Which Countries Are Best Prepared for Data Security Threats in 2024?

In 2024, cybersecurity remains a top priority as data breaches and cyber-attacks grow in both number and sophistication. A new study by PSONO highlights which countries are best prepared for data security threats, analyzing 54 nations based on several key indicators. The findings reveal intriguing trends, especially with Sweden leading as the most cybersecurity-prepared country, and countries like Singapore and Germany demonstrating unique strengths. Here, we’ll delve into the study’s key findings and what they mean for the global state of cybersecurity.

1. Sweden: A Leader in Cybersecurity Preparedness

Sweden leads the list with a composite score of 98.6, achieving top marks in PSONO’s cybersecurity readiness study. Sweden’s success is attributed to several factors:

High Cybersecurity Index (99.6): This metric reflects Sweden’s robust policies and systems for handling cyber threats.
Public Awareness: Sweden recorded 62,100 searches for “How to Create a Strong Password,” signaling strong public engagement in data security.
Cybersecurity Workforce: With 144 cybersecurity professionals, Sweden has a moderate workforce to support its policies and public awareness.

Sweden’s model highlights the importance of public engagement in cybersecurity, making it a clear leader for 2024 cybersecurity readiness.

2. Singapore: High Density of Cybersecurity Professionals

Ranking second, Singapore earns a composite score of 90.5, demonstrating a remarkable capacity for cybersecurity despite its small population. What sets Singapore apart is:

High Density of Cybersecurity Experts: With 408 professionals, Singapore boasts one of the highest per-capita rates of cybersecurity experts in the world.
Public Engagement: Over 43,000 searches for password security advice show that Singapore’s public takes data security seriously.

Singapore’s approach underscores that quality and density of cybersecurity experts can be a key factor in building strong data protection systems.

3. Germany: Public Awareness in Cybersecurity

In third place, Germany scores 86.7, excelling in public interest in cybersecurity. Germany’s strengths include:

Unmatched Public Engagement: With an impressive 4.4 million searches for password security tips, Germans show a high level of interest in securing their data.
Growing Cybersecurity Workforce: With 399 cybersecurity professionals, Germany has the resources to support its policies and meet rising public interest.

Germany’s emphasis on educating the public is a vital takeaway, showing how high levels of awareness can act as a protective layer against data breaches.

4. Denmark: Strong Digital Competitiveness

Fourth in rank, Denmark scores 83.5, benefitting from:

Strong Digital Competitiveness: Denmark ranks highly in digital infrastructure and innovation.
Public Engagement: With 212,300 searches on password security, Danish citizens are actively involved in data protection.
Policy-Driven Readiness: Denmark’s policies create a robust environment for cybersecurity despite fewer professionals per capita.

Denmark’s success points to the role of digital infrastructure in reinforcing cybersecurity resilience.

5. Czech Republic: Growing Awareness in Data Security

The Czech Republic ranks fifth with a score of 79.7, showing steady improvements in cybersecurity:

Moderate Workforce: With 138 cybersecurity experts, the Czech Republic maintains a capable cybersecurity workforce.
Rising Public Awareness: Over 51,000 searches for password tips indicate growing public interest in cybersecurity.

The Czech Republic’s progress showcases the value of public awareness campaigns in driving cybersecurity improvements.

6. Kenya: Building Cybersecurity Capacity

With a score of 68.1, Kenya demonstrates significant progress:

High Cybersecurity Index: Kenya’s cybersecurity index is strong, at 98.6.
Developing Public Awareness: However, Kenya shows lower public engagement with only 31,900 searches on password security.

Kenya’s ranking emphasizes that increasing public awareness is essential to complement a strong cybersecurity policy framework.

7. Malaysia: Infrastructure in Place, But Awareness Needed

Malaysia scores 55.4, showing that while infrastructure is strong, public engagement needs growth:

Cybersecurity Index: Malaysia holds a high cybersecurity index of 98.4.
Workforce and Public Interest: Despite 100,700 searches on password tips, Malaysia has room to expand both its workforce and public engagement.

The findings for Malaysia underscore the need to align public awareness with existing infrastructure to maximize data security.

8. Greece: Strong Policy, Growing Workforce

Greece, in eighth place with 50.3, demonstrates high cybersecurity policies but lacks a strong workforce:

High Cybersecurity Index: Greece scores 99.6 in cybersecurity strength.
Smaller Workforce: With only 108 cybersecurity experts, Greece has room to expand its workforce.

Greece’s situation highlights how professional capacity is key to sustaining strong policy frameworks.

9. Finland: High Professional Density

Ranking ninth, Finland scores 48.9 and stands out with:

High Density of Cybersecurity Experts: Finland’s density of professionals is one of the highest.
Moderate Public Interest: Although Finland has 88,900 password security searches, there’s potential for increasing awareness.

Finland’s ranking shows that public engagement can help elevate strong cybersecurity practices further.

10. Portugal: Infrastructure and Workforce Development Needed

Finally, Portugal rounds out the top ten with 41.3:

Professional Density: Portugal has a substantial workforce but lower public awareness.
Need for Increased Awareness: With fewer password-related searches, Portugal has potential for growth in public engagement.

Portugal’s ranking highlights how public and professional support are both crucial for cybersecurity resilience.

Key Takeaways: The Role of Public Engagement and Workforce Density

The study’s spokesperson commented: “Countries leading in cybersecurity preparedness don’t only rely on policies—they foster public awareness and maintain a high density of cybersecurity professionals.” The data suggests that individual actions, like creating strong passwords, and a knowledgeable workforce are key to tackling future threats.