Cyber theft 800 10%

Embezzlement 228 7

Fraud 349 15

Theft of intellectual property 216 6

Theft of personal or financial data 236 20

Other computer security incidents 1,709 40%

*Represents businesses detecting the given type of incident and

providing “don’t know” as the only response to the offender question.
Cybercrime against Businesses, 2005 7

In 2005 someone from outside the business, such as a 

hacker or competitor, was responsible for at least one 

computer security incident against 71% of the businesses 

that were able to make a determination about the 

suspected offender (table 10). For cyber attacks and other 

computer security incidents, nearly 75% of businesses said 

the suspected offender was an outsider. By comparison, 

the majority of businesses detecting cyber theft reported 

that the suspected offender was an insider (employee, contractor, or vendor working for the business). For 

embezzelment, more than 90% of businesses said the 

suspected offender was an insider, which is to be 

expected due to the nature of the crime. For thefts of 

intellectual property, nearly 85% of businesses said an 

insider was involved. 

Motion picture and sound recording businesses (87% 

of victimized businesses) had the highest percentage of 

outside offenders (see apppendix table 7). By 

comparison, arts and entertainment businesses had the 

lowest (55%). Retail (54%), finance (50%), and utility 

businesses (50%) showed the highest percentage of 

inside offenders. Petroleum businesses (24%), 

architecture and engineering businesses (25), and 

business and technical schools (26%) had the lowest. 

Computer system design businesses had the second 

highest prevalence of outside offenders (84% of 

victimized businesses) and one of the lowest 

prevalence rates of inside offenders (29%). 

Most businesses did not report cyber attacks to law 

enforcement authorities

When a computer security incident was detected, businesses responded in a variety of ways. The majority of 

businesses (87%) reported the incident to some person 

or organization (table 11). Eighty percent of responding 

businesses reported incidents to someone within their 

business. Fifteen percent of respondents reported incidents to another organization, such as their computer 

security contractor or internet service provider. Fifteen 

percent of victimized businesses reported incidents to 

law enforcement. Law enforcement includes federal, 

state and local law enforcement agencies, and official 

organizations affiliated with law enforcement such as 

InfraGard (an organization that works with the Federal 

Bureau of Investigation), the United States Secret Service (USSS) sponsored Electronic Crimes Task Forces, 

USSS Cyber Investigative Section (CIS), and CERT CC 

(an organization that works with the Department of 

Homeland Security). 

Reporting of incidents to law enforcement authorities 

varied by the type of incident. The majority of 

businesses reported embezzlement (72%), fraud 

(63%), and theft of personal or financial data (60%). 

Few businesses reported theft of intellectual property 

(27%), any type of cyber attack (6%), or other computer 

security incidents (12%) to law enforcement officials. 

Among businesses not reporting incidents to law 

enforcement authorities, the majority (86%) indicated that 

incidents were reported elsewhere (within the business or 

to an organization such as their security contractor) rather 

than to law enforcement (table 12). Half of the businesses 

responded that they thought there was nothing to be 

gained by reporting an incident to law enforcement. Other 

businesses said they did not think to report the incident 

(22%), did not know who to contact (11%), or thought the 

incident was outside the jurisdiction of law enforcement 

authorities (7%). 

Table 11. Organizations to which computer security incidents 

were reported, by type of incident, 2005

Percent of businesses reporting incidents— 

Type of incident

Number of 

businesses Total

Within 

business

To another 

organization

To law 

enforcement

All incidents 2,714 87% 80% 15% 15%

Cyber attack 2,353 86% 81% 14% 6%

Computer virus 2,150 87 83 13 5

Denial of service 579 70 57 18 6

Vandalism or 

sabotage 177 76 60 11 14

Cyber theft 424 92% 46% 9% 56%

Embezzlement 136 96 27 5 72

Fraud 176 91 38 13 63

Theft of intellectual 

property 109 88 67 4 27

Theft of personal 

or financial data 127 85 33 9 60

Other computer 

security incidents 952 78% 69% 7% 12%

Note: Number of businesses may sum to more than total because

respondents could detect more than one type of incident. Detail may sum to 

more than 100% because businesses could report to more than one place. 

Table 12. Reasons businesses did not report incidents to law 

enforcement authorities, by type of incident, 2005

Type of incident

Reason for not reporting All

Cyber 

attack

Cyber 

theft Other

Reported elsewhere 86% 87% 78% 77%

Within business 83 84 72 75

To another organization 16 15 14 8

Nothing to be gained 50 47 28 55

Did not think to report 22 22 4 17

Did not know who to contact 11 11 3 9

Outside jurisdiction of law 

enforcement 7 6 10 7

Negative publicity or decreased 

confidence 3 2 8 1

Other reason 11 9 18 9

Number of businesses 2,606 2,285 272 874

Note: Number of businesses may sum to more than total because

respondents could detect more than one type of incident. Detail may sum to 

more than 100% because respondents could provide more than one

reason. 
8 Cybercrime against Businesses, 2005

Few businesses (3%) indicated that their decision not to 

report an incident to law enforcement was based on the 

possibility of negative publicity or decreased confidence in 

the business. 

Three-fifths of the businesses detecting cyber attacks 

reported that the Internet was involved

One critical aspect of computer security is determining 

which networks were accessed in an incident. (Accessed 

networks include networks that were breached, used to get 

into another part of the computer system, or affected by the 

incident—for instance, networks vandalized or on which 

malware was surreptitiously installed.) NCSS data identify 

which systems tended to be targeted. Nearly 1,600 businesses that detected incidents also provided information on 

the systems the business used and which ones were 

accessed during an incident.

