Venture Capital Funding of Cybersecurity Firms Hit Record High in 2018

Venture Capital Funding of Cybersecurity Firms Hit Record High in 2018

Venture capital investments in cybersecurity firms hit a record high last year amid a surge in cyber crime over the last few years.

Venture capital investments in cybersecurity firms hit a record high last year amid a surge in cyber crime over the last few years, according to a report released last week by U.S.-based Strategic Cyber Ventures

Total venture capital funding in the space totaled $5.3 billion in 2018, a 20 percent increase from the $4.4 billion seen in 2017. 

"We're seeing mega-breaches happening on an extremely frequent basis," Chris Ahern, data scientist and principal at Strategic Cyber Ventures told Reuters. "I don't think that is going to stop anytime soon. Any investors are seeing that as an opportunity for investment."

Cybersecurity has become the focus for governments and corporations around the world as digital crime increase. The latest quarterly data from cybersecurity firm ThreatMatrix showed that it detected 210 million attacks in the first quarter of last year, with another 151 million seen in the second quarter. 

Compared with 2015, cyberattacks have surged more than 100 percent, illustrating an overall heightened risk landscape over the last two years. 

U.S. cybersecurity firms took the majority of the investments, accounting for 46 percent of the investments in 2018. Asian and European companies took 22.6 percent of global investment, up 12.7 percent in 2014.

"We've seen this trend in the broader tech ecosystem as well, with many large international funds and investment outside of the U.S.," the report said. "Simply put, amazing and valuable technology companies are being created, in and outside of the U.S."


About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.