November 04, 2024
This year has been particularly challenging for cybersecurity, with several high-profile data breaches making headlines and costing companies millions. From healthcare giants to project management platforms, no sector is safe from these threats. But what implications do these breaches have for small to midsize businesses? You face the same vulnerabilities, and ignoring them could lead to disastrous consequences.
Let's review five of the most significant breaches of 2024 so far and explore how your business can safeguard itself.
1. National Public Data
Recently, a hacking group claimed to have stolen 2.7 billion personal records from a background checking and public data-brokering site. The stolen data includes sensitive information such as Social Security numbers and addresses. Although experts are still assessing the accuracy of the data, given that the listed populations total only about half a billion, it is likely that many Social Security numbers have been compromised.
Given the scale of this breach, it's crucial for everyone to monitor their financial and online identities closely. 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 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 accessed the company's database in April and May, stealing sensitive information like names, emails, phone numbers, and payment details. This incident revealed significant security flaws at Ticketmaster, raising consumer concerns. Many victims reported unauthorized transactions and identity theft, and the breach added to the legal issues of Ticketmaster's parent company, Live Nation, which was 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 industry to reevaluate 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 extensive breach included sensitive data such as Social Security numbers, account details, and passcodes. The breach involved data dating back to 2019, which surfaced on the dark web in March 2024. This incident follows a 2023 breach affecting 9 million users. In response, AT&T launched an investigation to contain the malware while maintaining services for current customers. The breach also exposes the company to potential class action lawsuits.
Even if your business doesn't manage millions of customers like AT&T, you can still be a target for 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 suffered 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, leading 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 actions are 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 affected major companies, 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 are high: a single breach could cost your business thousands in downtime, lost data, and reputational damage.
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 952-941-7333.
