About the Cyber Events Database

The Cyber Events Database is a comprehensive, publicly accessible repository of significant cyber incidents that have occurred globally since 2014. Maintained by the Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland (CISSM), this dataset is designed to support research, education, and analysis in cybersecurity, international relations, and risk management.

Purpose

The database serves as a tool for policymakers, researchers, analysts, and cybersecurity professionals to:

— Track cyber event trends over time
— Examine threat actor behavior and motivation
— Assess risks by sector and geography
— Support data-driven decisions in cybersecurity and resilience planning

What It Contains

Each record in the Cyber Events Database includes:

— Event Date
— Threat Actor and Actor Type
— Target Organization
— Industry Classification
— Motive
— Event Type and Subtype
— Country of Impact
— Descriptive Summary of the incident

The database spans multiple sectors including healthcare, finance, education, government, and more, and covers a broad range of cyber threats from data breaches and ransomware to hacktivist disruptions and state-sponsored intrusions.

Data Sources

Incidents are compiled from credible open-source reporting, including:

— Government disclosures
— News articles
— Regulatory breach reports
— Industry threat intelligence