This year has been challenging for companies across various industries as cybercriminals have targeted even the biggest players. From healthcare giants to entertainment platforms, no industry is immune. However, the risks don’t just stop with large corporations—small and midsize businesses in Texas face similar threats, and the consequences of ignoring these risks can be devastating.
Below, we will recap five of the most significant data breaches of 2024 and discuss how your Texas business can stay protected.
- National Public Data Breach
A few months ago, a hacking group claimed to have stolen 2.7 billion personal records from a public data-brokering site. This breach included sensitive information such as Social Security numbers and addresses. Portions of this data have appeared on the dark web, putting millions at risk of identity theft.
It’s vital that all businesses, large or small, take measures to protect personal data. Implementing practical steps like data encryption and educating employees about security best practices is essential in today’s environment.
- Ticketmaster Breach
In April 2024, Ticketmaster experienced a significant data breach that exposed the personal and financial information of over 560 million customers. Hackers accessed the company’s database, leading to identity theft and unauthorized transactions for many users. This breach added to the legal challenges facing Ticketmaster’s parent company, Live Nation, which was already involved in a lawsuit with the US Department of Justice for anticompetitive practices.
With the growing threat of cyberattacks, businesses handling sensitive customer information must prioritize cybersecurity to avoid similar breaches.
- Change Healthcare Ransomware Attack
In February 2024, Change Healthcare was hit by a massive ransomware attack that compromised the personal information of over 145 million people. This was one of the largest breaches in healthcare history, exposing names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and medical records.
Given the sensitivity of data in the healthcare industry, it is critical to have advanced security measures, such as endpoint protection and encrypted communications, to prevent such breaches.
- AT&T Data Breach
In March, AT&T suffered a breach that compromised the personal information of 73 million customers, including Social Security numbers and account passcodes. The breach exposed data from as far back as 2019, which surfaced on the dark web earlier this year.
Cybercriminals often target companies of all sizes, so businesses must establish comprehensive cybersecurity strategies, including secure data storage and regular updates.
- Dell Security Breach
In May, Dell experienced a security breach when a hacker used a brute-force attack to infiltrate one of their resellers’ client portals. This breach exposed 49 million records containing sensitive customer data, including names, email addresses, and payment information.
Third-party vendors are often a weak point in a company's cybersecurity defenses, making it vital to ensure that partners and suppliers adhere to strict security standards.
Why Texas Businesses Need Strong Cybersecurity Measures
While large corporations tend to make the headlines, small to midsize businesses in Texas are increasingly becoming targets for cybercriminals. These attacks can result in thousands of dollars lost in downtime, data recovery, and reputational damage.
Taking proactive steps, such as conducting regular security audits, training employees to recognize phishing attacks, and securing payment processing systems, can go a long way in protecting your business.
Protect Your Texas Business With a FREE Cybersecurity Risk Assessment
If these breaches have you concerned about your business’s vulnerabilities, it’s time to take action. We are offering a FREE Cybersecurity Risk Assessment to help identify potential risks in your network. Our experts will assess your cybersecurity defenses, provide recommendations, and help secure your business from future attacks.
Don't wait until your business becomes the next headline. Schedule your FREE Cybersecurity Risk Assessment today! Contact us at 817-803-4603 or click here to book online.