A majority of the businesses detected at least one incident involving the Internet and/or a local area network 

(LAN) (table 13). The Internet was the most prevalent 

vehicle or target of cyber attacks (64% of businesses), 

while cyber thieves tended to access a business’s LAN 

(57% of businesses). For victims of other computer security incidents, half of the businesses reported the Internet, half reported their LAN, and more than a quarter 

said their wide area network (WAN) was accessed.

Other networks were accessed to a lesser extent. Intranet or Extranet connections were accessed during computer breaches for 17% of respondents, stand-alone 

workstations (15%), other networks such as virtual private networks (12%) and wireless connections (8%) 

were also accessed (not shown in a table).

Another critical aspect of computer security is determining whether laptops not owned by the business posed 

more of a security threat than business-owned laptops. 

Nearly a third of the businesses said a business-owned 

laptop was involved in at least one computer security 

incident. Business-owned laptops were cited less frequently as having been used in cyber attacks (10% of 

businesses) or cyber thefts (20%) than in other computer 

security incidents (38%). In comparison, 8% of the businesses reported non-business laptops were used in a 

cyber attack, 7% in a cyber theft, and 16% in an other 

computer security incident (not shown in a table). 

Of the 4,000 businesses detecting a virus infection, 51% 

provided information on how viruses were introduced into 

their computer systems. E-mail attachments were the most 

commonly cited vehicle (77% of businesses) for introducing 

computer virus infections (table 14). 

Small businesses (83%) were somewhat more vulnerable 

to virus-laden e-mails than large businesses (72%). 

Conversely, large businesses (37%) were more vulnerable 

to portable media such as CDs or thumb drives as a source 

of virus infections, compared to small businesses (14%). 

This difference might be explained by a greater tendency of 

larger businesses to use portable media. 

Internet downloads were the second most prevalent source 

of computer virus infections. Sixty-one percent of 

businesses detected virus infections from Internet 

downloads. This percent did not vary by business size. 

Table 13. Networks most frequently accessed in computer 

security incidents, by type of incident, 2005

Percent of businesses for which accessed 

system or network was—

Type of incident Total Internet

Local area 

network

Wide area 

network

Business 

laptop

All incidents 100% 56% 55% 31% 30%

Cyber attacka 42 64 46 33 10

Cyber theft 24 39 57 26 20

Other 57 50 53 28 38

Number of businessesb 1,586 1,509 1,545 1,191 1,424

Note: Detail may sum to more than 100% because incidents could involve 

multiple networks. 

aIncludes incidents of denial of service and vandalism or sabotage only.

bBased on businesses that detected an incident and used the given system.

Table 14. Sources of computer viruses, by business size, 2005

Percent of businesses for which source

of virus was—

Number of 

employees

Number of 

businesses

E-mail 

attachment

Internet 

download

Portable 

media Other

All businesses 1,995 77% 61% 27% 18%

25 - 99 301 83 61 14 13

100 - 999 1,012 80 62 24 15

1,000 or more 682 72 60 37 25

Note: Detail may sum to more than 100% because respondents could

provide more than one virus source. Businesses with fewer than 25 employees were not asked about virus sources.
Cybercrime against Businesses, 2005 9

Insufficient anti-virus software was the most prevalent 

vulnerability

Overall, 62% of the businesses using anti-virus software 

said the software was inadequate in preventing incidents 

(table 15). Nearly half of the businesses using anti-spyware 

or anti-adware said the software did not prevent an incident. Internal controls (31% of businesses), e-mail logs and 

filters (27%), and firewalls (26%) were also commonly cited 

as insufficient.

Security insufficiencies differed depending on the type of 

incident. The most prevalent security deficiencies were 

anti-virus software for cyber attacks (66% of businesses), 

misuse of authorized access for cyber theft (46%), and 

anti-spyware and anti-adware for other computer security 

incidents (62%).

Other security measures appeared to be more successful 

in preventing incidents. Biometrics (5% of businesses), digital certificates (5%), password generators (6%), and 

encryption (7%) were least frequently cited as the mechanisms that were inadequate to prevent incidents (not shown 

in a table).

Businesses that outsourced all or part of their 

computer security had a greater prevalence of 

incidents

Businesses that outsourced all or part of their computer 

security had a higher prevalence of cybercrime compared 

to businesses that performed all security in-house. 

Sixty-four percent of businesses that outsourced at least 

one security measure detected one or more cyber attacks 

in 2005 (table 16). By comparison, 55% of businesses that 

kept all security functions in-house detected a cyber attack 

that same year. 

The security measure that showed the greatest difference 

in prevalence of attacks between outsourcing and in-house 

was physical security. Businesses that outsourced physical 

security had the highest prevalence of cyber attacks (73%), 

compared to businesses that managed their own physical 

security (60%). Several security measures showed little or 

no difference between the businesses that outsourced 

computer security and those that kept it in-house. These 

include business continuity plans and formal audit standards. Two security measures showed a slightly lower 

prevalence of cyber attacks when outsourced: network 

watch centers and configuration management.

