2024 has been a big year for cybercrime, with several massive data breaches shaking industries and causing millions in damages. From healthcare providers to entertainment platforms, no sector is immune from the threat of cyberattacks. But what do these breaches mean for small to midsize businesses? The same vulnerabilities exist, and the consequences can be just as devastating.
Let’s dive into the five biggest breaches of 2024 so far and explore how your business can stay protected.
1. National Public Data Breach
Earlier this year, a hacking group claimed responsibility for stealing 2.7 billion personal records from a public data-brokering site. The stolen data included Social Security numbers, addresses, and more. While some information has surfaced on the dark web, experts are still evaluating its authenticity, as the populations of the affected countries only total half a billion people. Nevertheless, it’s clear that many Social Security numbers have been compromised.
Given the scale of this breach, everyone—business owners and individuals alike—must take immediate steps to safeguard their financial and online identities. One of the most effective measures you can take is freezing your credit to prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name. Need to know if your information was exposed? Find out here.
2. Ticketmaster Breach
A significant breach at Ticketmaster compromised the personal and financial data of over 560 million customers. Hackers gained access to sensitive information like names, emails, phone numbers, and payment details. Many victims reported unauthorized transactions and identity theft as a result of this breach.
In addition to creating panic among consumers, this breach further damaged Ticketmaster’s reputation as its parent company, Live Nation, was already dealing with a lawsuit from the US Department of Justice.
3. Change Healthcare Ransomware Attack
In February, Change Healthcare fell victim to one of the largest ransomware attacks in healthcare history. The breach exposed the personal information of over 145 million people, including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and medical records. This attack sent shockwaves through the healthcare industry, prompting many organizations to rethink their cybersecurity practices.
4. AT&T Data Breach
In March, AT&T experienced a breach that impacted around 73 million current and former customers. Sensitive data such as Social Security numbers, account details, and passcodes were leaked. This breach wasn’t an isolated incident—it followed a 2023 attack that affected 9 million users. As a result, AT&T has faced multiple class-action lawsuits, and its security practices have come under scrutiny.
While you may not have millions of customers, businesses of all sizes can fall prey to similar attacks. Protect your network by implementing strong security measures, training employees on cybersecurity best practices, and regularly updating your cybersecurity protocols.
5. Dell’s Reseller Portal Breach
In May, Dell’s security was compromised when a hacker known as Menelik used a brute-force attack to breach one of their resellers’ client portals. The attack exposed 49 million customer records, including names, emails, payment information, and account details. Dell has since faced intense regulatory scrutiny and may face legal challenges in the future.
What This Means for You Personally
We have detailed blogs on how to respond to a data breach, but the most important step you can take is to freeze your credit and monitor your bank accounts regularly. You can also use sites like Have I Been Pwned to see if your email has been compromised in a breach.
What This Means for Your Business
Although these breaches impacted major corporations, small and midsize businesses (SMBs) are also prime targets. Cybercriminals often see SMBs as easier prey because they typically lack the same robust security measures as larger companies. A single breach could cost your business thousands in downtime, lost data, and reputational damage.
Protect Your Business with a FREE Security Risk Assessment
These stories should serve as a wake-up call. The best defense is a proactive one. We’re offering a FREE Security Risk Assessment to identify potential risks in your network. Our experts will evaluate your systems, patch vulnerabilities, and ensure that your business is safeguarded from future attacks.
Don’t wait until your business becomes the next headline. Schedule your FREE Security Risk Assessment today by clicking here or calling us at 504-470-0625.
Stay protected—don’t let cybercriminals make your business their next target!
