November 04, 2024
This year has been particularly eventful for cybercriminals, with several major data breaches making headlines and costing companies millions. From healthcare giants to project management platforms, no industry is safe from these 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 consequences.
Let's review five of the most significant breaches of 2024 so far and explore how your business can remain secure.
1. National Public Data
A few months ago, a hacking group claimed to have stolen 2.7 billion personal records from a site involved in background checks and public data brokering. The stolen data includes sensitive information such as Social Security numbers and addresses. Portions of this data have appeared on the dark web, although experts are still assessing its accuracy, given that the total populations of the affected countries amount to only about half a billion. Nonetheless, it is likely that many 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 guard against identity theft, unfreezing it only when necessary for activities like applying for loans or credit cards. Check if your information was exposed here!
2. Ticketmaster
A major data breach at Ticketmaster exposed the personal and financial information of over 560 million customers. Hackers infiltrated the company's database in April and May, stealing sensitive details like names, emails, phone numbers, and payment information. This breach revealed significant security flaws at Ticketmaster, raising consumer concerns. Many victims reported unauthorized transactions and identity theft following the incident. Additionally, this breach compounded the legal issues of Ticketmaster's parent company, Live Nation, which was already embroiled in a lawsuit with the US Department of Justice over 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, among 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 reevaluate their cybersecurity strategies to prevent future attacks.
4. AT&T
In March, AT&T experienced a data breach that exposed the personal information of about 73 million current and former customers. This significant breach included sensitive data like Social Security numbers, account details, and passcodes. The breach was linked to data from as far back as 2019, which surfaced on the dark web in March 2024. This incident is part of a series of attacks on AT&T, following a 2023 breach impacting 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 you don't manage millions of customers like AT&T, your business is still vulnerable to cyber-attacks. It's vital 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 crucial actions are to freeze your credit and monitor your bank account. Websites like www.haveIbeenpwnd.com can inform you if your email has been exposed in a breach.
What Does This Mean For Your Business?
While these breaches affected 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 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 damaged reputation.
Protect Your Business With A FREE Consult
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
Consult 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 Consult today! Click here to schedule or call our office at 859-245-0582.
