5 Major Data Breaches of 2024 and How Small Businesses Can Protect Themselves

The Biggest Cybersecurity Breaches of 2024 and What They Mean for Your Business

This year, cybercriminals have been relentless, making headlines with high-profile data breaches across multiple industries. From healthcare giants to tech leaders, no one seems to be immune. But if you’re a small or midsize business, these events hit even closer to home. The same risks exist for you, and the fallout from a cyberattack can be devastating.

Here’s a quick rundown of five major breaches in 2024—and what you can do to safeguard your business.

1. National Public Data Breach

Earlier this year, a notorious hacking group claimed they accessed a staggering 2.7 billion records from a public data-brokering site, including Social Security numbers, addresses, and other sensitive details. While experts are still verifying the data’s authenticity, the scale of this breach underscores the vulnerability of personal information.

This is a wake-up call for everyone to keep a closer eye on their financial and online identities. A simple but effective step? Freeze your credit to block unauthorized access, and unfreeze it as needed for any major financial transactions.

2. Ticketmaster’s Security Incident

In April and May, Ticketmaster was hit with a breach affecting over 560 million customers. Names, emails, phone numbers, and payment information were exposed, leaving many people vulnerable to identity theft. Ticketmaster’s breach not only revealed security gaps but also added to the legal troubles of its parent company, Live Nation, which is already under scrutiny for competitive practices.

For your business, this highlights the importance of robust data security measures to prevent similar incidents, as well as having a clear incident response plan should a breach occur.

3. Change Healthcare Ransomware Attack

In February, Change Healthcare suffered one of the largest breaches in healthcare history, compromising personal data for over 145 million people, including medical records and Social Security numbers. The incident forced healthcare providers and insurers to rethink their cybersecurity approaches, knowing the risks of patient data exposure.

If you’re in healthcare or handle sensitive customer information, this should be a strong reminder of the need for stringent cybersecurity practices—regular risk assessments, encrypted storage, and staff training on data protection.

4. AT&T Data Breach

March saw a breach at AT&T affecting 73 million current and former customers. Social Security numbers, account details, and passcodes were among the stolen data, which resurfaced on the dark web. This wasn’t the first time AT&T faced an attack, with a similar breach impacting 9 million users just the previous year.

While your business may not manage millions of accounts, it’s essential to have safeguards in place. Consider investing in endpoint security, training employees on password hygiene, and creating strong cybersecurity policies to reduce the risk of an attack.

5. Dell’s Brute-Force Attack

In May, a hacker known as Menelik used brute-force methods to breach a Dell reseller’s client portal, exposing 49 million customer records. Dell responded with increased security promises and faced scrutiny over their cybersecurity practices.

For businesses of all sizes, this incident emphasizes the importance of securing every part of your network, including third-party access points. Regular penetration testing, vulnerability scans, and enforcing strong password policies are crucial steps in avoiding similar breaches.

What Does This Mean for You Personally?

If these stories have you concerned, you’re not alone. Start by checking whether your email has been exposed in a breach with resources like Have I Been Pwned. You can also protect yourself by freezing your credit and keeping a close eye on your bank accounts.

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

These breaches may involve big-name companies, but small to midsize businesses are far from safe. In fact, they are increasingly attractive targets for cybercriminals who recognize that smaller companies often lack the security measures of larger corporations. The consequences of a breach can be dire, from financial loss to lasting damage to your reputation.

Protect Your Business with a FREE Security Risk Assessment

If reading about these incidents has you thinking about your own cybersecurity, that’s good—it means you’re proactive. We’re here to help with a FREE Security Risk Assessment to identify any weak points in your network. Our team will assess your system’s vulnerabilities, helping you implement a robust security strategy to ensure your business is prepared to defend against potential attacks.

Don’t wait until you’re the next headline – get your FREE Security Risk Assessment today! Click here to schedule or call our office at 856-552-3535.