Table 16. Detection of cyber attacks, by whether security 

was in-house or outsourced, 2005

In-house security Outsourced securitya

Type of security 

practice

Number of 

businesses

Percent 

detecting 

cyber attack

Number of 

businesses

Percent 

detecting 

cyber attack

Total 3,194 55% 3,416 64%

Physical security 1,482 60 331 73

Equipment 

decommissioning 876 63 397 70

Otherb 141 34 232 69

Personnel policy 1,305 60 337 68

Network watch center 369 71 654 68

Periodic audits 961 62 834 67

Vulnerability/risk 

assessment 733 62 962 67

Intrusion testing 552 63 1,249 66

Identification of critical 

assets 1,109 62 195 65

Formal audit standards 316 64 310 65

Disaster recovery plan 1,971 59 894 64

Corporate security 

policy 1,733 61 189 63

Regular review of 

systems/logs 1,190 59 497 62

Configuration 

management 843 64 606 62

Employee training 1,056 59 298 62

Business continuity plan 1,200 60 458 60

Note: Number of businesses may sum to more than total and detail may 

sum to more than 100% because respondents could provide more than one 

type of security practice. 

a Security practices may have been partially or completely outsourced.

bIncludes limiting system access, practices designed to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and automatic patch management.

Table 15. Most frequent computer security vulnerabilities,

by type of incident, 2005

Inadequate security 

measure

Type of incident

All 

incidents

 Cyber 

 attack

 Cyber 

 theft Other

Anti-virus software 62% 66% 10% 38%

Anti-spyware/anti-adware 47 36 10 62

Internal controls 31 28 29 24

E-mail logs and filters 27 24 10 27

Firewall 26 25 9 22

Personnel policy 24 19 34 22

Misuse of authorized access 18 11 46 15

Number of businesses* 4,525 3,899 718 1,544

Note: Number of businesses may sum to more than total because 

businesses could detect more than one type of incident. Detail may sum to 

more than 100% because respondents could provide multiple 

vulnerabilities. 

*Represents the number of businesses that detected incidents and provided information on security inadequacies.
10 Cybercrime against Businesses, 2005

Methodology

Sample design

The National Computer Security Survey sample was a 

stratified, random sample of businesses designed to produce national and industry-level estimates. The sample 

was stratified by industry, risk level, and size of business. 

Thirty-six industries, as determined by the North American 

Industrial Classification System (NAICS), were within the 

scope of the survey. (See appendix table 1 for a complete 

list and definition of industries.) Risk level comprised four 

groups: critical infrastructure, high risk, moderate risk, and 

low risk. Critical infrastructure consisted of businesses 

operating in the industries with which the Department of 

Homeland Security formed Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs). Each of the remaining businesses 

was designated as high, moderate, or low risk depending 

on its industry of operation's risk of incidents, loss, and 

downtime. Business size was determined by the number of 

employees and was divided into nine size categories. The 

sampling frame, Dunn and Bradstreet, contained records 

for nearly 7.3 million in-scope businesses. Businesses 

without employees on their payroll—such as family owned 

and operated businesses—were out of scope. 

Sampling was done at the enterprise level, except in cases 

of businesses with large subsidiaries operating in different 

economic sectors. To preserve the ability to provide industry-level findings, these businesses were sampled at the 

highest level of subsidiary with distinct lines of business. 

A sample of 35,596 businesses was drawn to produce 

national and industry-level estimates and to track changes 

of more than 2.5% over time. (See appendix table 2 for a 

summary of the sample by risk level and industry.) Businesses with more than 5,000 employees and Fortune 500 

businesses were drawn with certainty to ensure the representation of all industries. Because some industries typically do not have large businesses, the largest 50 businesses were also included with certainty. Due to the 

particular importance of the nation's critical infrastructure, 

businesses in these strata were over-sampled. High risk 

industries such as manufacturing, retail, and wholesale 

were also over-sampled.

Tables

Denominators reflect the number of businesses that 

responded to the questions relevant to a given table. For 

example, in table 5 the denominator represents the number 

of businesses that responded to questions on networks 

used by the business, whether computer security incidents 

were detected, and networks that were affected in those 

incidents (if any). Unless otherwise noted, missing items or 

responses of “don’t know” have been omitted. Totals and 

medians are based on positive responses and exclude 

zeroes.

Incident percentages are based on 7,636 businesses that 

had a computer and responded to at least 1 incident question; 7,626 businesses responded to at least 1 question on 

cyber attacks, 7,561 to at least 1 question on cyber theft, 

and 7,492 to at least 1 question on other computer security 

incidents. 

For theft of intellectual property, 29% of 198 businesses 

provided multiple types; for personal or financial data, 60% 

of 235 businesses specified more than 1 type; and for other 

computer security incidents, 59% of 1,762 businesses 

identified multiple types.

Missing and excluded data

Of the 8,079 businesses providing information on whether 

or not they had computer systems, 14 businesses reported 

contradictory information. Because the responses from 

these 14 businesses could not be reconciled, they were 

excluded from all analyses.

Each table underwent a detailed disclosure analysis to 

ensure the confidentiality of responses given by individual 

businesses. As a result, some responses were excluded 

from totals and medians. Table 8 and appendix table 6 

were affected. Six responses were excluded from the number of computer security incidents; six responses were 

excluded from monetary loss; and three responses were 

excluded from system downtime. The disclosure analysis 

also resulted in the suppression of values for some cells in 

table 10, appendix table 6, and appendix table 7.
Cybercrime against Businesses, 2005 11

Definitions of computer security incidents

Computer virus—a hidden fragment of computer code which 

propagates by inserting itself into or modifying other programs. 

Includes viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. Excludes spyware, adware, and other malware.

Denial of service—the disruption, degradation, or exhaustion of 

an Internet connection or e-mail service that results in an interruption of the normal flow of information. Denial of service is 

usually caused by ping attacks, port scanning probes, or 

excessive amounts of incoming data.

Electronic vandalism or sabotage—the deliberate or malicious 

damage, defacement, destruction or other alteration of electronic files, data, web pages, or programs.

