Tuscany Tops National Ranking for Growth in Cybercrime

Cyberattacks against businesses in Italy have risen sharply, with cases increasing by 45.5% over the past four years, according to data released by Confartigianato, the national small business association. The growth of cybercrime has far outpaced the 10% rise in overall crimes targeting companies during the same period.

Tuscany is among the most vulnerable regions: incidents against businesses have surged by 88.3% since 2019, the highest rate in the country. Other heavily affected areas include Veneto (+63.7%), Marche (+56%), Puglia (+54.7%), Lazio (+53.2%), Emilia-Romagna (+53%), Piedmont (+47%), and Lombardy (+45.5%).

Confartigianato warns that hackers are targeting enterprises of all sizes, from multinationals to small family firms. Fraud, scams, and online attacks are now a widespread threat, accounting for more than one-third of all crimes committed against businesses in Italy.

While awareness is growing—83% of Italian businesses consider cybersecurity a top priority, higher than the EU average of 71%—implementation still lags behind. Only about one in three companies has adopted at least seven of the eleven standard security measures identified by ISTAT. By 2024, 42.6% of firms had invested in protection systems, often turning to artificial intelligence tools.

The shortage of qualified professionals is also slowing progress. Nearly a quarter of Italian businesses report difficulty hiring cybersecurity experts, almost double the European average. Regions most affected by this skills gap include Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, Lazio, and Lombardy.

Confartigianato stresses that digitalization, without adequate protection, exposes businesses to increasing risks. Stronger regulations, practical tools, and incentives for investment are seen as essential steps to safeguard data and support innovation.

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