November 04, 2024
This year has been particularly active for cybercriminals, with several high-profile data breaches making headlines and costing companies millions. From healthcare giants to project management platforms, every industry faces risks. But what implications do these breaches have for small to midsize businesses? The same vulnerabilities apply to you, and failing to address them can lead to disastrous outcomes.
Let's review five of the most significant breaches of 2024 so far and explore how your business can stay protected.
1. National Public Data
A few months back, a hacking group claimed to have stolen 2.7 billion personal records from a background checking and public data-brokering site. The compromised data includes sensitive information such as Social Security numbers and addresses. Portions of this data have surfaced on the dark web, though experts are still assessing its accuracy, as the combined populations of the countries listed only total about half a billion. Nevertheless, it's likely that numerous Social Security numbers have been compromised.
Given the widespread impact of this breach, everyone is urged to closely monitor their financial and online identities immediately. A practical measure is to freeze your credit to protect against identity theft, unfreezing it only when necessary for activities like applying for loans or credit cards. Check if you were affected here!
2. Ticketmaster
A major data breach at Ticketmaster compromised the personal and financial information of over 560 million customers. Hackers accessed the company's database in April and May, stealing sensitive details such as names, emails, phone numbers, and payment information. This breach exposed significant security weaknesses at Ticketmaster, raising consumer concerns. Many victims reported unauthorized transactions and identity theft following the incident. Additionally, this breach exacerbated the legal challenges faced by Ticketmaster's parent company, Live Nation, which was already under a lawsuit from the US Department of Justice for anticompetitive practices.
3. Change Healthcare
In February 2024, Change Healthcare suffered a massive ransomware attack that exposed the personal information of over 145 million people. This breach, one of the largest in healthcare history, compromised sensitive data, including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and medical records. The incident had widespread effects on patients, healthcare providers, and insurance companies, prompting many in the healthcare industry to reevaluate their cybersecurity strategies to prevent future attacks.
4. AT&T
In March, AT&T experienced a data breach that compromised the personal information of approximately 73 million current and former customers. This extensive breach included sensitive data such as Social Security numbers, account details, and passcodes. The breach was linked to data from as far back as 2019, which appeared on the dark web in March 2024. This incident is part of a series of attacks on AT&T, following a 2023 breach that affected 9 million users. In response, AT&T launched an investigation to contain the malware while maintaining services for current customers. The breach has also exposed the company to potential class action lawsuits.
Even if your business doesn't manage millions of customers like AT&T, it can still be targeted by cyber-attacks. It's essential to protect your network by implementing strong security measures, training employees on password and phishing prevention, and maintaining an active cybersecurity strategy.
5. Dell
In May, Dell faced a security breach when a hacker known as Menelik used a brute-force attack to infiltrate one of their resellers' client portals. This breach exposed 49 million records containing sensitive data, including customer names, email addresses, payment information, and account details. The incident raised significant concerns about Dell's cybersecurity practices, prompting the company to issue a public apology and commit to strengthening its security protocols. As a result of the breach, Dell has faced increased regulatory scrutiny and may encounter legal challenges as more details about the impact emerge.
What Does This Mean For You Personally?
We have several blogs on what to do if you're affected by a data breach, but the most crucial action is to freeze your credit and monitor your bank account. Websites like www.haveIbeenpwnd.com can help you determine if your email has been exposed in a breach.
What Does This Mean For Your Business?
While these breaches occurred at major corporations, small to midsize businesses are not exempt from risk. In fact, SMBs are increasingly targeted because they often lack the robust security measures that larger companies have. Cybercriminals are aware of this, making the stakes incredibly high: a single breach could cost your business thousands in downtime, lost data, and reputational damage.
Protect Your Business With A FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call
If these stories have you thinking about your own vulnerabilities, that's a good thing. The best defense is a proactive one. We're offering a FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call to evaluate your network for potential risks. Our experts will assess your system's vulnerabilities, help you patch the holes and ensure your business is fortified against attacks.
Don't wait until you're the next headline - get your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call today! Click
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