Embezzlement—the unlawful misappropriation of money or 

other things of value, by the person to whom the property was 

entrusted (typically an employee), for his or her own purpose. 

Includes instances in which a computer was used to wrongfully transfer, counterfeit, forge or gain access to money, property, financial documents, insurance policies, deeds, use of 

rental cars, or various services by the person to whom they 

were entrusted.

Fraud—the intentional misrepresentation of information or identity to deceive others, the unlawful use of a credit or debit card 

or ATM, or the use of electronic means to transmit deceptive 

information, in order to obtain money or other things of value. 

Fraud may be committed by someone inside or outside the 

business. Includes instances in which a computer was used to 

defraud the business of money, property, financial documents, 

insurance policies, deeds, use of rental cars, or various services by forgery, misrepresented identity, credit card or wire 

fraud. Excludes incidents of embezzlement.

Theft of intellectual property—the illegal obtaining of copyrighted or patented material, trade secrets, or trademarks 

(including designs, plans, blueprints, codes, computer programs, software, formulas, recipes, graphics) usually by electronic copying. Excludes theft of personal or financial data 

such as credit card or social security numbers, names and 

dates of birth, financial account information, or any other type 

of information.

Theft of personal or financial data—the illegal obtaining of information that potentially allows someone to use or create 

accounts under another name (individual, business, or some 

other entity). Personal information includes names, dates of 

birth, social security numbers, or other personal information. 

Financial information includes credit, debit, or ATM card 

account or PIN numbers. Excludes theft of intellectual property 

such as copyrights, patents, trade secrets, and trademarks. 

Excludes theft of any other type of information.

Other computer security incidents—Incidents that do not fit 

within the definitions of the specific types of cyber attacks and 

cyber theft. Encompasses spyware, adware, hacking, phishing, spoofing, pinging, port scanning, sniffing, and theft of 

other information, regardless of whether damage or losses 

were sustained as a result.

Definitions of other terms

Business—a company, service or membership organization 

consisting of one or more establishments under common ownership or control. For this survey, major subsidiaries were 

treated as separate businesses.

CERT C.C.—an organization that works with the U.S. Computer 

Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) and the private sector. 

CERT C.C. studies computer and network security in order to 

provide incident response services to victims of attacks, publish alerts concerning vulnerabilities and threats, and offer 

information to help improve computer and network security.

DHS National Cyber Security Division (NCSD)—works cooperatively with public, private, and international entities to secure 

cyberspace and America’s cyber assets. Its strategic objectives are to build and maintain an effective national cyberspace response system and to implement a cyber-risk 

management program for protection of critical infrastructure. 

DOJ Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section 

(CCIPS)—is responsible for implementing the Department's 

national strategies in combating computer and intellectual 

property crimes worldwide. The Computer Crime Initiative is a 

comprehensive program designed to combat electronic penetrations, data thefts, and cyber attacks on critical information 

systems. 

FBI Cyber Division, Computer Intrusion Section—addresses 

computer intrusions, which often have international facets and 

national economic implications. The Cyber Division as a whole 

simultaneously supports FBI priorities across program lines, 

assisting counterterrorism, counterintelligence and other criminal investigations when aggressive technological investigative 

assistance is required.

Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs)—organizations that work with the U.S. Government, law enforcement 

agencies, technology providers, and security associations 

such as U.S. CERT. ISACs maintain secure databases, analytic tools and information gathering and distribution facilities 

designed to allow authorized individuals to submit reports 

about information security threats, vulnerabilities, incidents 

and solutions. 

InfraGard—an information sharing and analysis effort serving 

the interests and combining the knowledge base of a wide 

range of members. At its most basic level, InfraGard is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the 

private sector.

Subsidiary—a company in which another business has more 

than 50% ownership or the power to direct or cause the direction of management and policies.

U.S. CERT—The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team is a partnership between the Department of Homeland Security and the public and private sectors. Established 

in 2003 to protect the nation's Internet infrastructure, 

U.S. CERT coordinates defense against and responses to 

cyber attacks across the nation.

United States Secret Service (USSS)—Originally founded to 

suppress the counterfeiting of U.S. currency, the USSS now 

investigates many financial crimes. The USSS has established 

working partnerships in both the law enforcement and business communities to address such cybercrime issues as protecting the critical infrastructure, Internet intrusions, and 

associated fraud. These partnerships include the Electronic 

Crimes Task Forces and the Cyber Investigative Section.

Revised 10/27/08
U.S. Department of Justice

Office of Justice Programs

Bureau of Justice Statistics

Washington, DC 20531

Official Business

Penalty for Private Use $300

PRESORTED STANDARD

POSTAGE & FEES PAID

DOJ/BJS

Permit No. G-91

*NCJ~221943*

12 Cybercrime against Businesses, 2005

This report in portable document format and in 

ASCII and its related statistical data and tables are 

available at the BJS World Wide Web Internet site: 

<http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/cb05.htm> 

Office of Justice Programs

Innovation • Partnerships • Safer Neighborhoods

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov

The Bureau of Justice Statistics is the statistical 

agency of the U.S. Department of Justice. Michael D. 

Sinclair is acting director.

This Special Report was written by Ramona R. 

Rantala, BJS Statistician. Mark Motivans verified the 

statistical information. Elizabeth Billheimer and 

Bethany Allen assisted with verification. 

Ramona R. Rantala was project manager for the 

National Computer Security Survey. RAND 

Corporation staff, under a cooperative agreement and 

in collaboration with BJS, designed the sample, 

updated the questionnaire, and collected the data: 

Lois M. Davis, Principal Investigator; Daniela Golinelli, 

Statistician; Robin Beckman, Research Programmer; 

Sarah Cotton, Survey Director; Robert Anderson, CoPrincipal Investigator; Anil Bamezai, Policy 

Researcher; Christopher Corey, Survey Technical 

Support Manager; Megan Zander-Cotugno, Survey 

Coordinator; and John Adams, Senior Statistician. 

