This year has seen cybercriminals striking hard and fast, with some of the biggest data breaches impacting millions across industries from healthcare to entertainment. While these incidents have hit large corporations, they also serve as a stark reminder to small and midsize businesses: cyber threats are everywhere, and vulnerabilities are real for everyone. Here, we recap five of 2024’s most significant breaches and offer steps your business can take to stay secure.
- National Public Data Breach
Earlier this year, hackers claimed to have compromised 2.7 billion records from a major background check and data-brokering firm, leaking sensitive information, including Social Security numbers and home addresses, onto the dark web. Though the sheer size of the breach raised questions, the risks are undeniable. Individuals are encouraged to freeze their credit to protect against identity theft and monitor accounts closely.
Are You Affected? Check your exposure and take immediate action to protect your financial and online identity.
- Ticketmaster
In April and May, a breach at Ticketmaster revealed the personal and financial information of over 560 million customers. Hackers accessed sensitive data like names, emails, phone numbers, and payment information. This breach exposed significant gaps in Ticketmaster’s security protocols, leading to unauthorized transactions and identity theft among affected users.
The Takeaway for Businesses: Prioritize customer data security and enhance your Cybersecurity measures. A single breach can have lasting consequences on customer trust and your bottom line.
- Change Healthcare
February 2024 saw one of the most significant healthcare breaches when Change Healthcare was victim to a ransomware attack. Over 145 million people’s sensitive data, including Social Security numbers and medical records, was compromised. This incident underscores the need for more robust Cybersecurity strategies across the healthcare sector.
What This Means for Your Business: Ransomware can be devastating, regardless of your industry. Regular security assessments and employee training are key to preventing attacks.
- AT&T
AT&T reported a breach in March affecting approximately 73 million current and former customers. Sensitive information, including Social Security numbers and account details, was compromised and surfaced on the dark web. This event followed a 2023 breach, indicating a pattern of risk.
Take Action: Even if you don’t have millions of clients, SMBs are often prime targets. Implement robust security practices and educate employees on password management and phishing awareness.
- Dell
In May, Dell’s systems were infiltrated by a hacker known as Menelik, who accessed one of the company’s Client portals, exposing nearly 49 million records. Dell responded with promises to strengthen security measures, but the breach raised serious concerns and regulatory scrutiny.
What’s the Lesson? Regularly review and update your security protocols, especially with vendors, to protect sensitive information.
What Should You Do if You’re Affected?
If you’ve been affected by a data breach, freezing your credit and monitoring your bank accounts are critical first steps. Websites like HaveIBeenPwned.com can help you determine whether your information was exposed.
What This Means for Your Business
While these incidents targeted large corporations, SMBs are increasingly under attack due to often weaker defenses. A breach can cost you thousands in downtime, lost data, and brand damage.
Get Proactive Protection with a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment
Want to ensure your business isn’t next? Our Cybersecurity Risk Assessment is here to help uncover potential network risks. Our Cybersecurity experts will identify vulnerabilities, help secure your systems and mitigate your Cybersecurity risks.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—to begin, schedule your FREE Discovery Call today! CLICK HERE to schedule your FREE Discovery Call or call us at 407-995-6766.
