In 2024, the cyber threat landscape has intensified, with cyberattacks surging by 31% compared to the previous year. The escalation is alarming: 24 million phishing emails were reported in just the first quarter, and a staggering 1.1 billion people have been impacted by data breaches globally. This represents a 190% increase in victims, marking 2024 as one of the worst years for cybersecurity breaches. Hackers have adopted more sophisticated methods, including AI-driven attacks and credential stuffing, targeting businesses and individuals alike. Now more than ever, it is crucial to bolster your digital defenses and ensure your personal information is secure.

The takeaway? 2024 isn’t just another year of cyber risks—it’s the year we all must get serious about protecting our digital lives. Ready to take charge of your cybersecurity? Start now,  before you become a part of the statistics. 

Major 2024 Data Breaches: Who’s Been Hit?

Here are the top 10 data breaches of 2024, affecting millions of people worldwide. These breaches compromised sensitive information, including Social Security numbers, financial details, and personal data, leaving millions vulnerable to identity theft, fraud, and other cyber threats.

 

National Public Data

  • People Affected: 2.7 billion
  • Details: This catastrophic breach exposed personal records from the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., including Social Security numbers. It stands as the largest data breach ever recorded, impacting nearly every individual in these regions.

 

Ticketmaster

  • People Affected: 560 million
  • Details: Personal information, such as names, addresses, and phone numbers, was stolen in this massive breach. Although Ticketmaster has not yet confirmed the extent, hackers potentially accessed payment details, making this a critical incident.

 

AT&T

  • People Affected: 73 million
  • Details: Hackers infiltrated AT&T’s systems, exposing sensitive customer information, including Social Security numbers, account numbers, and passcodes. 

 

Dell

  • People Affected: 49 million
  • Details: A brute force attack on a reseller portal compromised Dell’s customer data, exposing names, email addresses, payment details, and account information. This incident has led to heightened scrutiny over Dell’s cybersecurity practices.

 

France Travail

  • People Affected: 43 million
  • Details: This breach targeted France’s national unemployment agency, exposing sensitive personal data such as names, birthdates, Social Security numbers, email addresses, and phone numbers.

 

LoanDepot

  • People Affected: 17 million
  • Details: A cyberattack on this major mortgage lender exposed the personal and financial information of 17 million customers, including Social Security numbers, leaving them at risk of identity theft and financial fraud.

 

Trello

  • People Affected: 15 million
  • Details: An API exploit on this popular project management platform led to the exposure of emails, usernames, and full names, raising concerns about the platform’s security measures.

 

Dropbox

  • People Affected: Undefined but significant
  • Details: Dropbox Sign’s production environment was compromised, with attackers gaining access to customer email addresses, usernames, phone numbers, and API keys, along with OAuth tokens and multi-factor authentication settings.

 

Harvard Pilgrim Health Network

  • People Affected: 2.9 million
  • Details: The protected health information (PHI) of members and providers was exposed in a breach lasting over two weeks. The incident highlights the vulnerability of healthcare data, which is a prime target for cybercriminals.

 

PlayDapp

  • Tokens Stolen: 1.79 billion PLA (worth over $290 million)
  • Details: Hackers exploited vulnerabilities in PlayDapp, a blockchain gaming platform, and minted 1.79 billion of its native cryptocurrency. The attack resulted in a significant financial loss for the platform and its users.

 

Protect Yourself From Future Cyber Threats

As data breaches grow in frequency and scale, individuals and businesses must proactively safeguard their personal information. Here are some effective ways to strengthen your cybersecurity:

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Adding an extra layer of security through 2FA can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts. This simple measure ensures that even if your password is compromised, a second form of verification is required.

 

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2. Create Strong, Unbreakable Passwords

Weak passwords are a hacker’s best friend. Ensure your passwords are complex and unique across different accounts. Consider using a password manager, like pCloud Pass, to generate and securely store your passwords.

 

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Stay Alert and Protect Your Data

Cyber threats are getting smarter and more dangerous every year. The top data breaches of 2024 remind us how vulnerable we are online. However, you can lower your risk by staying informed and taking simple steps like using strong passwords and two-factor authentication. It’s more important than ever to protect your info. Take a moment to check if your email has been compromised in any of the known data breaches.

Check if your e-mail has been exposed to any known data breach?