The Top 5 Data Breaches of 2024 and How They Impact Your Business

This year has seen some of the most significant data breaches yet, hitting companies across various industries and costing millions. From healthcare giants to major tech companies, it’s clear no industry is immune. But what do these incidents mean for small and midsize businesses? Many of the same vulnerabilities are present, and without the right defenses, the consequences can be devastating.

Let’s look at five of the biggest data breaches of 2024 so far and discuss how your business can stay protected.

1. National Public Data Breach
Earlier this year, hackers claimed to have accessed 2.7 billion personal records from a background-checking and data-brokering platform. This trove of information included Social Security numbers, addresses, and other sensitive data. Portions have surfaced on the dark web, though experts are still investigating its accuracy since the populations listed don’t add up to this volume. Nevertheless, it’s clear that many Social Security numbers were compromised.
For individuals affected, monitoring your online and financial identity is critical. Freezing your credit is one of the most effective measures to prevent identity theft and protect your financial health.

2. Ticketmaster Breach
In April and May, Ticketmaster experienced a breach that exposed the data of over 560 million customers. Hackers accessed personal and payment details, leaving many consumers vulnerable to fraud. Following the incident, several victims reported unauthorized charges and identity theft. This breach has intensified legal scrutiny of Ticketmaster’s parent company, Live Nation, which is already under investigation for antitrust practices.

3. Change Healthcare Ransomware Attack
In one of the year’s largest health sector breaches, Change Healthcare was hit by a ransomware attack in February, exposing personal information of over 145 million individuals. The compromised data included Social Security numbers, medical records, and more. The incident has prompted healthcare organizations nationwide to reassess their cybersecurity practices, highlighting the urgent need for robust security measures in the industry.

4. AT&T Data Breach
In March, AT&T was targeted in a breach that affected around 73 million customers. Data ranging from Social Security numbers to account information was compromised, with records from as early as 2019 appearing on the dark web. This breach has exposed AT&T to potential class-action lawsuits and highlighted the importance of long-term data protection. For businesses of any size, this serves as a reminder to secure data with strong measures and regularly update cybersecurity practices.

5. Dell’s Security Incident
In May, Dell fell victim to a brute-force attack that targeted one of its resellers’ client portals, compromising 49 million customer records. The exposed data included personal details, payment information, and account credentials. Dell has since committed to enhancing its security protocols but faces increased regulatory scrutiny. This incident underscores the need for businesses to protect their customer data with stringent security measures.

What Does This Mean for You Personally?

If you suspect your information may have been compromised in a breach, consider freezing your credit and frequently checking your financial accounts. Websites like haveibeenpwned.com can reveal if your email has been exposed in a breach, giving you a chance to take immediate action.

What This Means for Small to Midsize Businesses
While these breaches impacted major corporations, small and midsize businesses are not off the radar. Cybercriminals often target smaller companies due to their typically less robust security measures. One breach could result in costly downtime, data loss, and severe reputational damage.

Protect Your Business with a Free Security Risk Assessment
If these incidents have you reconsidering your business’s security, that’s a good thing. The best defense is a proactive one. At Capital Network Solutions, we offer a FREE Security Risk Assessment to evaluate your network for potential vulnerabilities. Our experts will assess your security posture, help you address weak points, and ensure your business is fortified against future attacks.

Don’t wait until you’re the next headline. If you’re serious about securing your business, Schedule a FREE Security Risk Assessment with Capital Network Solutions (CNS). We’ll help identify and mitigate vulnerabilities across your network. Call us at 916-365-4707.