The Top 5 Data Breaches Of 2024 And What You Need To Know About Them

This year has been a busy one for cybercriminals, with some massive data breaches making headlines and costing companies millions. From healthcare giants to project management platforms, no industry is immune to the risks. But what do these breaches mean for small to midsize businesses? The same vulnerabilities exist for you, and the consequences of not addressing them can be catastrophic.

Top 5 Data Breaches Of 2024

Let’s recap five of the most significant breaches of 2024 so far and discuss how your business can stay protected.

1. National Public Data

A couple of months ago, a hacking group claimed to have stolen 2.7 billion personal records from a background checking and public data-brokering site. The data includes sensitive information like Social Security numbers, addresses, and more. Portions of the data have been released on the dark web, though experts are still evaluating its accuracy, as the combined populations of the countries listed amount to only about half a billion. However, many Social Security numbers have likely been compromised.

Since this breach affects so many people, everyone now has an incentive to monitor their financial and online identities closely, and it’s imperative that they do so immediately. A practical step is freezing your credit to protect against identity theft and unfreezing it when needed for activities like applying for loans or credit cards. Find out if you were exposed by visiting Have I Been Pwned.

2. Ticketmaster

A significant data breach at Ticketmaster exposed the personal and financial information of over 560 million customers. Hackers accessed the company’s database during April and May, stealing sensitive details such as names, emails, phone numbers, and payment information. This breach exposed serious flaws in Ticketmaster’s security, raising concerns among consumers. Many victims reported unauthorized transactions and identity theft following the incident.

To see if your data was affected and to learn how to protect yourself, visit Ticketmaster Data Breach Support.

3. Change Healthcare

In February 2024, Change Healthcare was hit by a massive ransomware attack that exposed the personal information of over 145 million people. This breach, one of the largest in healthcare history, compromised sensitive data, including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and medical records. The incident had far-reaching effects on patients, healthcare providers, and insurance companies, prompting many in the industry to reconsider their cybersecurity strategies.

If you were impacted by the Change Healthcare breach, check their official breach response page for steps on what to do next.

4. AT&T

In March, AT&T was the victim of a data breach that compromised the personal information of approximately 73 million current and former customers. This 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 surfaced on the dark web in March 2024. In response, AT&T launched an investigation to contain the malware while maintaining services for current customers.

To determine if your information was involved, visit AT&T Breach Information for official resources and support.

5. Dell

In May, Dell experienced 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 has led to significant concerns about Dell’s cybersecurity practices, leading to increased regulatory scrutiny.

If you are a Dell customer and are concerned about your information, please check Dell Security Incident Information for guidance.

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 important action is to freeze your credit and check your bank account. Websites like Have I Been Pwned can tell you if your email has been exposed in a breach.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

While these breaches happened to major players, small to midsize businesses are far from off the radar. In fact, SMBs are increasingly targeted because they often lack the robust security measures that larger companies have. Cybercriminals know this, and the stakes couldn’t be higher: a single breach could cost your business thousands in downtime, lost data, and damaged reputation.

The best way to protect your business is to proactively assess and strengthen your security infrastructure. If you’re concerned about your business’s security, don’t wait for a problem to arise.