The Five Biggest Data Breaches of 2024 So Far
In 2024, the global financial impact of cybercrime is projected to exceed $9 trillion, making it the costliest technological disruption ever recorded. Data breaches remain a significant threat, with the potential to severely disrupt business operations. Here are the top five data breaches of 2024 to date.
National Public Data – 2.7 Billion Records
A hacking group reported stealing 2.7 billion personal records, affecting nearly every resident of the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The compromised data includes U.S. Social Security numbers, with some information already appearing on the dark web.
Ticketmaster – 560 Million Records
In April and May 2024, Ticketmaster’s database was breached, exposing the personal and financial information of 560 million customers. The compromised data included names, email addresses, phone numbers, and payment information.
Change Healthcare – 145 Million Records
In February 2024, Change Healthcare suffered a massive ransomware attack. Sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, medical records, and addresses was exposed, affecting millions of patients, healthcare providers, and insurers.
Dell – 49 Million Records
In May 2024, Dell experienced a significant security breach when a hacker known as “Menelik” exploited a flaw in one of the company’s reseller portals. This incident compromised the personal information of 49 million customers, including names, email addresses, payment details, and account information.
AT&T – 73 Million Records
In mid-March 2024, hackers infiltrated AT&T’s systems, putting the data of 73 million current and former customers at risk. This breach involved sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, account details, and passcodes. Most of the leaked data dates to 2019 or earlier. This is the second major attack on AT&T, following a 2023 breach that impacted nine million customers.
It is crucial to remain vigilant in monitoring your accounts for anything suspicious. Placing a credit freeze on all three of your accounts with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion is strongly advised as an effective way to safeguard yourself against identity theft and fraud. By taking the step to freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion you block unauthorized access to your credit reports, making it impossible for criminals to open new accounts under your name. This precaution is particularly important if you believe your personal information has been compromised or if you notice any suspicious activity. Additionally, credit freezes come at no cost and can be conveniently managed online or via phone, enabling you to lift the freeze temporarily whenever you need to apply for credit. To learn more please click on the links below.
Five of the Largest Data Breaches of 2024 Thus Far
https://www.dresnergroup.com/blog/five-of-the-largest-data-breaches-of-2024-thus-far
The biggest data breaches in 2024: 1 billion stolen records and rising
https://techcrunch.com/2024/08/12/2024-in-data-breaches-1-billion-stolen-records-and-rising/
How to Freeze Your Credit at All 3 Credit Bureaus
https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/credit-education/preventing-fraud/security-freeze/
Let’s be careful out there!
The PJ Networks Team