Joseph Garrett, Senior Vice President, and Julie 

Young, Research Director of Market Research, Inc., 

designed and monitored the web-based data 

collection instrument. 

Catherine Bird and Tina L. Dorsey edited and 

produced the report. Jayne E. Robinson prepared the 

report for final printing.

September 2008, NCJ 221943

Revised 10/27/08
Cybercrime against Businesses, 2005 13

Appendix table 1. North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) codes used in sample design, 2005

NAICS code*

Risk level and industry Sector

Sub-sector or 

Industry group Description

Critical Infrastructure

Agriculture 11 111 Crop production (farms, orchards, groves, nurseries)

112 Animal production (ranches, farms, feedlots)

Chemical and drug 

manufacturing 32 325 Basic chemicals, resins and plastics, agricultural chemicals, pharmaceuticals and medicines, 

paint and adhesives, cleaning compounds, explosives, other chemicals

Computer system design 54 5415 Computer system design, custom programming, facilities management, and other related computer services

Finance 52 521 Central banks

522 Commercial banks, savings and credit institutions, credit cards, loan brokers

523 Securities, commodity contracts, other financial investments, and related activities

Health Care 62 621 Ambulatory health care services (physicians, dentists, other health care, outpatient care, substance abuse, diagnostic laboratories, and home health care)

622 Hospitals (medical, surgical, psychiatric, substance abuse, other specialty treatment hospitals)

623 Residential nursing, mental health, substance abuse, elderly, and retirement care facilities

Internet service providers 51 518 Internet service providers, web search portals, data processing and related services

Petroleum mining and 

manufacturing 21 211 Oil and gas extraction

32 32411 Petroleum refineries

Publications and 

broadcasting 51 511 Publishing (except Internet)

515 Broadcasting (except Internet)

516 Internet publishing and broadcasting

519 Other information services including news syndicates, libraries and archives

Real estate 53 531 Lessors, agents and brokers, and related activities

Telecommunications 51 517 Wired and wireless carriers and resellers, satellite telecommunications, cable and other program distributors, other telecommunications

Transportation/pipelines 48 Air, rail, water, trucking, transit and ground passenger transportation, pipelines, sight-seeing, 

support activities

49 492 Couriers and messengers

Utilities 22 Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution; natural gas distribution; water, sewage, and other systems

High

Manufacturing, 

durable goods 32 321 Wood products (lumber, plywood, mill work)

327 Non-metallic mineral products (clay, glass, cement)

33 331 Primary metals (foundries, smelting, refining, rolling, drawing, extruding, and alloying)

332 Fabricated metal products

333 Machinery

334 Computers and electronics

335 Electrical equipment, appliances, and components

336 Transportation equipment (motor vehicles, aircraft, railroad rolling stock, ships and boats)

337 Furniture, cabinets, and fixtures

338 Miscellaneous products such as medical equipment, jewelry, sporting goods, and toys

Manufacturing, 

non-durable goods 31 Food products, beverage and tobacco products, textiles, apparel, leather and leather products

32 322 Paper

323 Printing and support activities

32412 Asphalt

32419 Other non-fuel petroleum products and coal products

326 Plastics and rubber products

Motion picture and sound 

recording 51 512 Motion picture, video, and sound recording production, distribution, and related activities
14 Cybercrime against Businesses, 2005

Appendix table 1. North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) codes used in sample design, 2005 (continued)

NAICS code*

Risk level and industry Sector

Sub-sector or 

Industry group Description

High (continued)

Retail 44 Motor vehicles and parts, furniture and home furnishings, electronics and appliances, building 

materials, garden equipment and supplies, food and beverages, health and personal care, 

gasoline stations, clothing and accessories

45 Sporting goods, hobby, books and music; general merchandise; miscellaneous stores, such as 

florists and office supplies; non-store retailers including online retailers, mail-order, vending 

machines, and direct selling establishments

Scientific research and 

development 54 5416 Management, scientific, and technical consulting services

5417 Research and development in the physical, engineering, life, and social sciences

Wholesale 42 Merchant wholesalers, durable goods; merchant wholesalers, non-durable goods

Moderate

Accounting 54 5412 Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services

Advertising 54 5418 Advertising, public relations, media representatives, display, direct mail, distribution

5419 Other professional and scientific services such as market research

Architecture and 

engineering 54 5413 Architectural and engineering services

5414 Specialized design services such as interior, industrial, and graphic design

Business and technical 

schools 61 6114 Business schools and computer and management training

6115 Technical and trade schools

6116 Other schools and instruction including fine arts, sports, language, and driving

6117 Educational support services

Insurance 52 524 Insurance carriers and related activities

525 Funds, trusts, and other financial vehicles

Legal services 54 5411 Lawyers, notaries, title abstract and settlement, other legal services

Low

Accommodations 72 721 Traveler accommodation, recreational parks, campgrounds, and vacation camps, rooming and 

boarding houses

Administrative support 56 Administrative and support services, waste management and remediation services

Arts and entertainment 71 Performing arts, spectator sports, and related industries; museums, historical sites, and similar 

institutions; amusement, gambling, and recreation industries

Construction 23 Construction of buildings, heavy and civil engineering construction, specialty trade contractors

Food services 72 722 Full-services restaurants, cafeterias, caterers, and drinking establishments

