2024's Worst Security Breaches and Data Disasters

This year saw a repeat of bad security practices, leading to significant data breaches across various sectors. Several companies failed to implement basic security measures like multi-factor authentication, leading to disastrous consequences for millions of users.

Major Breaches and Incidents

  1. 23andMe: A massive data breach exposed genetic data of 7 million users. The company blamed users for not securing their accounts, but later faced investigations and layoffs. This incident highlights the importance of robust security for sensitive personal data, like that discussed in Four Challenges Facing Passkeys.
  2. Change Healthcare: A cyberattack crippled the U.S. healthcare system, affecting millions. The company paid a $22 million ransom, but the incident exposed the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. This attack underscores the increasing threat of ransomware, as highlighted in Army Soldier Arrested for Extorting AT&T and Verizon After Data Breaches.
  3. Synnovis: A ransomware attack disrupted U.K. healthcare services for months, impacting patient care and leading to staff strikes. This incident, like the Change Healthcare attack, demonstrates the need for stronger cybersecurity measures in healthcare, as discussed in California Restricts "Addictive" Online Feeds for Minors.
  4. Snowflake: Hackers exploited weak security practices to access data from Snowflake's customers, including major corporations. This incident highlighted the importance of multi-factor authentication and robust security protocols for cloud services.
  5. Columbus, Ohio: The city sued a security researcher who truthfully reported on a ransomware attack, attempting to suppress information about the breach.
  6. Salt Typhoon: Chinese hackers exploited a U.S. backdoor law to access communications data from major phone and internet companies.
  7. MoneyGram: A cyberattack compromised customer data, including Social Security numbers and transaction details. The company delayed disclosing the full extent of the breach.
  8. Hot Topic: A massive data breach exposed the records of 57 million customers, but the company failed to publicly acknowledge or address the incident.

Additional Incidents

  • AT&T: Initially denied a data breach, but later admitted to it after evidence surfaced.
  • SEC Fines: Four cybersecurity companies were fined for downplaying the impact of breaches they suffered.
  • pcTattletale and mSpy: Spyware companies suffered breaches, exposing user data and highlighting the risks associated with such software.
  • Evolve Bank: Threatened legal action against a journalist reporting on a data breach affecting millions.

These incidents underscore the urgent need for improved security practices, greater transparency, and stronger accountability in the face of growing cyber threats.