November 04, 2024
This year has been particularly active for cybercriminals, with several high-profile data breaches capturing attention and costing companies millions. From healthcare giants to project management platforms, no industry is exempt from these threats. But what implications do these breaches have for small to midsize businesses? The same vulnerabilities are present, and failing to address them can lead to disastrous outcomes.
Let's review five of the most notable breaches of 2024 so far and explore ways your business can remain secure.
1. National Public Data
A few months back, a hacking group claimed to have stolen 2.7 billion personal records from a site specializing in background checks and public data brokerage. The stolen data includes sensitive details like Social Security numbers and addresses. Portions of this data have appeared on the dark web, although experts are still assessing its accuracy, as the populations of the countries involved total only about half a billion. Nonetheless, it's likely that many Social Security numbers have been compromised.
Given the scale of this breach, it's crucial for everyone to vigilantly monitor their financial and online identities immediately. Freezing your credit is a practical step to guard against identity theft, with the option to unfreeze it when needed for activities like applying for loans or credit cards. Check if your information was exposed here!
2. Ticketmaster
A major data breach at Ticketmaster compromised the personal and financial information of over 560 million customers. Hackers infiltrated the company's database in April and May, stealing sensitive details such as names, emails, phone numbers, and payment information. This breach highlighted serious security flaws at Ticketmaster, raising consumer concerns. Many victims reported unauthorized transactions and identity theft following the incident. Additionally, this breach has compounded the legal issues of Ticketmaster's parent company, Live Nation, which is already facing 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 individuals. 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 reassess 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 emerged 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 initiated an investigation to contain the malware while maintaining services for current customers. The breach has also exposed the company to the possibility of multiple class action lawsuits.
Even if your business doesn't serve millions like AT&T, it can still fall prey to 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 enhancing 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 important action is to freeze your credit and monitor your bank account. Websites like www.haveIbeenpwnd.com can tell you if your email has been exposed in a breach.
What Does This Mean For Your Business?
While these breaches involved major companies, small to midsize businesses are not immune. In fact, SMBs are increasingly targeted because they often lack the robust security measures of larger companies. Cybercriminals are aware of this, and the stakes couldn't be higher: a single breach could cost your business thousands in downtime, lost data, and damage to your reputation.
Protect Your Business With A FREE 10-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
10-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 10-Minute Discovery Call today! Click
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