Forestry, fishing, and 

hunting 11 113 Forestry and logging

114 Fishing, hunting and trapping

115 Support activities for agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting

Management of 

businesses 55 Banks and other holding companies and corporate, subsidiary, and regional managing offices

Mining 21 212 Coal, metal ore, and non-metallic mineral mining

213 Support activities for mining

Other services 81 811 Repair and maintenance services

812 Personal and laundry services 

813 Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations

Rental services 53 532 Rental and leasing of goods such as automobiles, appliances, videos, industrial machinery

533 Lessors of non-financial intangible assets, except copyrighted works

Social services 62 624 Social assistance such as family, temporary shelter, vocational rehabilitation, and child day care 

services

Warehousing and storage 49 493 General, refrigerated, farm product, and other storage and warehousing

* Some sectors were divided for sampling purposes. The sub-sector and industry group codes provided above show these divisions.
Cybercrime against Businesses, 2005 15

Appendix table 2. National Computer Security Survey universe, sample, and response, 

by risk level and industry, 2005

Number of businesses

Risk level and industry Universe Sample Response Response rate

All businesses 7,278,109 35,596 8,079 23%

Critical Infrastructure 1,680,606 11,694 2,719 23%

Agriculture 179,442 740 175 24

Chemical and drug manufacturing 15,998 1,052 201 19

Computer system design 80,289 932 170 18

Finance 187,044 1,275 323 25

Health care 577,499 1,444 423 29

Internet service providers 23,874 776 135 17

Petroleum mining and manufacturing 5,247 567 126 22

Publications and broadcasting 63,758 1,086 218 20

Real estate 352,625 949 175 18

Telecommunications 26,547 821 134 16

Transportation/pipelines 156,433 1,146 303 26

Utilities 11,850 906 336 37

High 2,074,041 7,564 1,737 23%

Manufacturing, durable goods 275,319 1,859 503 27

Manufacturing, non-durable goods 127,248 1,371 327 24

Motion picture and sound recording 31,902 642 88 14

Retail 1,005,175 1,418 316 22

Scientific research and development 185,571 1,053 219 21

Wholesale 448,825 1,221 284 23

Moderate 774,494 5,294 1,184 22%

Accounting 96,023 675 176 26

Advertising 121,116 876 154 18

Architecture and engineering 131,291 897 214 24

Business and technical schools 51,275 756 190 25

Insurance 174,108 1,243 269 22

Legal services 200,680 847 181 21

Low 2,748,969 11,044 2,439 22%

Accommodations 60,944 1,006 143 14

Administrative support 355,532 1,297 255 20

Arts and entertainment 145,913 957 198 21

Construction 692,084 1,103 241 22

Food services 277,281 1,129 212 19

Forestry, fishing, and hunting 29,132 632 152 24

Management of companies 12,960 722 168 23

Mining 15,082 795 190 24

Other services 897,994 1,039 272 26

Rental services 62,970 793 159 20

Social services 180,376 967 317 33

Warehousing 18,701 604 132 22
16 Cybercrime against Businesses, 2005

Appendix table 3. Use of computers and prevalence of computer security incidents, by risk level and industry, 2005

