November 04, 2024
This year has been notably active for cybercriminals, with several high-profile data breaches capturing attention and costing companies millions. From healthcare giants to project management platforms, no sector is exempt from these risks. But what implications do these breaches hold 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 significant breaches of 2024 so far and explore how your business can stay secure.
1. National Public Data
A few months ago, a hacking group claimed to have stolen 2.7 billion personal records from a site specializing in background checks and data brokering. This data includes sensitive information such as Social Security numbers and addresses. Parts of the data have surfaced on the dark web, though experts question its accuracy, as the combined populations of the listed countries total only about half a billion. Nevertheless, it is likely that numerous Social Security numbers have been compromised.
Given the widespread impact of this breach, it is crucial for everyone to closely monitor their financial and online identities. A practical measure is to freeze your credit to guard against identity theft, unfreezing it 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 revealed significant flaws in Ticketmaster's security, raising concerns among consumers. Many victims reported unauthorized transactions and identity theft following the incident. Moreover, this breach compounded the legal challenges facing Ticketmaster's parent company, Live Nation, which was already dealing with 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 extensive repercussions for patients, healthcare providers, and insurance companies, prompting many in the healthcare sector to reassess their cybersecurity strategies to prevent similar attacks in the future.
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 significant 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 initiated an investigation to contain the malware while continuing to serve current customers. The breach also exposes the company to potential class action lawsuits.
Even if your business doesn't handle millions of customers like AT&T, it can still be vulnerable to cyber-attacks. It's vital to safeguard 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. In response to 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 tell you if your email has been exposed in a breach.
What Does This Mean For Your Business?
While these breaches have affected major players, small to midsize businesses are not immune. In fact, SMBs are increasingly targeted because they often lack the comprehensive security measures that larger companies have. Cybercriminals are aware of this, and the stakes are high: a single breach could cost your business thousands in downtime, lost data, and damaged reputation.
Protect Your Business
With A FREE 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
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 Discovery Call today! Click here to schedule or call our office at 281-402-2620.
