Over the past year, we have all experienced the onslaught of headlines about major hacks and widespread new information security threats. It has been dark reading, indeed, for the hundreds of millions of consumers who have seen their credit card numbers, email addresses, and other personal information exposed by online intruders.

Globally, cybercrime costs exceed $445 billion each year, with the United States accounting for nearly one-quarter of that price tag, the Center for Strategic and International Studies reported in June.

How did we get here, and what does it mean for the future? Researchers in the Florida Tech University online Master of Science in Information Technology/Cybersecurity program recently pulled together data on industry trends and predictions to create a graphical portrait of where the industry is -- and where it needs to be. Take a look at our slideshow on their findings, and then let's chat about what steps your company is taking in the fight for better cyber security.