Respondents All incidents Cyber attack Cyber theft Other

Risk level and industry

Number of 

businesses

Percent 

with 

computers

Number of 

businesses

Percent 

detecting 

incident

Number of 

businesses

Percent 

detecting 

incident

Number of 

businesses

Percent 

detecting 

incident

Number of 

businesses

Percent 

detecting 

incident

All businesses 8,079 97% 7,636 67% 7,626 58% 7,561 11% 7,492 24%

Critical Infrastructure 2,719 98% 2,610 67% 2,605 58% 2,580 14% 2,557 25%

Agriculture 175 82 142 51 141 40 142 6 142 17

Chemical and drug 

manufacturing 201 98 192 73 192 66 190 12 188 27

Computer system design 170 100 167 79 167 72 165 15 165 25

Finance 323 100 317 67 317 49 316 33 311 25

Health care 423 100 410 67 409 59 404 11 400 24

Internet service providers 135 100 132 66 132 60 132 21 131 24

Petroleum mining and 

manufacturing 126 98 124 56 122 52 123 7 123 26

Publications and broadcasting 218 100 212 71 212 65 206 14 205 25

Real estate 175 97 167 65 167 56 164 9 163 25

Telecommunications 134 100 130 82 130 74 127 17 126 32

Transportation/pipelines 303 98 294 64 294 54 291 10 287 22

Utilities 336 98 323 64 322 53 320 8 316 26

High 1,737 97% 1,656 71% 1,655 62% 1,639 12% 1,622 28%

Manufacturing, durable goods 503 97 479 75 479 68 473 15 469 32

Manufacturing, non-durable 

goods 327 99 319 72 319 61 317 9 314 28

Motion picture and sound 

recording 88 99 84 67 84 63 84 13 81 19

Retail 316 94 293 67 293 58 289 12 288 24

Scientific research and 

development 219 99 210 70 210 61 206 8 204 26

Wholesale 284 98 271 67 270 59 270 13 266 27

Moderate 1,184 99% 1,140 67% 1,140 57% 1,127 9% 1,116 24%

Accounting 176 100 173 55 173 47 170 6 168 18

Advertising 154 99 149 67 149 56 148 10 148 26

Architecture and engineering 214 97 204 70 204 60 201 7 200 31

Business and technical 

schools 190 95 177 72 177 64 173 8 171 18

Insurance 269 100 263 69 263 57 262 15 258 25

Legal services 181 99 174 69 174 55 173 6 171 27

Low 2,439 94% 2,230 63% 2,226 55% 2,215 8% 2,197 20%

Accommodations 143 96 134 60 134 56 133 14 133 16

Administrative support 255 98 239 65 239 55 238 11 234 25

Arts and entertainment 198 96 181 62 181 54 179 9 176 18

Construction 241 97 223 70 223 61 223 7 222 23

Food services 212 88 186 54 185 48 184 9 183 15

Forestry, fishing, and hunting 152 88 131 44 131 40 129 3 128 16

Management of companies 190 93 150 59 150 51 150 12 150 19

Mining 272 94 170 65 169 58 168 7 167 20

Other services 159 97 249 68 249 59 248 8 245 22

Rental services 317 96 151 64 150 59 150 7 148 18

Social services 132 92 299 66 298 57 296 5 294 24

Warehousing 168 90 117 60 117 53 117 4 117 16

Note: Incident detail may sum to more than 100% because businesses could detect multiple types of incidents. Incident percentages are based on businesses with computers responding to questions on incidents.
Cybercrime against Businesses, 2005 17

Appendix table 4. Number of computer security incidents, by risk level and industry, 2005

Number of businesses

Detecting 

incidents

Providing 

number of 

incidents

Percent of businesses that detected incidents

Risk level and industry Total

1 

incident

2 - 9 

incidents

10 or more 

incidents

All businesses 5,081 4,439 100% 14 43 43

Critical Infrastructure 1,747 1,518 100% 14 40 46

Agriculture 72 61 100% 18 41 41

Chemical and drug manufacturing 140 122 100% 12 52 36

Computer system design 132 122 100% 9 48 43

Finance 211 176 100% 15 36 48

Health care 274 247 100% 15 40 45

Internet service providers 87 76 100% 16 38 46

Petroleum mining and manufacturing 70 63 100% 17 38 44

Publications and broadcasting 151 135 100% 10 37 53

Real estate 108 94 100% 15 35 50

Telecommunications 107 93 100% 11 44 45

Transportation/pipelines 187 163 100% 14 39 47

Utilities 208 166 100% 15 40 45

High 1,172 1,031 100% 10 43 47

Manufacturing, durable goods 360 313 100% 9 41 50

Manufacturing, non-durable goods 230 197 100% 15 45 41

Motion picture and sound recording 56 52 100% 15 38 46

Retail 197 177 100% 12 43 45

Scientific research and development 147 131 100% 5 47 47

Wholesale 182 161 100% 7 44 48

Moderate 768 671 100% 15 46 39

Accounting 95 80 100% 15 44 41

Advertising 100 88 100% 14 48 39

Architecture and engineering 143 127 100% 8 48 44

Business and technical schools 128 114 100% 18 49 33

Insurance 182 151 100% 19 43 38

Legal services 120 111 100% 15 43 41

Low 1,394 1,219 100% 15 45 40

Accommodations 81 73 100% 16 42 41

Administrative support 156 130 100% 15 37 48

Arts and entertainment 112 96 100% 17 44 40

Construction 155 132 100% 15 49 36

Food services 101 92 100% 14 55 30

Forestry, fishing, and hunting 58 48 100% 21 48 31

Management of companies 110 93 100% 22 43 35

Mining 169 149 100% 17 44 38

Other services 96 87 100% 21 48 31

Rental services 197 174 100% 8 44 48

Social services 70 64 100% 14 50 36

Warehousing 89 81 100% 10 42 48

Note: Detail may not sum to 100% due to rounding.
18 Cybercrime against Businesses, 2005

Appendix table 5. Monetary loss incurred from computer security incidents, 

by risk level and industry, 2005

Percent of businesses with monetary loss

Risk level and industry

Number of 

businesses Total No loss

$1,000-

$9,000

$10,000-

$99,000

$100,000

or more

All businesses 3,591 100% 10% 51 27 13

Critical Infrastructure 1,248 100% 8% 49 29 14

Agriculture 48 100 10% 71 15 4

Chemical and drug manufacturing 83 100 10% 46 27 18

Computer system design 99 100 2% 51 34 13

Finance 153 100 7% 35 29 29

Health care 199 100 9% 49 28 14

Internet service providers 72 100 8% 44 28 19

Petroleum mining and manufacturing 52 100 12% 50 27 12

Publications and broadcasting 104 100 9% 51 27 13

Real estate 81 100 6% 57 31 6

Telecommunications 82 100 9% 41 38 12

Transportation/pipelines 142 100 9% 52 27 11

Utilities 133 100 11% 56 27 7

High 855 100% 9% 46 29 16

Manufacturing, durable goods 274 100 9% 36 34 21

Manufacturing, non-durable goods 159 100 11% 50 28 11

Motion picture and sound recording 42 100 12% 55 21 12

Retail 141 100 6% 51 25 18

Scientific research and development 101 100 7% 55 26 12

Wholesale 138 100 8% 49 27 17

Moderate 521 100% 9% 55 25 12

Accounting 62 100 10% 58 19 13

Advertising 66 100 12% 50 26 12

Architecture and engineering 104 100 10% 52 28 11

Business and technical schools 82 100 12% 67 16 5

Insurance 122 100 4% 44 32 20

Legal services 85 100 9% 61 22 7

Low 967 100% 12% 56 23 8

Accommodations 54 100 7% 48 33 11

Administrative support 106 100 12% 48 26 13

Arts and entertainment 70 100 19% 60 11 10

Construction 106 100 8% 59 25 8

Food services 71 100 13% 59 17 11

Forestry, fishing, and hunting 38 100 13% 68 11 8

Management of companies 66 100 18% 41 33 8

Mining 72 100 15% 33 40 11

Other services 114 100 14% 60 19 7

Rental services 71 100 10% 61 27 3

Social services 151 100 12% 64 21 3

Warehousing 48 100 4% 75 15 6

Note: Detail may not sum to 100% due to rounding.
Cybercrime against Businesses, 2005 19

Appendix table 6. System downtime caused by computer security incidents, by risk level and industry, 2005

Downtime (in hours)* Percent of businesses with downtime

Risk level and industry

Number of 

businesses Total Median Total

1 - 4 

hours

5 - 24 

hours

25 hours 

or longer

All businesses 2,158 323,900hrs 16hrs 100% 23 37 40

Critical Infrastructure 708 152,200hrs 15hrs 100% 23 37 40

Agriculture 26 1,200 11 100% 31 23 46

Chemical and drug manufacturing 48 2,600 17 100% 25 42 33

Computer system design 61 8,500 16 100% 21 38 41

Finance 76 11,900 12 100% 24 38 38

Health care 137 34,800 15 100% 18 43 39

Internet service providers 33 # 14 100% 27 36 36

Petroleum mining and manufacturing 23 1,300 10 100% 26 43 30

Publications and broadcasting 53 5,600 20 100% 26 26 47

Real estate 46 # 20 100% 22 39 39

Telecommunications 47 4,600 20 100% 19 34 47

Transportation/pipelines 82 # 14 100% 24 35 40

Utilities 76 # 12 100% 26 37 37

High 511 75,000hrs 22hrs 100% 19 35 46

Manufacturing, durable goods 162 26,900 32 100% 14 31 56

Manufacturing, non-durable goods 95 15,400 12 100% 26 37 37

Motion picture and sound recording 24 1,600 21 100% 21 38 42

Retail 83 8,700 22 100% 24 34 42

Scientific research and development 70 5,000 20 100% 23 34 43

Wholesale 77 17,600 20 100% 13 43 44

Moderate 312 39,500hrs 12hrs 100% 27 36 38

Accounting 35 700 9 100% 34 37 29

Advertising 39 1,200 10 100% 18 56 26

Architecture and engineering 60 10,300 11 100% 18 42 40

Business and technical schools 55 3,200 24 100% 29 25 45

Insurance 75 20,100 13 100% 27 32 41

Legal services 48 3,900 11 100% 38 27 35

Low 627 57,200hrs 15hrs 100% 23 40 37

Accommodations 39 3,700 24 100% 18 36 46

Administrative support 69 # 16 100% 22 41 38

Arts and entertainment 49 2,600 16 100% 22 41 37

Construction 59 3,400 12 100% 31 29 41

Food services 48 2,400 11 100% 29 38 33

Forestry, fishing, and hunting 16 900 21 100% 19 31 50

Management of companies 40 1,800 14 100% 20 45 35

Mining 49 # 11 100% 22 45 33

Other services 91 15,700 10 100% 26 44 30

Rental services 43 1,600 12 100% 21 49 30

Social services 99 8,100 20 100% 20 33 46

Warehousing 25 900 16 100% 16 48 36

Note: 254 businesses sustained no downtime. These were excluded to avoid disclosing information about individual businesses. 

The percentage of businesses sustaining no downtime varied by industry and ranged from 4% to 18%. Downtime information 

was not collected for incidents of cyber theft. Detail may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

*Total and median downtime hours exclude three outliers and the values of some cells are suppressed (#) to avoid disclosing 

information about individual businesses.
20 Cybercrime against Businesses, 2005

Appendix table 7. Suspected offenders’ affiliation with business,

 by risk level and industry, 2005

Number of 

businesses

Percent of businesses for which 

the suspected offender was an— 

Risk level and industry Insider Outsider Other

All businesses 3,182 40% 71% 11%

Critical Infrastructure 1,144 42% 70% 11%

Agriculture 41 17 78 7

Chemical and drug manufacturing 90 44 72 11

Computer system design 91 29 84 7

Finance 152 50 72 15

Health care 179 49 63 14

Internet service providers 64 44 80 8

Petroleum mining and manufacturing 42 24 81 17

Publications and broadcasting 91 36 81 10

Real estate 70 44 59 11

Telecommunications 73 37 68 12

Transportation/pipelines 111 41 68 11

Utilities 140 50 61 9

High 738 43% 74% 9%

Manufacturing, durable goods 233 48 75 9

Manufacturing, non-durable goods 151 36 75 9

Motion picture and sound recording 30 40 87 13

Retail 113 54 66 11

Scientific research and development 97 31 72 14

Wholesale 114 44 78 4

Moderate 477 32% 74% 15%

Accounting 53 32 75 8

Advertising 57 30 75 9

Architecture and engineering 99 25 80 12

Business and technical schools 66 26 70 21

Insurance 132 41 73 22

Legal services 70 31 71 13

Low 823 38% 69% 10%

Accommodations 50 46 70 #

Administrative support 94 43 62 11

Arts and entertainment 58 43 55 17

Construction 95 37 78 3

Food services 56 45 64 9

Forestry, fishing, and hunting 26 27 65 23

Management of companies 68 43 65 9

Mining 105 30 75 8

Other services 59 37 68 15

Rental services 117 37 74 9

Social services 40 30 65 10

Warehousing 55 29 73 18

Note: Detail may sum to more than 100% because respondents could provide multiple 

offender classifications. Of the 4,875 businesses responding to questions on offenders for at 

least one type of incident, 35% were unable to provide any offender classifications. Total percentages are based on the businesses that provided at least 1 offender classification.

# Cell value suppressed to avoid disclosing information about individual businesses.